How Much Do Movers Cost In 2025?

The cost of hiring a professional moving company will vary based on numerous factors. In fact, according to some moving company estimates, the average cost for a full-service move can range from $550 to $15,000.

Estimated Moving Costs

MOVE TYPE	AVERAGE COST RANGE
Short-distance move	$900 - $2,500
Long-distance move (1,000 miles)	$4,000 - $5,000
Cross-country move	$6,000 - $7,000

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Key factors  that will impact how much you will pay your movers include:

Distance

As you’d expect, the shorter the distance of your move, the less you’ll have to pay. Local moves are usually considered within 100 miles of where you currently live. A move beyond a 100-mile radius in-state or out-of-state is a long-distance move.

Weight

How much everything weighs is typically the most significant cost of a move.

Packing and materials

The amount you will pay for packing services and supplies depends on how much you need to rely on movers to pack your household goods and if you need the movers to supply boxes or other packing items.

Number of Movers

Two movers can usually handle a local journey, but a longer-distance trip will likely require more movers. Your household size, namely the number of bedrooms, will also impact the number of movers needed for the job.

Timing of Move

Moving costs vary depending on the time of year. For instance, peak moving time falls between May and September, when moving companies charge higher prices based on demand.

Service Type

Most moving companies offer full or partial service, with partial service being a more affordable option since you will be responsible for a portion of the packing work. If you opt for a self-service move, expect the moving company to supply a truck and driver, but you will need to do everything else yourself, including packing, loading and unloading your items.

The number of moving companies out there can be overwhelming. Before conducting any research, consider the parameters of your move and what services you require.

• What is the size of your household? For example, moving out of a five-bedroom home is very different from moving out of a studio apartment.
• How far are you moving? Are you moving locally, somewhere else in your state, to a neighboring state or across the country?
• How much are you willing to do yourself? If you live in a smaller home or prefer a hands-on approach, you might choose to pack everything on your own. Alternatively, you could hire a moving company and opt for partial packing services, letting movers handle the more delicate or bulky items while you manage the rest.

Clearly defining your specific moving needs will help you narrow the field and focus on companies with proven experience handling your specific type of move.

Many movers offer an hourly rate or a flat fee, depending on the company and the type of move you’re planning.

If both options are available and you’re not sure which is best for you, consider factors such as the distance and size of your move, the services you need, your budget and your stress tolerance.

You’ll also want to weigh the benefits and disadvantages of each of these pricing methods to determine which one aligns best with your priorities and circumstances.

Flat Rate Move

PROS	CONS
Guaranteed price	Contracted cost could end up being an overestimate
Best for long-distance moves in case of delays due to weather or traffic	May not include certain services requiring clients to pay for extra costs
Movers will work more efficiently to finish the job quickly since there isn’t an hourly rate incentive	Difficult to compare quotes between companies due to different calculation methods
	Typically requires you to provide a detailed inventory of your household in order to establish a quote

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Hourly Rate Move

PROS	CONS
Best for local moves, especially when you have a smaller household	Costs can be unpredictable
Can occasionally cheaper than paying a flat rate	Movers may work slower to get in more hours
Easier to compare quotes between moving companies	Movers may feel pressure to work faster to reduce costs, potentially leading to mistakes
Greater flexibility in services	May create more stress since you are paying by the hour
Can save you money if you plan on packing yourself

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Declutter For Your Move

Downsizing means you’ll need fewer moving boxes, which can save you some cash if you need to purchase packing materials. Also, see if you can sell some items to offset moving costs.

Create a Budget Spreadsheet

Moving involves many expenses, so maintaining an estimated budget as you research movers is essential to help you keep track of costs and make adjustments where needed. Expect the unexpected when moving, so include a contingency buffer, such as 10% of your estimated total, to cover any unforeseen costs.

Pack Your Own Boxes

Having movers pack your boxes can add to your costs, especially if you’re paying your movers an hourly rate. The more you can pack on your own, the more you’ll save.

Use a Portable Moving Container

Many moving companies provide this service, which allows you to pack items into one container before moving day. The movers bring the container to your new residence, and you can unload it at your leisure.

Move During Off-Peak Periods

Summer is historically the most expensive time of year to move. If you can, move during the fall or winter when demand is lower and prices are more affordable.

Get Multiple Mover Quotes for the Best Value

Use your research as leverage to negotiate the best price. Make sure to receive written estimates after a company representative has ideally reviewed in person all the household items you plan to include in your move.

Check for Hidden Fees

Review your estimate to verify that all the aspects of your job are included to guard against any surprises. Some movers may charge extra for carrying large items, stairs, furniture disassembly/re-assembly and long-carry fees (when movers have to carry your items a significant distance between your home and the truck). Also, confirm you aren’t being charged for costs or services that don’t apply to your move.

Hunt for Free Packing Supplies

Check with local store managers to see if they can give you free sturdy boxes. Gather sturdy, sizable boxes from businesses such as liquor stores and supermarkets to save on packing expenses.

Move Yourself

If you can’t afford to hire professional movers and have experience moving yourself or feel confident you can handle the planning, heavy lifting and troubleshooting, going the self-move route can save thousands of dollars.

1. Screen All Companies

Verify that every moving company you’re considering is a licensed interstate mover with a U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration number and is approved by the American Moving and Storage Association.They should have insurance and credentials.

2. Get Referrals

Ask family, friends and co-workers if they have a moving company they recommend.

3. Review Their Track Records and Credentials

Check the Better Business Bureau to confirm the companies are accredited and have high ratings. For customer reviews, visit platforms such as Yelp, Google Reviews and Trust Pilot.

4. Confirm the Business Location

Visit the moving company business in person or online to verify that the listed address is associated with the company name and not a residence.

5. Carefully Review the Estimates

Determine which type of estimate the mover is providing. A non-binding estimate means the mover can charge you up to 10% above the original estimate, a non-binding to-exceed estimate means you are not responsible for overages above the original estimate and a binding estimate guarantees the price for all the services included in the contract. The mover will charge you if you opt for additional services beyond what your contract includes.