When relocating, whether within a new block or across the state, moving costs have skyrocketed, accompanied by additional and hidden expenses. The best way to determine how much do movers cost is by using a moving cost calculator. Many moving services, like Liftandshiftmoving, offer an average moving cost based on your specific requirements.
How come? Here it is elaborated.
How to Calculate Moving Cost?
As it is, the common concern before hiring professional movers is to get an average moving cost. Well, you can use the moving cost calculator by filling in all the sections, and there you go.
Other than that, if you are still wondering how much does it cost to move, it can also be simplified by determining the basic factors contributing to the cost of moving. This includes
- The distance of your move
- The volume/weight/size of the move
- Type of service that suits you
In order to get an accurate moving estimate, you need to be clear about these factors, plus be as precise as you can to get the best moving price quote.
For a better understanding, it is essential to determine the type of moving service you require.
Types of Moving Services
Speaking of it, based on the distance, size of the move, and your service requirement. They are categorized as
- Local Moving
- Long-Distance Moving
Local Moving
Local moving falls under a distance of 50 miles. These types of moving costs are comparatively cheaper than the long-distance ones, as the moving cost calculator calculates the rate based on the time as well.
In local moving, usually, the moving company prices range from $25 to $75, with two professional movers depending on the size of your home.
Speaking of the local moving cost, the average moving cost starts around $ 1,250, ranging from $500 for a one-bedroom, studio apartment.
Long-Distance Moving
As you can hint from the name, the long-distance moving covers more than 100 miles and even more, as per your requirement. This long-distance moving cost is determined not only by the volume and size, but also includes the time and fuel, which add to the cost of your moving estimate.
How Much Do Movers Cost?
Here, you have the option to hire moving services at either a flat fee rate or a per-hour rate.
Flat Fee Rate
This moving cost type depends on two things: the volume/size of the move and the day you want to move.
The moving cost calculator works efficiently and accurately to provide an estimated moving cost that will remain the same till the day the service is delivered.
This type of moving fare is the best for long-distance moving. Here is how you can calculate it.
Moving Cost = Size of your move + miles (distance) + addition hired services (if any)
The average cost for a flat fee rate is
| Miles | Studio 1-Bedroom | 2 – 3 Bedroom | 4 – 5 Bedroom |
| 250 M | $1000+ | $2000+ | $4000+ |
| 1000+ M | $1500+ | $3000+ | $6000+ |
| 2000+ M | $1700+ | $4000+ | $9000+ |
Per-Hour Moving Cost
Moving costs for this model are charged on an hourly basis for the service acquired. Speaking of it, this one is ideal for the local moving services or to deliver small and less delicate items.
However, the disadvantage of the hourly moving cost will occur if it is hired for a long-distance move, as it will be a lot more expensive in case of delays.
The starting cost per hour may vary for different companies. Usually, the per-hour cost starts from $25 minimum.
The average moving cost for hourly rate for movers is as follows
| Home Size | Studio | 1-Bedroom | 2-Bedroom | 3-Bedroom | 4-Bedroom | 5-Bedroom |
| Hours | 2 | 4 | 4 – 6 | 5 – 7 | 6 – 8 | 10-12 |
| Starting Cost | $200+ | $300+ | $700+ | $1300+ | $1600+ | $3000+ |
What are the additional services that moving companies offer?
The additional services or add-ons are available at an additional cost of moving. Usually, the services include
- Packing services: A time-saving service that will cost you a few bucks and pack your items on your behalf
- Packing supplies: It includes packing supplies needed for packing
- Unpacking services: Unpacking your items after reaching your destination
- Assembling services: To assemble the furniture when delivered from point A to point B
- Unassembling services: Helping to unassembled the furniture
- Storage services: This can be used to store your items temporarily
- Shuttle services: Using small vehicles to move in small and tight spaces
- Handle with care: The moving company prices add up to handle delicate, antique, safe, or piano-type items that require extra care.
Other Factors Impacting Your Moving Cost
Many people neglect adding the price of add-ons or some services that might fall under hidden costs that are actually not, when calculating moving costs overall.
These factors are
1.An Additional Travel Fee
This occurs in the long-distance move cost with the fuel cost, labor cost, and the estimated time that it will take, significantly impacting the overall price of your move from one point to delivery.
2.The Move Size
Packing a lot of stuff is not only absurd and time-consuming, but it will cost you a lot more than you have estimated. Also, it will make your stuff heavier than it looks like.
In a nutshell, the more you have, the more you have to pay. Hence, here is the trick: you can opt for the DIY moving (explained below) and pack smartly.
Here, before you begin to pack, it is recommended to declutter the items that are no longer needed. You can simply donate them or sell them at a garage sale. This will be a win-win situation, plus, you may get some extra bucks.
3.Moving Add-ons
The Moving add-ons service involves not only moving your furniture and stuff, but also the assembling and unassembling of it. Other than that, moving your special items that need to be handled with care by adding stretch wraps, mattress bags, bubble wraps, etc., just to protect them.
4.Packing Services
If you are hiring the movers for packing your stuff, then it will add a couple of hundred bucks to your moving costs. But, undoubtedly, hiring LiftandShiftmoving is worth the money.
5.Storage
Now, this one is important. In case of a complicated move, i.e., the home or place where you want your stuff to be moved is not ready, you have to use their storage space to ensure it is safe. In that way, the company will be responsible for taking care of your belongings during this period, so you have to pay for their storage space reserved for you.
6.The Date You Are Moving
Well, this is important to plan the season and the date of your move. It is essential to plan it in the middle of every month is comparatively cheaper than on other days. Other than that, weekdays are off-peak and could be cheaper than moving on weekends.
7.Staircase and Elevator
Many people are not aware of the fact that there is an additional cost to move your belongings through an elevator or the staircase.
Do Professional Movers Offer Packing Services?
Yes, many professional movers do offer packing services for additional fees, which include the packing supplies and labor. This includes a $300 to $2000+ based on your inventory. If you’d like, you can ask your movers to deliver the packing materials to you before your move for an additional cost of $50 to $200.
How Many Number of Movers Needed?
The answer to how many number of movers needed is completely dependent on the size of your move. As said, the movers send their crew as 2, 4, 5, 6, or 8 after seeing the volume of move, whether it is for commercial or residential use.
If you are looking to hire for a studio or one-bedroom apartment, then you will need a crew of two to three men.
What is DIY Move?
A DIY move (Do-It-Yourself move) is when you handle the entire moving process on your own, without hiring professional movers. This includes packing, loading, transporting, unloading, and unpacking your belongings. It’s a popular option for people who want to save money and have more control over their move.
In DIY move,
- You rent a moving truck or trailer (e.g., U-Haul, Penske, Budget).
- You do all the packing and heavy lifting yourself (or with help from friends/family).
- You drive the vehicle to your new location.
- You unpack and set up your home without professional help.
The plus point of DIY move is that
- You can save hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
- Move at your own pace without being tied to a mover’s schedule.
- Handle your items with your own level of care and organization.
However, on the contrary, it could be pain as
- Lifting heavy furniture and boxes can be tiring and risky.
- Packing and moving everything yourself takes a lot longer.
- You’ll need to coordinate truck rentals, equipment, and helpers.
- Fuel, tolls, insurance, and rental supplies can add up.
The possible pricing for DIY Move is as Follows
| Items | Truck Rental | Gas and Toll | Packing Supplies | Moving Equipment | Insurance |
| Cost (approx.) | $100 – $2000+ | $100 – $500+ | $50 – $200 | $20 – $ 100 | $15 – $100 |
Note: The mentioned pricing is approximate; it may vary depending on different factors.
- People moving locally or short distances
- Those with fewer belongings or tight budgets
- Anyone comfortable with manual labor and driving a large truck
In a nutshell, a DIY move is perfect for those who are cost-conscious, hands-on, and ready to put in the work. But if you’re moving long-distance, have valuable or heavy items, or want to avoid the hassle, hiring professionals might be worth the investment.
What is the Standard Move Cost?
The standard cost of a move in the U.S. can vary significantly based on distance, home size, and services required. Hence, answering how much do movers cost could be little tricky.
For a local move, which typically involves relocating within 50 to 100 miles, you can expect to pay between $800 and $2,500 for a two- or three-bedroom home, depending on the number of movers required and the total time involved.
Local movers usually charge by the hour, with rates ranging from $25 to $75 per mover per hour. In contrast, a long-distance move—often defined as a relocation over 100 miles or across state lines—is usually priced based on the total weight or volume of items and the distance traveled.
These moves can cost anywhere from $2,000 to $7,000 or more. Additional services like packing, storage, and furniture disassembly will increase your final bill.
Overall, careful planning and comparing quotes can help you stay within budget.
Do Moving Companies Provide Packing Materials and Boxes?
Yes, most professional moving companies do provide packing materials and boxes—either as part of their full-service packages or for an additional cost.
These materials typically include cardboard boxes, bubble wrap, packing paper, tape, and furniture blankets.
Some companies also offer specialty boxes for items like TVs, wardrobes, dishes, or mirrors to ensure safe transport.
If you opt for packing services, the movers will bring all the necessary supplies and handle the packing for you.
However, suppose you’re doing the packing yourself. In that case, you can either purchase these materials directly from the moving company or choose to buy them from third-party retailers, which may be more budget-friendly.
Some companies even offer box rental services using reusable plastic containers. Keep in mind that while the convenience is great, prices for packing materials from movers can sometimes be higher than store-bought options, so it’s worth comparing before deciding.
Do I have to Tip Movers?
Tipping movers isn’t mandatory, but it’s strongly encouraged and considered a common courtesy if you’re satisfied with their service.
Like in many service-based industries, a tip is a way to show appreciation for the movers’ hard work, especially when they handle your belongings with care, arrive on time, and work efficiently.
The general guideline is to tip $4 to $5 per mover per hour, or 10% to 20% of the total moving cost, depending on the complexity and quality of the service.
For example, if you have a team of three movers working an 8-hour shift, a typical tip would be around $100 to $150 total, split among them.
For long-distance or multi-day moves, tipping may also include providing meals or snacks. While not required, a thoughtful tip can boost morale and is greatly appreciated by movers who often do physically demanding work.
Do The Movers restrict any Items?
Yes, moving companies do restrict certain items due to safety regulations, legal reasons, or risk of damage. These typically fall into three categories: hazardous materials, perishables, and personal or high-value items.
Hazardous Materials (Usually Prohibited)
Movers are not allowed to transport anything flammable, explosive, or corrosive. This includes:
- Gasoline, propane tanks, lighter fluid
- Fireworks, ammunition
- Paints, paint thinners, and aerosols
- Cleaning chemicals and bleach
- Batteries with acid
Perishables
Most movers won’t move:
- Fresh or frozen food
- Plants
- Open containers of food or beverages
These items can spoil, attract pests, or leak during transit.
Personal or High-Value Items
Though not always banned, movers often advise you to transport these yourself:
- Cash, jewelry, and important documents
- Laptops, cameras, and other small electronics
- Family heirlooms and sentimental items
It is always wise to ask your moving company for a “non-allowables” list ahead of time to avoid surprises on moving day.
About the LiftandShiftMoving Company
With an exceptional team, LiftandShiftMoving serves its clients with an extensive range of moving services.
As full-service movers, we take pride in serving our clients with the following moving services.
- Local moving
- Mid-distance moving
- Long-distance moving
- Commercial moving
- Apartment moving
- Residential moving
- Interstate moving
Other than that, we offer a comprehensive range of additional services, including all types of moving, along with storage, packing, and unpacking.
All of these services are available at just a call away. If you are still wondering how much do movers cost Visit LiftandShiftmoving.com and get your moving price quote today!