Moving to a new home can be exciting yet nerve-wracking. As you pack your belongings, you’ll likely feel a range of emotions, one being stress. Hiring professionals will relieve pressure and take the weight off your shoulders. Many factors affect the cost of a move, so it’s best to get quotes from a few companies.

It’s difficult for movers to give an exact dollar amount, but giving them the right information can give them an idea of the total price you’ll be charged. Here’s a guide to give you at least an estimate of how to determine moving costs.

Factors That Affect Moving Costs

To figure out your moving costs, you must consider several factors. Determine what you need assistance with and what services a company offers. When you know how much help is required, you’ll get the best idea of how much your move will cost.

If you’re on a budget or want to save money, a DIY move will be your cheapest option. Instead of hiring movers, you can rent a truck and relocate without professional help.

Most moving companies charge based on the distance, the number of rooms, and the weight of items. If there’s a gap between the dates of leaving your old home and getting into your new one, you’ll need storage. You can have a company store your belongings, but keep in mind that this will raise the cost of your move.

A DIY Move vs. Hiring Movers

A do-it-yourself move is more labor-intensive but costs less than hiring professionals. A company makes a big difference but raises your relocation price. If you have a budget or financial burdens, self-moves dramatically reduce costs.

The cost difference between DIY and hiring movers varies where you’ll often get a rough estimate. You may think you don’t own much, then pack and see otherwise. When you decide on a DIY move, it still costs money.

If your new home is nearby, hiring a moving company costs an average of $1,250. For a long-distance relocation, based on 1,000 miles, an approximate price is $4,890. The calculations are for a two- to three-bedroom home with 7,500 pounds of items. Depending on the distance and size of the home, moving costs vary.

Gas prices affect a DIY move’s cost — whether you drive your own car, borrow one, or rent a truck. You also need to pay for supplies, equipment use, and labor costs for the relocation.

Moving pods are a newer trend that offer storage and transportation solutions. These containers cost less than hiring professionals. You load your belongings into the moving pod, which the company delivers to your new home. For long distances, containers cost approximately $2,000.

Distance

Long-distance moves cost more than local relocations, whether you hire a company or do it yourself.

Long-distance relocations are defined as moving over 50 miles. Local moves are considered to be within a 50-mile radius.

The cost of local moves is determined by the time it takes a company to transport your belongings. Long-distance relocations are charged based on the weight of your items.

 

Size of Home

The size of your home will be a major factor in your moving costs. You’ll get a quote based on the number of bedrooms and square footage.

How many movers you need varies based on the total bedrooms in the home. You need at least one or two professionals. For larger homes, a company may send five movers and charge by the weight of the items.

One or two movers for a one-bedroom apartment will be cheaper than five professionals relocating a five-bedroom home. Here are examples that include labor and distance:

  • 1 Bedroom: $300–$3,500
  • 2–3 Bedrooms: $750–$7,000
  • 4–5 Bedrooms: $1,350–$8,500+

Is Storage Needed?

If you’re downsizing to a smaller home, you’ll likely need a storage unit for a local or long-distance move. Storage unit prices depend on the size of the space, city location, and availability. Unit rentals can be as low as $40 and go up over $200 per month.

The cost goes up if you need climate-controlled storage or opt for insurance. Many companies charge a one-time fee, and you’ll need to pay state taxes, which aren’t included in the initial rates.

Moving Supplies

If you don’t already have some moving supplies on hand, you’ll have to factor them into the cost. Packing materials include bubble wrap, scissors, tape, boxes, paper, and other items. Buying new moving supplies can get expensive, costing anywhere between $1.02 to $2.03 per box.

To save on costs, use everyday household supplies to pack for your move. Towels and soft clothing can be used instead of bubble wrap. Suitcases, laundry baskets as well as shopping and garbage bags can replace boxes. You can protect furniture from scratches during the move with old blankets.

Ask friends, family, neighbors, and local businesses if they have spare boxes. Another eco-friendly option is renting containers from a moving company. One unavoidable supply cost is packing tape, which is needed to secure boxes and wrapping.

Rental Truck

You’ll likely need a rental truck or cargo trailer for a long-distance move. You can make multiple trips in your personal vehicle if you’re relocating locally. Rental trucks range in price from $20 to $80 per day.

You’ll have to pay for gas, sales tax, and other possible fees. Some companies charge for mileage and one-way rentals. Also, when you use supplies in a moving truck, like straps, a dolly, or a blanket, you’ll likely be charged.

Time of Move

Due to high demand, moving companies charge more during the spring and summer months. You’ll save the most on moving and storage prices if you can move during the winter.

When you schedule a moving truck keep in mind that weekends typically cost more. The beginning and end of each month is busier and may affect the price.

Determining Moving Costs

Knowing the factors involved helps in determining moving costs. You can choose to hire a company or do it yourself. You’ll need to buy supplies and possibly rent a truck for a DIY relocation. Prices vary based on the distance and time of the move, how many items you have, and whether or not you need storage.

Speak to a moving company to get the best idea of the costs and make an informed decision. You can get an accurate quote based on your needs, the number and weight of items, and the distance of the move.