Moving guide
How much do long distance movers cost?
Most long distance moves cost between $1,800 and $16,000. Where you land depends on how much you own, how far you are going and what the movers have to deal with at each home. Here is how it breaks down.
Typical prices by home size
These ranges are for full service moves with loading, transport and unloading. They do not include packing services or storage.
| Home size | Cubic feet | About 1,000 miles | Coast to coast |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | 300 to 500 | $1,800 to $3,500 | $2,500 to $5,000 |
| 1 bedroom | 500 to 750 | $2,500 to $4,500 | $3,500 to $6,500 |
| 2 bedroom | 750 to 1,100 | $3,500 to $6,500 | $5,000 to $9,000 |
| 3 bedroom | 1,100 to 1,500 | $5,000 to $9,000 | $7,000 to $12,500 |
| 4+ bedroom | 1,500 and up | $7,000 to $12,000 | $9,500 to $16,000+ |
What drives the price
- How much you move. Every item takes truck space. A queen bed is about 60 cubic feet; a medium box is about 3.
- Distance. Longer moves cost more, but the price per mile drops as the distance grows.
- Access. Stairs, elevators, long walks from the door to the truck and tight streets that need a smaller shuttle truck all add time.
- Date. Summer, weekends and the end of the month are the busiest and most expensive times.
- Extras. Full packing, storage, specialty items such as pianos, and waiting time.
Watch out for low quotes
The most common moving complaint is a low quote over the phone that turns into a much bigger bill once your things are on the truck. A low number with no inventory behind it is a warning sign.
Ask for a binding estimate based on a full list of what you are moving. With TruMove, you build that list yourself by photographing rooms, saying what you own or picking from a catalog, and every mover's price is locked to it.
How to save money
- Sell or donate what you would not buy again.
- Move mid-month and midweek, outside of June through August if you can.
- Pack your own boxes and leave only furniture to the crew.
- Compare several licensed movers against the same inventory, so the prices are comparable.
Get your exact price
List your stuff and get one binding price in minutes. Nothing is charged when you book. A deposit is charged only after a carrier accepts your move.
Common questions
- How much do long distance movers cost?
- Most long distance moves cost between about $1,800 for a studio and $15,000 or more for a large home moving coast to coast. A typical two bedroom move of about 1,000 miles lands around $3,500 to $6,500.
- How are long distance moves priced?
- By how much space your belongings take up on the truck (cubic feet) or by weight, plus distance, access at each home (stairs, elevators, long carries) and any extras such as packing or storage.
- What is a binding estimate?
- A price that will not change as long as your inventory and services stay the same as what you listed. If you add items on move day, the price is recalculated at the same rates and you approve it first.
- How can I lower the cost?
- Move fewer things, be flexible on your move date, avoid the busy summer months and month ends, and pack boxes yourself.