How Much Does a Moving Company Cost? Mover Prices for Local and Long-Distance Moves
How much it costs to hire movers and moving companies
In this article
Moving company costs depend mainly on distance, home size (or weight), number of movers and hours, packing services, and the time of year. Local moves are usually charged by the hour for a crew and truck (often several hundred to a couple of thousand dollars for apartments and small homes), while long-distance moves are priced by weight/volume and distance and commonly cost several thousand dollars or more. Always get written estimates.
How movers price moves
| Move type | Pricing basis |
|---|---|
| Local | Hourly rate × crew size × hours, plus travel/truck fees |
| Long-distance | Weight or cubic feet + distance, plus services |
| Flat-rate | Fixed price based on inventory |
| Labour-only | Movers load/unload your rental truck |
What affects moving costs
- Distance and home size
- Amount of belongings (inventory)
- Packing and unpacking services
- Stairs, elevators, long carries
- Specialty items (pianos, safes, art)
- Storage needs
- Season and day (summer and weekends cost more)
- Insurance/valuation coverage
Common extra fees
Packing materials, stair or long-carry fees, shuttle trucks, storage, fuel surcharges, and disassembly/reassembly.
Do moving companies pack for you?
Yes, many offer full or partial packing services for an extra fee (see Do moving companies pack for you?).
How to get accurate quotes
Get 3+ written estimates, ideally with an in-home or video survey; ask whether estimates are binding; check licences (e.g., USDOT for interstate moves in the US), insurance and reviews.
Tips to save
Declutter, move off-peak, pack yourself, get flexible dates, compare quotes, and consider labour-only help.
For moving company owners
Clear, instant online quotes and easy booking win more customers (see How to start a moving company).
Frequently asked questions
How much does a moving company cost?
It depends on distance, home size, services and timing; local moves are hourly and long-distance moves are priced by weight and distance.
How much does it cost to hire movers for a local move?
Typically an hourly rate for the crew and truck multiplied by hours, often totalling hundreds to a couple of thousand dollars.
How much do long-distance movers charge?
Usually several thousand dollars or more, based on weight/volume, distance and services.
Do movers charge by the hour?
Local movers usually do; long-distance movers usually price by weight or volume and distance.
Should I tip movers?
Tipping is customary in many places for good service; amounts vary.
How can I lower moving costs?
Declutter, move off-peak, pack yourself, compare written quotes and be flexible with dates.
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AI & automation engineer · websites, apps and motion design
I build AI agents, automations, websites, apps and motion design for businesses. These guides answer the questions people actually search, written from hands-on experience building them.
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