Moving costs: How much will it cost you to move?

As you prepare to move, one important task you’ll want to include on your moving checklist is to calculate your relocation expenses. The cost of moving will vary greatly depending on the size of the residence you’re moving from and the type of moving services you choose. The good news is you have a great deal of control over the price range for your move.

How much does it cost to move?

Whether you choose to move yourself or hire a full-service moving company, any kind of move will come with costs. Moving expenses can vary based on a variety of factors, including the cost of labor if you plan to hire professional movers, the distance of your move and the size of the home you’re moving out of.

The cost of labor

If you hire movers, or even if you simply hire day laborers to help you load your truck, you can expect to pay a starting rate of around $25 per hour per mover. If you need specialized moving assistance you may need to pay more.

The distance you need to travel

The farther you travel for your move, the more it will cost. Even if you rent and drive your own van or truck, you’ll need to account for the cost of gas, tolls, multiple trips if more than one is needed and other travel expenses.

The size of the original home

The Average Costs Of Moving

Given how different every move is, costs vary widely. A local move is usually within 100 miles, while a long-distance move in the United States can be over 3,000 miles. Take a look at our table below to get an idea of how much it might cost.

Additional moving costs

While the move itself can be expensive, consider what other expenses might come up when moving house such as:

• Storage units if you need to deposit belongings during a move
• Insurance and liability coverage
• Cash tips if you’re hiring help
• Packing and moving supplies if they aren’t included in the service

Remember that it’s always best to budget for more than any online or in-person you’re quoted. Every situation is unique, and it’s hard to predict everything that factors into a move.

How much does a moving company cost?

When you hire a moving company, it usually means you want them to take your belongings from your soon-to-be previous residence to your new home. Unless you paid for full-service packing, the moving company arrives with the expectation that everything will be packed and ready to go.

You can typically expect to pay around $879 – $2,543 for a local move, but a move of 100 miles or more can cost $2,700 – $10,000. Some of this variation in price will depend on the moving company you choose (be sure to get several quotes), but much of it will depend on the size of your current place.

Packing and unpacking services

A full-service moving company may include a packing or unpacking service for an additional fee. If you want a full-service move but want to keep the costs down, consider packing yourself. A packing service can add $270 – $2,200 to your moving costs. If you want to hire them to unpack your boxes when you arrive, that will usually add more to your total.

How much does a pod or storage container cost?

Pods, or movable storage containers, are often a less expensive alternative to a full-service move. The costs of renting a pod can range from $1,400 to $6,900.

How do moving pods work?

If you choose this moving method, the company will deliver a large container (or containers) to your current home. You can then pack the container yourself.

When you’re done, the company moves the pod for you. You can choose whether to have it delivered to your new home or to a storage facility. This is a great option if your timeline to closing doesn’t line up with your move-out dates.

Packing a storage container is typically no more difficult than packing a moving truck, and it has the added bonus of sitting at ground level. You’ll have options to rent a storage container that may range from 7 – 16 feet depending on the amount you need to move and the length of your move.

Although more expensive than renting a truck and driving your belongings yourself, this method is generally much less stressful but still a major source of savings. As with a full-service move, you’ll want to get quotes from several companies before making your decision.

How much does it cost to rent a moving truck?

Renting a moving truck and driving yourself is the most cost-effective method of moving, but it’s also the most labor- and time-intensive.

The cost to rent a truck can start at $30 for a same-day local move and go as high as $3,500 for a long-distance move. Depending on the company and the length of your move, you may be charged a flat fee for a certain period of time, or you may be charged by the mile.

When calculating your total costs, don’t forget to include the price of gas and tolls, which can get pretty high if you’re driving a long way.

Tips to cut moving costs

Any move will inevitably end up costing you some money. Moving doesn’t necessarily mean you have to put a huge dent into your savings, though. Here are a few tips to help you save money when it’s time to move:

• Plan ahead. The sooner you start, the more time and energy you’ll have to compare offers and execute more time-intensive projects, such as packing yourself.
• Declutter your home. While boxing up your home, remove items you no longer use. Consider what you will and won’t need before paying to move it.
• Ask for advice from friends. It’s possible that you can learn about local opportunities through the grapevine. Friends and family might offer to assist you as well.
• Reuse packing materials. Local grocery and other retail stores might give you their old cardboard boxes and packing material for free if you ask.
• Evaluate whether it’s worth moving certain items. Of course, you won’t want to trash your grand piano, but a backyard playground set may be another story.
• Look out for cash discounts. Many companies provide a discount if you can pay in cash. However, it’s important to avoid companies that request a cash deposit in advance – which you should treat as a red flag.
• Ask about extra costs. Find out in advance what might cause the final price to exceed the initial bid you received.

Moving cost FAQs

Next up are some of the most frequently asked questions about moving costs.

Is hiring movers worth it?

Depending on the amount of time, energy and financial resources you have, it may be worth hiring a full-service moving company instead of doing it yourself. It really depends on what you’ve budgeted and how much time you can put into moving.

How far in advance should I book a moving company?

It’s best to book your movers several months in advance, if possible. That’s especially the case if you plan on making a long-distance move to a new city. Giving yourself and the moving company plenty of time to plan for the move will help keep the process smooth and ensure you get the days you need.

Should I get moving insurance through my moving company?

Your current renters or homeowners insurance might provide some coverage. If you don’t already have coverage, it may be a good idea to get insurance. It’s generally a relatively small cost and could save you a lot of money if something goes wrong and your belongings get damaged.

What results in additional moving fees?

An underestimate of the weight or volume of your belongings is the variable most likely to result in a higher final bill. It’s particularly common to end up paying more with a company that charges by volume rather than weight, so look out for this when choosing your movers.

Are moving costs tax deductible?

Unfortunately, moving costs are no longer tax deductible for most people. If you’re an active member of the U.S. military and your move is related to your service, you may be eligible for a tax deduction. If you have any questions about your eligibility, speak with a professional tax preparer.

The bottom line on the costs of moving

A variety of factors help determine the total cost of your move. You’ll need to consider whether you plan to pack and drive your belongings yourself or hire a professional company to do so.

You’ll even need to factor in smaller expenses, including everything from gas and tolls to new furniture purchases and even the cost of restocking a pantry from the ground up. The statistics are clear that you should expect to spend a little more than you initially plan, but you still get to choose the price bracket of your move.

If you’re ready to get moving, start your mortgage application online with the Home Loan Experts at Rocket Mortgage^®.