What Does It Cost to Move? National Averages Explained
Moving costs vary enormously based on distance, home size, and whether you hire professionals or go the DIY route. According to the American Moving and Storage Association, the average cost of a local move with professional movers is about $1,400 for a 2-bedroom home, while the average long-distance move costs $4,890 for an average weight of 7,400 pounds. These figures represent just the moving company's charges — additional costs for packing supplies, storage, travel, and tips can add 20-40% to the total.
DIY moves using a rented truck can cut professional mover costs by 50-70%, but require more physical labor, time, and planning. Truck rental rates average $20-$30 per day for local moves on a small van, up to $1,500-$2,500 for a 26-foot truck for a cross-country move. Fuel is a significant additional cost — a 26-foot truck averages about 8-10 miles per gallon, so a 1,000-mile move uses 100-125 gallons of fuel, adding $350-$500 at current diesel prices.
Professional Movers: What's Included and What to Watch For
Full-service professional movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading. Local moves are typically billed hourly (usually $100-$150/hour for a two-person crew plus truck), while long-distance moves are priced by weight and distance. Most long-distance quotes are based on a binding estimate — where the price is locked — or a non-binding estimate that can change based on actual weight. Always get at least three quotes from licensed movers and verify their DOT and MC licensing numbers through the FMCSA website before signing any contract.
Beware of low-ball estimates designed to secure your business before prices are inflated. Rogue movers may hold your belongings hostage and demand more money than originally quoted — a practice known as "hostage load" that is unfortunately common. Any quote that seems dramatically lower than competitors should raise a red flag. Check Google and Yelp reviews, and look up the company's complaint history with the FMCSA before committing.
Timing Your Move to Save Money
Moving costs peak during summer (May through September), on weekends, and at the beginning and end of the month when leases turn over. Moving mid-week in the fall or winter can save 20-30% on professional mover rates, and truck rental prices are typically 30-40% lower. If your move date is flexible, getting quotes for a Tuesday-Thursday move in October or November versus a Saturday in July can represent hundreds or even thousands of dollars in savings.
Packing yourself rather than hiring packers is another significant opportunity to reduce costs. Professional packing services add $300-$1,500+ to a move depending on home size. Sourcing free boxes from liquor stores, grocery stores, Craigslist, and Facebook Marketplace can save $50-$200 on materials. Starting to declutter and donate items 60-90 days before a move is not just emotionally freeing — fewer belongings means less to move, which directly reduces weight-based long-distance moving costs.