Home Moving Cost Guide Twenty Twenty Five
2025 Moving Costs: What to Budget
Moving in 2025 can cost far more than you expect if you don’t plan ahead. Use this guide to build a realistic budget, compare options, and avoid surprise fees. All figures below reflect common price ranges reported by movers across the U.S.
Your total depends mainly on distance, the size of your home, and any add-on services. Start here to estimate your move, then fine-tune with a few quotes.
Local moving costs (same-city or nearby)
Most movers charge by the hour for local jobs. Expect about $40 to $90 per mover, per hour. A crew of three (typical for a three-bedroom) runs roughly $120 to $270 per hour. Smaller, local companies sometimes offer lower rates than large, national brands. In some major East Coast cities, movers may quote a flat fee based on your inventory; totals often land near what hourly rates would have produced.
| Home size | Typical total (local) |
|---|---|
| 1 bedroom | $300–$700 |
| 2 bedroom | $600–$1,500 |
| 3 bedroom | $1,100–$2,500 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,000–$4,000+ |
What drives local prices
Key factors include crew size, total time on site, access (stairs, elevators, long carries), parking or building rules, and company pricing model (hourly vs. flat rate). The size of your home and how much you’re moving set the baseline for how many hours you’ll pay.
Long-distance moving costs
For moves that cross regions or states, companies price by shipment weight and distance. You’ll get an in-person or virtual survey so the mover can estimate your total weight, travel, and any extra fees, then provide a flat rate.
Downsizing and decluttering before your move reduces weight and cost. Here are typical budget ranges by distance for one- to four-plus-bedroom homes:
Sample budgets by distance
• About 250 miles: $1,100 to $5,600
• About 1,000 miles: $1,400 to $10,000
• About 2,500 miles: $1,900 to $14,000
Add-on services and fees
Packing services: If movers pack your boxes, you’ll usually pay the same hourly rate as moving labor for the time it takes. Budget about three to eight hours depending on home size and how much you want packed. Many movers offer damage coverage for boxes they pack—ask what’s included and how claims work.
Specialty items: Pianos, grandfather clocks, antiques, and other delicate or bulky items require special handling. Expect $200 to $1,000 in additional fees depending on the item and complexity.
DIY alternatives: containers and truck rentals
Portable storage containers: Services like PODS or U-Box can cost roughly $1,000 to $7,000 for shipping distances from about 100 to 2,500 miles, depending on how many containers you need. They’re convenient if you want to load at your pace and let the company handle transport.
Moving truck rentals: For local moves, a rental truck can be the cheapest route if you handle the labor. A 15-foot truck for about 20 miles can start near $73, but long-distance rentals rise quickly—think more than $3,300 for around 1,000 miles in a 26-foot truck, plus fuel, taxes, and fees.
Which option fits your move
• Local, smaller loads and a tight budget: A rental truck can minimize costs if you can manage the labor.
• Need flexibility loading/unloading without driving a big truck: A container is a middle ground on price and workload.
• Large homes or complex long-distance moves: Full-service movers cost more but reduce effort and risk.
What to watch before you book
• Estimates: For local moves, ask how time is tracked and billed. For long-distance, request a clear, itemized estimate tied to weight and distance.
• Inventory accuracy: Walk through everything you plan to move. Changes to your list can change your price.
• Coverage: Confirm what your mover’s valuation or damage coverage includes, especially for packed boxes and specialty items.
• Access details: Tell movers about stairs, elevators, long carries, and parking limits to avoid surprise fees on move day.
• Scope: Decide early if you want packing help. Adding it later can affect crew time and scheduling.
FAQs
- What is the average cost of a local move?
Plan for $300–$700 (1 bedroom), $600–$1,500 (2 bedroom), $1,100–$2,500 (3 bedroom), and $2,000–$4,000+ (4+ bedrooms). - How are long-distance moves priced?
By shipment weight and distance, with a flat estimate after a survey of your inventory and travel details. - How much does packing add?
Typically the same hourly rate as moving labor for 3–8 hours, depending on home size and how much the crew packs. - Which items trigger extra fees?
Pianos, grandfather clocks, antiques, and other specialty or bulky items—often $200 to $1,000 extra. - Are containers cheaper than full-service movers?
Often for some moves, but not always. Compare a container quote ($1,000–$7,000 for 100–2,500 miles) with mover estimates for your route and size.
Build your budget around distance, home size, and how much help you want. Get at least two to three quotes, confirm what each price includes, and declutter before the survey. A clear scope and accurate inventory are the fastest ways to lock in a fair price—and a smoother move.
