Free Moving Cost Calculator — Estimate Your Move in 60 Seconds
Get an instant estimate for your local or long-distance move. Adjust for home size, special items, and extra services — the estimate updates in real time.
Your Move Details
Your Estimate
2 Bedroom · Local
Estimated Total
$810 – $1,620
This is an estimate. Actual costs vary based on inventory, access, seasonality, and the specific moving company.
For moving companies — see how DriveSales generates quotes like this.
How We Calculate Moving Costs
Our estimates use industry-standard pricing factors. Here's exactly what goes into every number.
Base Labor & Truck
Local moves are priced by crew size and hours. We estimate based on typical crew times for each home size — a 3-bedroom local move averages 5–8 hours with a 3-person crew at $120–$180/hour.
Distance for Long-Distance Moves
Interstate moves use a weight-per-mile formula regulated by the FMCSA. We estimate weight based on home size (a 3-bedroom averages ~6,000 lbs) and apply $0.50–$0.80 per mile per 1,000 lbs.
Special Item Surcharges
Pianos, pool tables, hot tubs, and safes require specialized equipment and extra crew. Each item carries a fixed surcharge range independent of the base move cost.
Packing & Additional Services
Professional packing is calculated as a percentage of base labor cost. Storage, unpacking, and disassembly use flat-rate industry averages adjusted for home size.
Floor & Stairs
Each flight of stairs adds roughly 10% to move time. Elevator buildings add a smaller surcharge for wait time and building coordination. Ground floor moves carry no additional charge.
What Isn't Included
These estimates don't include tips, packing materials (boxes, tape, wrap), long-carry fees for parking situations, or origin/destination shuttle fees. Always confirm these with your mover.
Moving Cost by Home Size
Typical ranges for professional movers. Local assumes same metro area; long-distance assumes 500–1,000 miles.
| Home Size | Local Move | Long-Distance |
|---|---|---|
| Studio | $300 – $500 | $1,200 – $2,500 |
| 1 Bedroom | $400 – $800 | $1,500 – $3,200 |
| 2 Bedroom | $600 – $1,200 | $2,500 – $5,000 |
| 3 Bedroom | $900 – $1,800 | $4,000 – $8,000 |
| 4 Bedroom | $1,200 – $2,500 | $6,000 – $12,000 |
| 5+ Bedroom | $1,500 – $3,500 | $8,000 – $18,000 |
Tips to Reduce Your Moving Costs
Small decisions can save you hundreds. Here's what actually works.
Move mid-week, mid-month
Saturdays in June cost 20–30% more than Tuesdays in January. Flexibility on date is the single biggest lever you have on price.
Declutter before the estimate
Moving companies charge by weight or volume. Sell, donate, or trash anything you haven't used in a year. Fewer items = lower cost and less to unpack.
Get at least 3 binding estimates
Prices vary 20–40% between companies for the same job. A binding estimate protects you from surprise charges on move day.
Pack yourself when possible
Professional packing adds 30–50% to your bill. Pack non-fragile items yourself and let movers handle art, mirrors, and specialty items.
Book 4–6 weeks in advance
Last-minute bookings cost more and limit your options. Booking early gives you leverage to negotiate and first pick of crew.
Prep your home before movers arrive
Disassemble furniture, clear pathways, and reserve parking. Movers bill by the hour — dead time costs you.
For Moving Companies
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