Based on 76,609 real quotes from businesses in United States.
$1000
TYPICALÂ
$4500
Yelp calculates estimated costs by gathering and analyzing real quotes provided to consumers by businesses on Yelp. Actual costs may vary.
Key takeaways
Long-distance moving costs depend on load size, distance, fuel prices, and other factors
Full-service long-distance movers typically charge a flat rate, which includes labor costs
You can save money by renting a moving truck and handling the move yourself
Packing up your belongings and relocating to a new home can be a major hassle. And while local moves are tough enough, things can get even more complicated when you’re planning a cross-country or interstate move. Factors such as travel distance, timing, and fuel costs become more critical, raising moving prices along with your stress level.
If you’re making a long-distance move with more than a carload of stuff, you’ll probably want to hire professional movers. But full-service moving companies can do a lot more than transport items from one place to another. Their services typically include the following:
Pack your furniture and belongings securely
Provide packing materials (such as boxes and storage containers, packing paper, and bubble wrap)
Disassemble furniture for transport (if needed)
Load the moving truck
Drive the truck to your new home
Unload your belongings
Unpack and reassemble everythingÂ
Dispose of packing supplies
In this guide, you’ll learn about the typical cost of long-distance moving services, as well as some ways to save money.
Need help finding an honest and reliable moving company? Read Essential questions to ask movers, Benefits of hiring a mover, and How to move long-distance with ease.
The total cost of your move depends on the distance involved, volume and weight of your belongings, packing materials, labor rates, and any additional services required. Most long-distance moving companies will give you a flat-rate moving quote that takes all these factors into account.Â
For a long-distance move of around 1,000 miles, the national average cost range is $2,500–7,000. For a cross-country move of about 3,000 miles, the average moving rate is $4,000–9,500.Â
The type, size, and weight of your belongings will dictate the size of the truck, packing services and packing materials needed, number of long-distance movers, and if any add-on services are required. Here are average prices for moving 1,000 miles with the typical contents of different-size homes.
Studio apartment. Most studio apartments contain an average of 1,600–1,800 pounds of belongings and will require at least 2 movers to load and unload the truck. Average cost: $1,000–1,500.
One-bedroom apartment. Most 1-bedroom apartments contain an average of 2,200–3,000 pounds of belongings and require at least 2 movers. Average cost: $1,200–3,000.
Two-bedroom house. Most 2-bedroom homes contain 3,000–4,000 pounds of belongings and require 3–4 movers. Average cost: $1,800–5,500.
Three-bedroom house. Most 3-bedroom homes contain upwards of 5,500 pounds of belongings, and 3–5 movers may be required. Average cost: $3,000–9,000.
The following issues can lead to additional costs for your long-distance move.
Time of month or year. Your move date may affect the cost of your move. Spring, summer, and the end of any month are all busy times. So you might get a better price quote if your move date is during the off-season or at the beginning of a month.
Specialty packing. Fragile items, including antiques, artwork, and musical instruments (such as a piano), may require specialized modes of packing and transport that cost extra.
Liability coverage. Most moving companies offer insurance, which is figured into the cost of the move. However, expensive specialty items or fragile items typically aren’t covered, so you should consider purchasing third-party moving insurance for full-value protection. Some policies are based on a value per pound, while others reimburse the total cost of replacement or repairs.
Fuel surcharges. Long-distance moving companies will charge you for the fuel it takes to get your belongings to your new home. The cost will depend on the size of the truck, miles per gallon it gets when loaded, and current price of fuel.Â
Storage. Most long-distance moving companies offer the option to store items for you in the short term. Specific costs depend on how much you need to store and for how long.
Tipping. Gratuities are customary, and the amount typically depends on how long the move takes. For long-distance moves, tipping each mover $50–70 is appropriate.Â
Long-distance moving is expensive, but there are a few ways to reduce your costs.
Shop around. Call a few local moving companies and ask if they’ll provide a free quote for your move. Be prepared to tell them when and how far you need to move, your moving budget, how large your home is, and any other information they’ll need to give you an accurate moving estimate. Also, find out if any companies offer price reductions (such as senior discounts), or have worked out special rates with your employer or real-estate company.
Rent a one-way moving truck. If you’re willing to do the packing, loading, and driving yourself, you can reduce your costs considerably by renting a moving truck. The cost will depend on the distance, truck size, and time of year (and, of course, you’ll pay for your own fuel). Most one-way moving truck rental companies provide a quote that allows for a certain number of miles (sometimes unlimited) and days—which is typically higher for popular routes with more customer demand. The average cost of renting a moving truck for a one-way long-distance move is $900–1,500.
Hire labor-only movers. If you need help when moving in a rented vehicle, hiring someone to load or unload the truck for you is still a less expensive option than full-service movers. Typically, these movers cost $60–80 per hour for each person.
What is the average long-distance moving cost?
The cost of hiring a full-service moving company depends on the size and weight of your belongings, distance traveled, local labor rates, and any additional services required. Most professional moving companies charge a flat rate that takes these factors into account. To move 1,000 miles with the average contents of a 2-bedroom house, the typical price range is $1,800–5,500.
What is the cheapest way to move long distance?
You can save money on a long-distance move by renting a one-way moving truck and handling the moving process yourself. The rental price will depend on the distance, truck size, customer demand, route popularity, and time of year. The average cost to rent a moving truck for a one-way long-distance move is $900–1,400.
How much does it cost to move 1,000 miles?
Depending on the size and weight of your belongings, current fuel costs, and other factors, the average price to hire a long-distance moving company for a 1,000-mile move is $2,500–7,000.Â
Find long-distance moving services in your area.
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Every year, millions of consumers request quotes on Yelp from top-rated local professionals. We combine these real-life project quotes with data from the millions of people who interact with businesses on Yelp today. We use our years of expertise to create handy local cost guides that you can trust. Get accurate estimates on projects in your area, from roofing to moving.
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