Long Distance Moving Cost Calculator - The Cost of Movers
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Knowing How Much Your Move is Likely to Cost Can Help You Plan Ahead and Avoid any Unexpected Surprises on Moving Day.
We understand how stressful moving can be, whether it’s around the block or across the country, but it doesn’t have to be. That’s why we created this easy-to-use long-distance moving cost calculator to help you factor in all the variables that go into pricing this type of move.
What is the average cost of a long-distance move? We’ll break down the typical price range you can expect for different types of moves based on distance. Here’s everything you need to know:
Moving Costs Overview
There are three main types of moves: local, long-distance and cross-country. The cost of each type of move depends on factors such as the distance, the number of items being moved and the moving services needed for your relocation. Other factors, including the time of year and the day of the move, can also affect the final price. Here are the average moving costs for the three most common types of moves:
| Move Type | Average Cost | Cost Range | Factors Influencing Costs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local Move | $1,400 | $800 – $2,500 | Distance (under 50 miles), item count, season, and specific moving day |
| Long-Distance Move | $3,500 | $2,200 – $10,500 | Distance (50 to 400 miles), mover choice, item count, extra services, season, and specific moving day |
| Cross-Country Move | $7,780 | $4,400 – $17,000 | Distance (over 400 miles), item count, extra services, season, and specific moving day |
How Movers Really Calculate Costs
Every long-distance moving company has a set rate for the services they provide, commonly known as a tariff. This tariff serves as the base cost for a long-distance move. Several important factors can affect the final price, which is why requesting a personalized estimate is the best way to determine your long-distance moving costs.
The two main factors that determine the true cost of a move are the weight of your items and the number of miles between the origin and destination. The more belongings you need moved and the farther the distance, the more you can expect to pay for the relocation.
After requesting a quote and providing the necessary details, a relocation specialist will also discuss any specialty services you may need. Additional services, such as storage unit rentals or vehicle transportation, come at an extra cost and are added to the total price of the move.
Moving costs can differ a lot depending on your needs. According to the American Moving and Storage Association, moving a 2-3 bedroom home within your city might cost about $2,300 on average. For moving the same home across long distances (over 1,000 miles), the average cost is around $4,300, assuming you’re moving about 7,400 pounds of stuff.
It’s a good idea to use a moving cost calculator to get a better estimate tailored to your specific situation because many factors can change the price. Here are a few things that might affect your moving costs:
- Distance: Longer moves cost more.
- Packing Services: Adding professional packing can increase costs.
- Size of Your Home: More rooms mean more to move which can raise the price.
- Special Items: Items needing special care (like a hot tub or pool table) can add to the cost.
- Weight: Heavier items may increase the price.
- Timing: Moving on weekdays or mid-month can be cheaper than weekends or month-end. Summer moves typically cost more because it’s a busy season.
Local movers generally charge by the hour, with rates ranging from $50 to $200. The total cost depends on how many movers are needed for the job. For moves across the country, costs are based on the distance and the time it takes to move.
When planning a move, whether local or long-distance, there are several extra costs you might need to think about:
- Packing Materials: You’ll need boxes, tape and other supplies like dish boxes for fragile items, wardrobes for clothes and mattress bags.
- Furniture Assembly Services: If you want help setting up furniture in your new place, there’s usually a charge for this labor.
- Vehicle towing or Shipping: The cost to ship a car can vary greatly. For a 500-1600 mile trip, it could cost between $500 and $1200. For coast-to-coast shipping, this cost can increase significantly especially for larger or heavier vehicles.
- Storage: If your new home isn’t ready when you arrive, you might need to store your belongings temporarily. Moving companies charge a daily rate for storage.
- Insurance: Moving companies typically offer different levels of insurance coverage but if you have particularly valuable items, you might want to look into additional insurance through a third party. It’s a good idea to talk to your insurance agent to understand the costs.
Using a detailed moving cost calculator, like the one mentioned, can help you get a clearer idea of what your specific move might cost, factoring in all these potential expenses.
How the STI Moving & Storage Moving Cost Calculator Works
Our long-distance moving cost calculator uses an algorithm to estimate the transportation cost of your upcoming move based on the key details you provide. The main factors include the size of your home, the distance of the move and the estimated weight of your belongings. To get started, you’ll enter your current address and your new destination. From there, you’ll select your preferred move-out date, home type and the number of bedrooms.
Using this information, the calculator generates an estimate for either a local or long-distance move. In some cases, based on the details provided, a relocation specialist may follow up to collect additional information before giving you a more accurate and customized estimate.
What Is the Average Cost to Hire a Long-Distance Moving Company?
As mentioned above, the estimated cost of moving a two- to three-bedroom household 1,000 miles or more is around $6,300. For a smaller household, such as a one-bedroom apartment, the estimated cost of moving 1,000 miles or more is around $3,500.
Professional long-distance moving companies can help make your move much easier. With a professional move, you’ll have the support of a personal moving coordinator who ensures every part of your relocation is properly organized. Your moving team will load, transport and unload your belongings. They can even pack your things for you at an additional cost, if desired. Once you arrive at your new home, the movers will place your furniture in the appropriate rooms and can also reassemble items like bed frames and tables if needed. Want your boxes unpacked and everything arranged in its new home? Your moving team can handle that as well. They can even return within 30 days to pick up and recycle your unpacked boxes and packing materials for a modest additional fee.
Again, we invite you to use our long-distance moving calculator to receive an estimate that more accurately reflects your household’s specific moving needs.
Tips for Getting an Accurate Estimate
When using this calculator to estimate your local or long-distance moving costs, it’s always best to provide accurate and detailed information about your situation. The more details you share about the size of your home and the number of items you need help moving, the more accurate your quote will be.
At STI Moving & Storage, our movers in Chicago understand that no two moves are exactly alike. That’s why we create personalized moving plans for every customer. We also provide customized estimates based on the specific needs of your move. If you have any questions or concerns about the calculator or the estimate provided, feel free to contact a relocation specialist for more information.
How Much Do Movers Cost? By Distance and # Of Bedrooms
Typically, the farther you move and the more belongings you bring with you, the higher your long-distance moving estimate will be. Here’s a breakdown of the average cost based on distance and the number of bedrooms.
| # of Miles | 1 Bedroom Apartment | 2-3 Bedroom House | 4-5 Bedroom House |
|---|---|---|---|
| 150 | $1,800 – $3,000 | $5,500 – $7,500 | $10,500 – $13,900 |
| Over 400 | $2,200 – $3,500 | $6,700 – $9,250 | $12,900 – $16,900 |
What to Do if the Estimate Seems Wrong?
If your estimate seems inaccurate, talk with a move coordinator to review any changes that may have occurred. Many factors can change during the course of a long-distance move. For example, you may have added an extra service after your move-out date or the weight of your items may have been higher than originally expected during the initial estimate. If you have any concerns or feel that you may be paying more than expected, talk to your coordinator so they can go over the changes with you in detail.
Average Cost of a DIY Move
A “do-it-yourself” move might seem cheaper but it has its costs. For example, renting a moving truck can cost up to $100 a day. If you’re moving across the country and can’t return the truck to where you picked it up, expect to pay a hefty one-way fee that could be several hundred dollars. Also, additional equipment like furniture dollies and pads aren’t included and will cost extra.
Driving a large moving van especially across long distances is another consideration. If you’ve never driven such a large vehicle, it can be daunting and potentially unsafe especially if you’re not comfortable with its size and handling. Fuel is another big expense. A 26-foot truck might only get between 7 and 8 miles per gallon and since most use diesel, it’ll be pricier than regular fuel.
Another important cost is insurance. Unlike professional movers, a DIY move means you might not have coverage for damages. Accidents can happen, whether it’s another vehicle hitting your truck or items shifting inside. Professional movers generally have insurance to cover damages, giving you options for reimbursement at fair market value or full replacement cost. Remember, the peace of mind that comes with insured professional moving services can often outweigh the apparent savings of a DIY move.
Many people choose to rent portable storage containers for their DIY moves. Here’s how it works, a company drops off a container at your home, you fill it with your belongings and then they pick it up and deliver it to your new place. For local moves, the cost of renting one of these containers usually ranges from $400 to $700. If you’re moving long-distance, the price can jump significantly, from $900 up to more than $4,500, depending on how far you’re moving. Typically, the rental includes 30 days of storage.
These containers come in various sizes from 7 feet to 20 feet. If you have a lot of stuff, you might need more than one container which can increase your costs. Some companies offer a discount on additional containers but it’s still an added expense.
Does DIY Always Save Money?
At first glance, it’s easy to assume that a DIY move is the cheaper option. However, while you may be able to reduce costs, you’ll also be responsible for handling every part of the move yourself. This includes packing, loading, transporting, unloading and unpacking. A DIY move can be very labor-intensive and many people feel that the cost of hiring a long-distance moving company is well worth the investment.
Before deciding on a DIY move, we recommend getting an estimate for a full-service move using our long-distance moving price calculator. You may be surprised by how small the cost difference actually is between doing it yourself and hiring a professional moving company. In addition, a professional moving company provides convenient door-to-door service that takes care of the logistics for you, helping save time, effort and unnecessary stress.
Can You Negotiate Moving Rates?
Yes, in many cases, you can negotiate the cost of your move with your moving company. Most moving company offer discounts and special deals from time to time. Also, many will match or beat a competitor’s written quote if you show it to them. To find out how you might save money, talk to your sales consultant. Making small adjustments, such as moving on a different day or deciding not to take large items like a pool table, can sometimes lead to significant savings.
Are Long-Distance Estimates Fixed?
Yes, long-distance moving company estimates are fixed prices with STI Moving & Storage. Most customers receive a binding estimate which is a flat rate for the services provided. This flat rate is calculated after you request a quote and a move coordinator gathers the necessary information.
What Items Can’t Be Moved by Professional Movers?
When using a professional moving company, there are certain items you’ll need to handle on your own or leave out of the move. These include perishable foods, live plants and any hazardous or flammable materials such as paint and propane tanks. Explosive items like fireworks and extremely valuable things such as cash, fine jewelry and important financial documents also cannot be moved by professional movers.
To help ease the stress of moving, it’s helpful to have a clear understanding of your expected moving costs beforehand. You can use a moving cost calculator to get an estimate that includes potential extra charges for packing materials and boxes. This way, you can plan your budget and logistics more effectively.
Tips to Reduce Moving Costs & Stress
Moving can be both costly and stressful, so finding ways to cut down on expenses is always helpful. Here are a couple of strategies to consider:
Downsize Before You Relocate
Most long-distance moving companies charge based on the total weight of your belongings. One of the best ways to reduce costs and save money on your move is to downsize before relocating. Take time to go through your belongings and decide what to keep, throw away or donate.
Move During the Off-Season
The off-season for moving is typically from October through April. Planning your move during these months is one of the best ways to lower costs and save on the overall price of your move. Scheduling your relocation on a weekday instead of a weekend can also help reduce expenses.
Pack Yourself
Using professional packers saves time but can be expensive. Packing yourself not only saves money but also lets you handle your delicate or personal items more carefully. Just be sure to give yourself plenty of time to pack properly to avoid any damage that could end up costing you more.
Get Help from Friends & Family
Asking friends and family to help with the move especially with heavy furniture can significantly reduce your costs. But keep in mind that unlike professional movers, your helpers won’t be insured for damage. Any accidents causing breakages might not be covered, potentially leading to awkward situations or disputes. Make sure everyone involved understands this risk.
Start gathering boxes early from any deliveries you receive and ask friends, family or even your workplace if they have any spare boxes you can use. Just be sure to ask for permission before taking any boxes from your job.
Compare Moving Company Rates
If you decide that you need professionals to handle every step of your move, don’t settle for the first quote you receive. Comparing quotes from multiple long-distance moving companies could help you save a significant amount of money.
Hopefully, this article has provided you with some valuable insights and maybe even inspired a few ideas of your own. Good luck with your move!
Why Choose STI Moving & Storage?
STI Moving & Storage is one of the most reputable and trusted long-distance moving companies in the industry. Since 2004, we’ve been helping people relocate across America. Our team is here to support you through every stage of your next move while providing an affordable moving company estimate that fits your budget.
Frequently Asked Questions About Long-Distance Moving
Are you planning a long-distance move? Here are some of the most commonly asked moving questions, including average moving costs, to help you start budgeting for your upcoming expenses.
What is Considered a Long-Distance Move?
A long-distance move is any relocation that is more than 400 miles but less than 2,000 miles. Anything beyond 2,000 miles is typically considered a cross-country move.
How is the Cost of a Long-Distance Move Primarily Calculated?
The cost of a long-distance move mainly depends on the distance, the size of your home and the total weight of your belongings. Using a long-distance moving cost calculator is one of the best ways to estimate the unique costs associated with your move.
Are There Extra Fees I Should Be Aware Of (Like for Stairs or Shuttle Services)?
At STI Moving & Storage, the price we quote is the amount you can expect to pay for your long-distance relocation. You won’t have to worry about unexpected fees or unnecessary charges. All tools, supplies and equipment needed for your move are included in the estimate.
Should I Tip My Movers? How Much Is Customary?
Tipping your cross-country movers is highly encouraged. For a long-distance relocation, it’s common to tip your movers anywhere from $10 to $40.
How Far in Advance Should I Book My Long-Distance Movers?
It’s a good idea to get quotes from different long-distance moving companies at least two months before your move. This gives you enough time to compare prices and plan your move with the company you choose.
Is It Cheaper to Move During Certain Times of the Year or Week?
Yes, moving during the off-season is usually more affordable than moving during the busy season. The off-season is generally from October through April, while the peak moving season runs from April through September.
What Kind of Insurance or Valuation Coverage Does STI Offer?
STI Moving & Storage offers Basic Liability Coverage which covers up to $0.60 per pound per article. If you would like additional protection for your belongings, you can add Full Value Protection to your moving plan for an extra cost.
Can STI Moving & Storage Help With Packing and Unpacking?
Yes, our full-service moving services are designed to handle everything for you. We also offer self-packing assistance and can help with unpacking if that’s all you need. Let us know how we can help and we’ll create a customized moving plan that fits your needs.
Does STI Moving & Storage Offer Short-Term or Long-Term Storage?
Yes, short-term and long-term storage units are available in most major cities across the United States. Our facilities also include 24/7 surveillance systems and insurance protection is available if needed.
Why Choose STI Moving & Storage Over Other Long-Distance Moving Companies?
For more than 23 years, STI Moving & Storage has helped individuals, families and corporations relocate with confidence. Over the past 14 years, we have successfully completed more than 650,000 moves across the USA. With the experience and expertise of our team on your side, you can enjoy a smoother, less stressful relocation anywhere in the country.
Get Your Personalized Quote Now
Ready to start planning your next move? Try our online relocation cost calculator today and get a personalized quote for our moving services.