How much does it cost to move?
Few experiences can feel as overwhelming as having to uproot your life and move your belongings tens, hundreds or even thousands of miles away. While the endless boxes and hours of packing and unpacking involved in moving can certainly take a toll, one of the worst parts of moving, especially for first-time movers, is the uncertainty. How do you switch your utilities? How do you pack your belongings? How much does it cost to move across the country as opposed to moving down the street?
These questions alone can be enough to make your head spin before you’ve even gotten started, but the short answer is most of it depends upon your unique situation. Let’s start with the base level of expenses you might expect.
Typical moving expenses
The simplest moving expense metrics are how far you have to go and how much there is to move. Most movers charge an hourly rate, so the more boxes and furniture they have to move, the more it could cost you. That number could go up or down depending on the size of the place you’re moving into, since a larger home will take more time to move into and vice versa. Distance also impacts cost; meaning moving out of state is likely to be more expensive.
Because of the variability of moving distance and volume, average costs can be hard to pin down. However, the average hourly rate of most movers can go anywhere from $30 to $400, depending on the type of move you require.[1]
Typical moving costs include the container you’re renting to move your belongings, whether truck or portable storage container, moving supplies and the hourly rates of any professional movers you use. Here’s a quick breakdown of the average costs:
- Renting a truck – A large truck can cost anywhere from $30 to $3,500, depending on the truck size, travel distance and rental duration, with additional per‑mile charges potentially applying. While a smaller truck or cargo van will likely cost less, usually around $20-$30 plus mileage fees.[2]
- Renting a portable storage container – If you decide to get a storage container, the cost can range from $20 to $450 per month, depending on the size of your home.[1]
- Moving supplies – The average cost of moving supplies is around $1,000, with most falling between $280 and $2,200 based on home size and the volume of belongings. This price estimate includes materials like boxes, tape and protective padding.[1]
- Hiring professional long-distance movers – The average cost of hiring movers for relocations over 100 miles typically ranges from $2,700 to $10,000. Pricing depends on the size of your shipment, the total distance and any additional services you select.[1]
Average costs of moving by apartment size
Since the size of your home is an indicator of what you’ll be paying to move into or out of, the number of bedrooms in the home can be a highly influential factor. But how much can movers cost for a 2-bedroom apartment compared to a 3-bedroom? Or for a 1-bedroom? Let’s break down potential costs:[1]
- 1-bedroom – $700 – $3,000
- 2-bedroom – $1,000 – $6,000
- 3-bedroom – $1,400 – $8,000
Additional costs to consider
So, you’ve got your belongings boxed up in the truck, your furniture is tucked in with it, and you’ve already paid for movers to take it to your new digs. What other moving costs might there be? If you have any kind of time between moving out and moving in, you might need somewhere to put your stuff in the meantime, usually a storage unit of some kind. Movers can also charge extra for unique or heavy items like pianos and during particularly busy moving seasons like the summer.
One last expense you should consider is moving insurance. Find out if your move is covered by your homeowners insurance.
How to save on moving
As expensive as moving can be, there are ways to mitigate some costs. Local moving companies charge less on average, so hiring them for your professional moving needs can help drive net costs down. Additionally, doing what you’re able to manage on your own can be a helpful way to keep costs down. Cut down on the volume that needs to be moved by selling or donating items you don’t need, packing everything you can manage on your own and using your own packing supplies wherever possible. The amount you move on your own and the amount you can get rid of pre-move are both within your control.
Learn how you can financially plan for your move. As much of a hassle as moving can be, a fresh start awaits you in a new home with new opportunities to learn and grow.