How Much Does It Cost to Move?

Average moving costs

Whether you're planning a DIY move or hiring professional movers, your total moving cost will depend on a variety of factors, including distance, home size and the services and materials you need. The figures below provide a general overview of average moving expenses in 2026; we break down each cost category in more detail throughout this guide.

How much do movers cost?

On average, it costs between $80 and $100 per hour to move locally with a team of two movers. For a three-bedroom house, that would likely put you in the $600 to $1,000 range for labor alone. For a long-distance move (defined as more than 1,000 miles), the cost is typically around $5,000, though it can reach up to $10,000 depending on the distance and the amount being moved.

» MORE: Cost of movers

These costs are estimates. If you want to add other services, like packing and unpacking, packing materials or moving insurance, you will pay more:

• Packing services: Packing usually costs between $300 and $500. These fees are charged per hour and may include an additional supply charge.
• Moving insurance: Movers are legally required to include what’s called released value protection, which covers up to $0.60 per pound per article. For example, if they break a 25-pound flat-screen TV worth $300, you’d only receive $15. You can also buy full-value protection, which pays out the full value of the damaged items. This usually costs between 1% and 5% of the insured goods' value. If your belongings are worth $10,000, your insurance would cost from $100 to $500.
• Packing materials: You can rent or buy packing materials directly from your moving company, but they can cost upwards of $500 for a standard home.

Some companies offer online tools to help you estimate your costs. For Dharylle of California, that’s what sold him on Interstate Moving & Relocation Group: “One thing that I really like on their website is the Moving Cost Calculator. Knowing an estimate of how much the move will cost and confirming how the fees were calculated from an agent made the experience reassuring.”

» PROS AND CONS: Is moving insurance worth it?

How much does a DIY move cost?

A do-it-yourself move is the most budget-friendly option, but it still requires a financial investment. You’ll likely pay between $100 and $2,500 for a DIY move, though costs can reach $6,000 or more if you require long-term storage or a cross-country truck rental.

Where you fall in that range depends on how far you’re moving, if you need a moving truck or moving pod and what extra costs you may face.

Moving truck rental: $100 to $1,500

For most people, the moving truck is the biggest DIY expense. On average, it costs between $100 and $1,500 to rent a moving truck, depending on your location, home size and how long you need to rent it for.

If you’re moving locally, you can rent a pickup truck, cargo van or 10-foot moving truck for as little as $19.95 for four hours. These are good for small moves or when you’re willing to make extra trips. Be aware that these companies often charge between 50 cents and $1 per mile.

If you’re not moving far and have plenty of time for trips back and forth, you can rent a pickup truck or cargo van for a modest price to save on large truck fees.

A 26-foot moving truck — ideal for the average three-bedroom home — costs closer to $100 for an entire day, plus mileage.

If you’re moving over a long distance, expect the rental to be significantly more expensive. For example, moving from Kansas City to Chicago with a 26-foot moving truck may cost between $755 and $1,500.

» DO IT RIGHT: How to pack a moving truck

Storage pod rental: $70 to $5,000

Moving pods offer added convenience by delivering your belongings to your new location or a storage facility. These cost between $70 and $5,000, depending on the delivery distance and how long you keep the unit. They are particularly helpful if you have a few weeks' gap between your move-out and move-in dates.

Additional DIY expenses

On top of the vehicle and storage costs, you’ll likely face a few additional costs during your move. Here are some to consider:

• Gas: $20 to $150 (can be thousands for cross-country moves)
• Moving equipment: $0 to $100 (for example, $15 to rent a furniture dolly)
• Moving boxes: $0 to $200 (usually $2 to $5 per box)
• Extra packing supplies: $0 to $100 (tape, stretch wrap, wardrobe boxes, etc.)
• Hotel room: $125 per night
• Petsitters or babysitters: $17 or so per hour

» MORE: Where to find moving boxes

Factors that affect moving costs

The two biggest factors affecting your bill are the distance traveled and the size of your home. Whether you’re moving yourself or hiring movers, costs increase with the more you have to move and the farther it has to go.

Other variables include:

• Location: Some companies charge extra if you live in a city or an apartment building because those areas are harder to reach. If a truck can’t access your home due to narrow streets, you may face a surcharge.
• Season: Most Americans move between May and September. Moving in the winter (October through April) is often more cost-effective because demand is lower. Many companies offer discounts and incentives during the slower months of the year.
• Bulky items: Moving your grand piano, pool tables or delicate antiques requires specialty handling and added costs.
• Added services: White-glove delivery, reassembly and full unpacking services provide a hands-off experience but increase the final price.

Additional moving costs and fees

There are several hidden fees to look out for when reviewing quotes. “Your movers [may] hit you with hidden fees, charges and price hikes based on ill-defined fine print,” said Nick Valentino, vice president of market operations at Bellhop Las Vegas Movers.

Watch out for these common surcharges:

• Stair and elevator fees: Many companies charge $50 per flight of stairs (after the first) or an extra fee for elevator use.
• Long carry fees: This applies if movers must carry items more than 75 feet (for example, if parking is unavailable).
• Moving deposit: Expect to pay between $100 and $500, or no more than 25% of your total cost, to hold your date and time. Be wary of high deposits, which may signal a moving scam.
• Cancellation fees: Even with a week’s notice, you could lose your entire deposit for cancellation. You may be able to reschedule without incurring a fee.
• Extra stops: If you have to visit multiple locations (like your new home and a storage unit), you’ll pay extra.
• Travel and fuel fees: Companies often charge what’s called a travel fee equal to about one hour of labor to cover travel time. Fuel charges depend on gas prices and distance.
• Environmental fee: Some companies may charge this fee to cover the disposal of materials and goods after the move.
• Tipping: While not a company fee, it’s a standard expense you should consider when deciding whether you can afford a move. If you’re unsure how much to tip, $5 to $10 per mover per hour is typical.

How to save on moving costs

From getting creative with the way you package services to planning the perfect time to schedule your move, there are dozens of ways to save money on a move. Here are some of the most effective and accessible ways we’ve found:

1. Plan as far ahead as possible: Many companies offer discounts if you book ahead — and charge extra for last-minute moves. The further ahead you can plan, the more you may save.
2. Move during the off-season: Nearly 70% of all moves take place between Memorial Day and Labor Day in the U.S. To save money, aim to move between October and April, when the market is less competitive.
3. Declutter: The less you have to move, the cheaper your move will be. Toss, donate or sell any belongings that aren’t worth the cost of moving.
4. Source your own packing supplies: Buying them all can add up. Ask on social media or visit local grocery stores to find free or cheap moving boxes.
5. Use your belongings as packing material: Socks, towels, old clothes and even junk mail can be used to protect your belongings during a move. For example, use long socks to protect glassware and wrap fragile items in towels instead of buying expensive bubble wrap.
6. Compare quotes: Get written quotes from at least three moving companies and compare. Besides cost, compare the time it’ll take, if packing supplies are included, what type of protection they use, any additional benefits and customer reviews.
7. Consider a hybrid approach: If you only have a few large items to move, hire a company just for that. You can take care of the pots and pans and clothes on your own time (and money).
8. Buy moving insurance: It sounds weird to pay extra in order to save, but moving is a somewhat risky process, even if you’re working with licensed professionals — and things are bound to break on occasion. In most cases, paying a little more for coverage is usually worth it.
9. Verify the company’s legitimacy: According to Valentino, there are “people who will show up to move your stuff, load it on a truck and disappear.” Look for licensed movers and check their license number. Avoid "rogue" movers who use only a P.O. Box as an address.

Is hiring movers worth it?

Deciding whether to hire help depends on your timeline and budget. If you’re short on time, say you have a tight closing date or a busy work schedule, paying for help may be worth the reduced stress.

For smaller homes or apartments, or if you have more than 30 days to plan your move, DIY may be a better option financially. This is especially true if you already have access to a truck and trailer, or can source cheap (or free) materials.

For many, the best value lies in the "hybrid" model — outsourcing the most difficult tasks (like moving a piano or a 75-inch TV) while handling the rest manually to keep the total bill under control.

FAQ

Bottom line

Determining if professional movers are worth the expense depends on the complexity of your move. If you are relocating a three-bedroom home over a long distance, the $5,000 to $10,000 investment in professional movers often pays for itself in time and safety. For local, smaller moves, a DIY approach using a $100 truck rental is the most budget-friendly path.