How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Moving Company?

Moving is like a game of Tetris — except the pieces are your furniture, and every wrong move costs you money.

If you’re staring at a pile of boxes and wondering how much does it cost to hire a moving company, you’re not alone. This is the question everyone asks before packing their first box, and the truth is, the answer can feel like a mystery until you get into the details.

According to recent moving industry data, the average cost of movers for a local move can range anywhere from $800 to $2,500, while a long-distance move might set you back between $2,000 and $7,500 or more.

And that’s before adding extras like packing, storage, or handling antiques. These aren’t just random numbers; they’re based on real moving company costs that thousands of people pay every year.

Perhaps you’ve searched terms like “how much will a moving company cost” or “how much for a moving company,” and even tried a mover’s cost estimator online, only to end up with conflicting results. That’s because pricing isn’t one-size-fits-all.

It depends on distance, time, the amount of stuff you own, and even the month you choose to move. This is exactly why you need a complete moving company pricing guide, and that’s exactly what this article is.

By the time you’re done reading, you’ll know the cost to hire movers per hour and how to use a moving cost calculator effectively.

Average Cost to Hire a Moving Company

When calculating how much does it cost to hire a moving company, the national average gives a helpful starting point. According to recent insights from Angi, the typical cost for a local move ranges between $882 and $2,566, with a national average of $1,710. Long-distance moves across state lines or over several hundred miles typically fall between $2,700 and $10,000 or more.

Local vs. Long-Distance Costs

Relocating can feel like navigating a maze, but understanding the differences between local moves and long-distance moves helps you budget smartly and avoid surprises.

Let’s break it all down.

Local Moves Pricing Breakdown

Local moves, typically within a 100-mile radius, are usually priced hourly. Here’s what recent data reveals:

• The average cost is around $1,489 per move.
• Hourly rates: Most movers charge between $80 and $100 per hour per mover.
• For a 3-bedroom house with 4 movers taking ~7 hours, the estimated cost is around $2,240.

Here’s a breakdown table to help visualize costs based on home size:

These numbers are based on local movers charging ~$80 per hour per mover.

Long-Distance Moves Pricing Breakdown

When you’re moving cross-state or farther, long-distance pricing adds on, including flat rates, weight-based charges, and distance calculations:

• Typical range $2,200 to $11,900 for long-distance moves.
• The average long-distance cost is around $3,129, based on survey data.
• Moving a 2–3 bedroom household over 1,000 miles is approximately $4,300. A smaller one-bedroom move is around $3,500.
• Self-move out-of-state (DIY): Typically falls between $2,000 and $7,000, depending on home size and distance.

Here’s a helpful breakdown by home size and distance:

These costs typically reflect weight, distance, and added services like packing or specialty handling.

What’s Typically Included in the Base Price

Here’s what is generally included:

• Labor: Loading, unloading, and transporting are usually calculated per mover per hour or per weight/distance
• Truck usage and fuel: Essential logistics to get your stuff from A to B.
• Basic materials and equipment: Includes basic supplies needed to secure and handle your belongings.
• Transportation: The actual moving of items from pickup to delivery location is part of the standard pricing.

How Movers Calculate Costs

Now, let’s discuss how movers calculate your moving cost:

Hourly Rates vs. Flat Rates

If you’re moving down the street, it’s usually priced by the hour. But if you are heading cross-country, then you’ll get flat-rate pricing.

• Hourly rates are most common for local moves. Movers charge per hour, typically including labor and transportation time. On average, hourly rates run between $40–$60 per hour per mover. Since most moves need at least two movers, the cost can add up quickly.
• Flat-rate pricing, also known as a binding estimate, is more typical for long-distance or well-defined moves. Here, the cost is tied to your items’ weight, distance to your new place, and any additional services you need, like packing or special handling.

To summarize:

Binding vs. Non-Binding Estimates

The difference between a binding estimate and a non-binding estimate is all about how locked-in your final cost is.

• A binding estimatelocks in the exact price you’ll pay, as long as nothing changes about your move. Even if your possessions weigh less than expected, the price stays the same.
• A non-binding estimateprovides an estimated figure, which is subject to change. The final cost might be higher or lower, depending on the actual weight of your items and the services you ultimately use.

Here’s a quick breakdown of how they stack up:

There’s also a binding “not-to-exceed” estimate; it caps your maximum cost but still lets your final bill go lower if the move takes less than expected.

How In-Home and Virtual Surveys Work

Getting an accurate estimate often starts with a survey, either in-home or virtual.

• In-home surveys involve a mover visiting your place, walking through your belongings, and checking for any tricky details like narrow staircases or fragile furniture.
• Virtual surveys are done via video chat. You walk the mover through your home with your phone or tablet, and they assess what you need to move.

Main Factors That Affect Moving Costs

When you’re planning a move, knowing what actually influences the cost can take away almost all the guesswork and help you save money.

Here’s a breakdown of the key factors movers consider when pricing your move:

Key Cost Drivers

Additional Services & Their Costs

When you’re calculating how much it costs to hire a moving company, don’t forget those extra services, which can significantly impact your final bill.

Here’s a breakdown to prepare you for every possibility.

Hidden Costs to Watch For

Even when you think you’ve covered everything, moving day can bring surprises that add up.

How to Get Accurate Quotes

Here’s how to make sure the numbers you receive are reliable and trustworthy.

Get Multiple Quotes

Request at least three quotes from reputable movers. This gives you a price range to work with and helps you spot unusually high or low estimates.

Give a Detailed Inventory

List every item you’re moving, including large furniture, appliances, and specialty pieces. Leaving things out can make your final bill higher than the estimate.

Choose In-Home or Virtual Surveys

Skip phone-only quotes. In-home or video walk-throughs let movers see your space, measure access points, and give more accurate pricing.

Know Your Estimate Type

A binding estimate locks the price, a non-binding one can change, and a binding not-to-exceed caps the cost but can go lower. Always confirm in writing.

Ask About Expiration and Extra Fees

Find out how long your quote is valid and whether it includes fuel surcharges, tolls, or stair fees. These extras can add up quickly.

Compare What’s Included

Look beyond the total price. One mover might include packing supplies or insurance, while another charges separately for them.

Tips to Save Money on Your Move

Plan Early and Set a Budget

Start planning your move as soon as possible. Mapping out a timeline and a clear budget helps you avoid last-minute spending and gives you time to compare costs and make smarter choices.

Move Off-Peak When You Can

Avoid costly peak times like summer, weekends, and month-ends. Movers are typically less busy from October through April, especially midweek, and rates can be significantly lower.

Declutter and Sell What You Don’t Need

Every extra item increases your moving cost. Sort through your things, sell what you can, donate or give away the rest. It’s a great way to lighten your load and possibly make a few extra bucks.

Use Free or Repurposed Packing Materials

Boxes and packing supplies can add up. Collect free boxes from stores or neighbors, or repurpose items you already have—towels, clothing, and suitcases make excellent alternatives.

Do Your Own Packing (If You Can)

Professional packingis convenient—but it can cost a lot. DIY packing saves money, and with the right time and care, it keeps your items safe. Use strong, reusable materials for wrapping fragile items.

Time Your Move

Moving on a weekday, mid-month, or during cooler months cuts costs. Also, use coupons, gift cards, or saved meal vouchers to offset travel or food costs during transition.

Consider Portable Containers or DIY Transport

If full-service moving is too pricey, look into portable storage containers or renting a van—you can load it on your own schedule and save on labor costs.

Recommended Resources

What Is the Best Time of Year to Move?
What to Expect on Moving Day
How to Avoid Hidden Fees When Hiring Movers
How to Prepare for a Long-Distance Move