How much do movers cost?
Hiring movers often costs $900 - $2,800 for a 2- to 3-bedroom local move under about 50 miles. Long-distance moves for the same home size often run $1,300 - $9,500+, depending on mileage, shipment weight, timing, packing, and access.
A moving quote should separate labor, truck/travel time, mileage or line-haul charge, packing, materials, valuation coverage, storage, stairs, elevators, long carries, shuttle service, and specialty items.
Moving cost by job type
Small local move
$300 - $800+How to tellStudio or one-bedroom move in the same city with limited furniture
The fixCompare hourly minimums, travel fee, truck fee, and mover count
Typical local house or apartment move
$900 - $2,800How to tellTwo- to three-bedroom move under 50 miles
The fixPrice hourly crew, truck, travel time, stairs/elevator access, and supplies
Large local move
$1,800 - $6,000+How to tellFour- to five-bedroom home, heavy furniture, multiple floors, or long carry
The fixAsk whether a larger crew reduces total hours and whether extra trucks are needed
Long-distance move
$1,300 - $20,000+How to tellThe move crosses state lines or goes more than about 50-100 miles
The fixCompare binding estimate, inventory/weight, delivery window, valuation coverage, and shuttle fees
Packing, storage, or specialty items
$300 - $3,000+ extraHow to tellYou need packing, boxes, piano/safe handling, temporary storage, or fragile item crating
The fixRequest line items so extras do not hide inside a vague total
Before requesting moving quotes
- Make a room-by-room inventory and flag heavy, fragile, oversized, or high-value items.
- Photograph stairs, elevators, parking, loading zones, narrow doors, and long carries at both addresses if possible.
- Decide what you will pack yourself and what you want the movers to pack.
- Ask whether the estimate is binding, binding-not-to-exceed, or nonbinding, especially for long-distance moves.
Unlock the hiring checklist
Use this before you call a moving, so you know what to ask and what to avoid.
Call a pro when…
- You have heavy furniture, fragile items, stairs, elevators, or tight access
- The move is long-distance or has a narrow delivery window
- You need packing, disassembly, reassembly, storage, or specialty-item handling
- You cannot safely load large items yourself
- You need valuation coverage and a written inventory
Repair or replace?
DIY can be cheaper for a small local move if you have help, time, and easy access. Professional movers are usually worth pricing when damage risk, scheduling, stairs, heavy items, or long-distance logistics make a cheap move expensive later.
Need a cleaner scope before you call around?
Use the moving checklist to compare the same work, questions, cleanup, and warranty before choosing a local company.
Related questions
Do movers charge by the hour or by weight?
Local movers often charge hourly with a minimum. Long-distance movers commonly price by shipment weight, distance, services, and delivery timing.
What moving fees surprise homeowners?
Common extras include stairs, elevators, long carries, shuttle trucks, packing materials, storage, fuel, bulky items, valuation coverage, and delays.
How far ahead should I book movers?
For peak season, larger homes, or long-distance moves, start several weeks to a few months ahead. Last-minute moves leave fewer good options.