Moving Cost Calculator
Example: Number of bedrooms: 3 rooms · Distance of move: 800 miles · Local mover hourly rate: 140 $/hr · Professional packing?: 0
| Estimated total cost | $4,320 |
| Labor & transport | $4,140 |
| Packing & supplies | $180 |
Worked example
A 3-bedroom home is estimated at about 6,500 pounds of goods. Moving it 800 miles — a long-distance move priced by weight and mileage — the labor and transport work out to roughly $4,100. Skipping professional packing, you still budget about $180 in boxes and supplies for the three rooms, so the total lands near $4,300. A local move of the same home, billed hourly, would typically cost far less.
Frequently asked questions
How are long-distance moves priced?
Long-distance moves are generally priced on the weight of your shipment and the distance traveled, plus fuel and accessorial charges. That is why decluttering before a long move directly lowers the bill — less weight means less cost.
How are local moves priced?
Local moves are usually billed by the hour based on the number of movers and the truck, so a larger home takes more hours. This calculator switches to hourly pricing for moves under about 100 miles and to weight-and-distance pricing beyond that.
Is professional packing worth it?
Full packing service saves time and reduces breakage risk but can add substantially to the bill. Packing yourself is one of the biggest DIY savings on a move; toggling the option here shows exactly how much it adds.
What else should I budget for?
Beyond the mover, budget for tips, insurance or valuation coverage, storage if there is a gap between homes, cleaning, and travel costs for your own trip. Building a buffer keeps a moving-day surprise from becoming a financial one.