How Much Do Movers Cost? A Realistic Breakdown for Every Move

Couple stressed while calculating bills and moving expenses, wondering how much do movers cost during their relocation.

Thinking about moving and wondering how much do movers cost? You’re definitely not alone! With moving costs hitting an average of $3,020 in 2025, figuring out your budget has become super important. Whether you’re moving down the street or across the country, costs can change a lot depending on what you need.

We’re going to walk you through everything you need to know about moving costs. From local moves to out-of-state relocations, we’ll help you understand the real prices and avoid any nasty surprises. Plus, we’ll share some great tips to save money on your next move.

Local Moving Costs Made Simple

Local moves are moves within 100 miles or staying in the same state. They work differently than long-distance moves when it comes to pricing. Right now, hiring local movers costs about $1,714 on average, but your price could be quite different.

Most local moving companies charge by the hour. You’ll pay around $80 per hour for each mover, but this changes based on where you live and how busy the company is.

What Makes Local Moving Prices Go Up or Down

The size of your place makes a big difference in what you’ll pay. Here’s what to expect:

Studio or 1-bedroom: $882 to $1,500
2-bedroom place: $1,200 to $2,000
3-bedroom home: $1,500 to $2,500
4+ bedrooms: $2,000 to $3,000+

Other things that change your cost include:

How long it takes: Since you pay by the hour, anything that makes your move take longer costs more money. This includes packing last-minute items, taking apart furniture, and dealing with stairs or elevators.

Hard-to-reach places: Most moving companies charge extra fees if they have to use elevators or carry your stuff up and down lots of stairs. They also charge more if it’s a long walk from your home to the moving truck.

When you move: Most people move from April to September, making summer moves way more expensive. If you can move between October and March, you’ll save a lot of money.

Long-Distance and Out-of-State Moving Costs

When you’re asking how much do movers cost for long-distance moves, everything changes. Long-distance moves cost between $2,200 to $16,900, with most people paying somewhere between $4,000 to $8,000.

Average Cost to Move Out of State

The average cost to move out of state really depends on how far you’re going and how much stuff you have. Most people pay around $4,300, but here’s how it breaks down:

By how far you’re moving:

Under 1,000 miles: $2,000 to $5,000
1,000+ miles: $4,000 to $8,000+
Coast to coast: $6,000 to $15,000+

By home size for moving to another state:

1-bedroom: $2,363 to $4,930
2-bedroom: $3,500 to $6,000
3-bedroom: $5,000 to $8,000
4-bedroom: $4,208 to $8,100

How Companies Figure Out Long-Distance Moving Costs

Unlike local moves where you pay by the hour, long-distance moves are priced by how much your stuff weighs and how far you’re going. Moving companies charge between 50 cents to 80 cents per pound.

Here’s how the weighing works: They weigh the moving truck when it’s empty, then weigh it again after loading all your stuff. The difference tells them how much your belongings weigh, and that number plus the distance gives you your final price.

The American Moving and Storage Association says moving a 2-3 bedroom home locally costs around $2,300. Moving that same amount of stuff more than 1,000 miles costs around $4,300. These numbers are based on about 7,400 pounds of stuff.

Different Types of Moving Services and What They Cost

Understanding your options helps you figure out how much do movers cost for different levels of help.

Full-Service Moving

Full-service moves give you the most help but cost the most money. These complete packages usually include:

Professional packing and unpacking
Taking apart and putting together furniture
Loading and unloading everything
Driving to your new place
Basic moving insurance

Full-service moves cost about $9,060 on average, but can range from $3,000 to $15,000+ depending on distance and home size.

If you want to learn more about exactly what’s included in these comprehensive packages, our detailed guide on what is full service moving breaks down every service component. Full-service moves cost about $9,060 on average, but can range from $3,000 to $15,000+ depending on distance and home size.

Do-It-Yourself Options

If you want to save money, these options help you do more of the work yourself:

Moving containers (like PODS): For local moves, these cost around $400 to $700 for one container. For moves to other states, expect to pay $900 to $4,500 or more.

Renting a truck: Local truck rentals cost $30 to $500, depending on truck size and how long you need it. For long-distance moves, plan on $1,500 to $4,000 including gas and mileage fees.

Labor-Only Help

Some companies will just provide the workers while you handle the truck. This middle-ground option typically costs $80 to $120 per hour for two people, giving you professional help without the full-service price.

Extra Moving Costs You Might Forget About

When planning your moving budget, don’t forget about these costs. However, there are often unexpected moving costs that can catch you off guard beyond the standard extras we’ll cover here:

Packing Services

Having movers pack for you costs $900 to $1,500 on average. The price depends on how much stuff you have. Packing a one-bedroom apartment runs $250 to $500, while a three-bedroom home costs $1,000 to $1,800.

Moving Special Items

Some things need extra care and cost more to move:

Heavy or Delicate Items

Pianos: $250 to $600 depending on type and distance
Pool tables: $300 to $800 for taking apart, moving, and setting up
Safes: $200 to $600 based on weight and how hard they are to move
Hot tubs: $500 to $1,500 including disconnecting and reconnecting

Moving Insurance

Moving companies charge 1% to 2% of what your stuff is worth for insurance. While basic coverage comes with your move, full coverage protects expensive items better.

Storage Costs

If you can’t move into your new place right away, you’ll need temporary storage. This usually costs $50 to $300 per month depending on how much space you need.

What’s Making Moving More Expensive in 2025

Several things are making moves cost more this year, so it’s really important to understand what’s happening.

Not Enough Workers

67% of moving companies don’t have enough drivers, which means they have to pay workers more. About 62% of moving companies say rising costs (like paying workers, buying gas, fixing trucks) are their biggest problem in 2025.

Gas Prices Going Up

Higher gas prices directly affect moving costs, especially for long-distance moves. Companies add fuel charges that go up and down with gas prices, making it harder to predict your final cost.

Economic Pressure

People are being more careful with money in 2025, so moving companies have to balance keeping prices fair with providing good service. While this creates competition on pricing, good companies keep their rates steady by focusing on quality and reliability.

Smart Ways to Save Money on Your Move

Knowing how much do movers cost is just the start – using these money-saving tricks can really cut down your moving bill.

Timing Your Move Right

Move during slow seasons: Moving between October and April usually costs less than moving from April to September when everyone else is moving.

Moving between October and April usually costs less than moving from April to September when everyone else is moving. For a comprehensive breakdown of seasonal pricing and the optimal months to relocate, check out our guide on when is the best time to move.

Pick weekdays: Weekend moves typically cost 20-30% more than moving Tuesday through Thursday.

Getting Rid of Stuff Before You Move

Since long-distance moves are priced by weight, getting rid of things before your move saves money right away. Think about:

Selling or giving away furniture that costs more to move than replace
Using up food and cleaning supplies before moving
Scanning important documents instead of moving boxes of paper

Getting Multiple Price Quotes

Get quotes from at least three different moving companies to compare prices. Remember, only about 41% of people pay exactly what their estimate said, meaning most people see their price change.

Doing Some of the Work Yourself

Think about handling some parts while hiring professionals for others:

Mix and Match Services

Pack everyday items yourself but have movers handle breakable stuff
Take apart simple furniture to save on labor time
Handle your own utility shut-offs and turn-ons

Avoiding Moving Scams and Bad Companies

Since moving costs so much money, protecting yourself from scams is really important. Unfortunately, moving scams are more common than you might think. The pandemic actually made things worse – scam rates jumped up because more people were online and making quick decisions under stress.

Major Red Flags to Watch Out For

Here are the biggest warning signs that a moving company might be trying to scam you:

Prices that seem too good: If a quote seems way too cheap compared to others, it probably is. Real companies have actual costs they need to cover – trucks, gas, insurance, paying workers. If someone’s price is half of everyone else’s, they’re probably planning to hit you with surprise charges later or do a terrible job.

Wanting lots of money upfront: Good movers usually don’t ask for big payments before they move you. Most legitimate companies ask for a small deposit (maybe 10-20% of the total) or nothing at all until moving day. Be really careful of companies that want 50% or more up front, especially if they want cash or wire transfers.

Showing up at your door uninvited: Real moving companies don’t usually send people to your house without you asking them to come. Door-to-door sales people claiming to be movers are almost always scammers. Legitimate companies wait for you to contact them.

No real address or phone number: Make sure the moving company has a real business address and working phone number. If they only give you a P.O. Box or only communicate through email, that’s a big red flag.

More Warning Signs of Moving Scams

They won’t do an in-home estimate: For any significant move, good companies want to see what they’re moving. They’ll either come to your house or do a detailed video call. Companies that give quotes just based on a quick phone call are often planning to charge you way more on moving day.

No written estimate: Everything should be in writing. If they only give you verbal quotes or refuse to put anything on paper, walk away. You need written documentation to protect yourself.

Trucks with no company name: When movers show up, their truck should have the company name clearly displayed. Unmarked trucks or trucks with a different company name than who you hired are major warning signs.

Demanding cash only: While some companies offer cash discounts, be suspicious of movers who only accept cash or insist on immediate payment. This makes it impossible to stop payment if something goes wrong.

How Moving Scams Actually Work

Understanding how these scams operate helps you spot them better:

The Lowball Estimate Scam

Scammers give you an incredibly low estimate to win your business. Then on moving day, they claim your stuff weighs way more than expected or needs special handling. They hold your belongings hostage until you pay the much higher price.

The Hostage Scam

This is the worst one. After loading your stuff, scammers demand much more money than agreed upon. They won’t deliver your belongings until you pay. Since they have all your stuff, you feel trapped into paying whatever they ask.

The Bait and Switch

The company you hired sends a completely different crew with different prices. They claim the original company couldn’t make it and try to charge you new, higher rates.

The Disappearing Act

After taking your money and belongings, the company simply disappears. Your stuff might never show up, or it arrives damaged with no way to get compensation.

Questions to Ask Any Moving Company

Before hiring any mover, ask these important questions:

Are you licensed and insured?

For local moves: Ask for their state license number
For interstate moves: Ask for their USDOT number and FMCSA registration

Can you provide recent references?

Ask for at least 3-5 recent customers you can contact
Good companies are proud to share customer experiences

What’s your claims process?

How do they handle damaged or lost items?
What documentation do you need?
How long does the process take?

What’s included in your estimate?

Get a detailed breakdown of all charges
Ask about potential extra fees
Understand what could change the price

How long have you been in business?

Look for companies with several years of experience
Ask about their track record and reputation

How to Verify a Moving Company is Legitimate

Here’s exactly how to check if a moving company is real and trustworthy:

Check Their Licenses

For local moves: Contact your state’s moving association or consumer protection agency to verify their license.

For interstate moves: Use the FMCSA website to look up their USDOT number. Every legitimate interstate mover must have one.

Look Up Their Insurance

Ask for proof of insurance and verify it with the insurance company. Make sure their coverage is current and adequate.

Check Online Reviews and Ratings

Look them up on Better Business Bureau
Check Google reviews, but read them carefully
Look for patterns in complaints
Check multiple review sites, not just one

Verify Their Physical Location

Drive by their business address if possible. Make sure it’s a real office or warehouse, not just a mailbox or empty lot.

What Good Moving Companies Do Differently

Legitimate moving companies have certain practices that set them apart:

Professional Estimates

They ask detailed questions about your move
They want to see what they’re moving (in person or video)
They provide written estimates with clear terms
They explain all potential charges upfront

Clear Communication

They answer your questions promptly and thoroughly
They provide multiple ways to contact them
They follow up appropriately without being pushy
They explain their process clearly

Proper Documentation

They provide written contracts and estimates
They have proper licenses and insurance
They give you copies of all important documents
They explain your rights as a customer

Professional Appearance

Their trucks are clearly marked with company information
Workers wear uniforms or company shirts
They have proper equipment and supplies
They act professionally throughout the process

What to Do If You Think You’re Being Scammed

If you suspect you’re dealing with a moving scam, here’s what to do:

Before Moving Day

Stop all communication with the company
Don’t give them any more money
Find a different, legitimate moving company
Report them to your state’s consumer protection agency

On Moving Day

Don’t let them load your stuff if something seems wrong
Take photos of everything before they touch it
Don’t sign anything you haven’t read carefully
Don’t pay more than what was agreed upon in writing

After Problems Occur

Document everything with photos and written records
Contact your state’s consumer protection agency
File a complaint with the Better Business Bureau
For interstate moves, contact the FMCSA
Consider contacting a lawyer if you’ve lost valuable items

Common Questions About Moving Company Safety

How much deposit should I expect to pay? Most legitimate companies ask for 0-20% as a deposit. Anything over 25% should make you suspicious, and never pay 50% or more upfront.

Is it normal for the price to change on moving day? Small changes can happen if you have more stuff than estimated, but major price increases (double or triple) are usually scams. Everything should be explained and justified.

What if the company asks me to sign blank paperwork? Never sign blank contracts or papers. Everything should be filled out completely before you sign. Blank papers let scammers add whatever charges they want later.

Should I pay in cash? While some companies offer cash discounts, paying by check or credit card gives you more protection. If you do pay cash, get detailed receipts for everything.

What if my stuff doesn’t arrive when promised? Delays can happen, but good companies communicate with you about problems. If a company goes silent and won’t return your calls, that’s a major red flag.

Your Rights as a Moving Customer

Understanding your rights helps protect you from scams:

For Interstate Moves

You have the right to a written estimate
You can’t be charged more than 110% of a non-binding estimate at delivery
You have the right to be present when your shipment is weighed
You have up to 9 months to file damage claims

For Local Moves

Rights vary by state, but generally include:

Written contracts and estimates
Fair pricing practices
Proper licensing and insurance
Reasonable claims processes

Building a Protection Plan

Here’s how to protect yourself throughout the moving process:

Before Hiring

Get at least 3 written estimates
Verify licenses and insurance
Check references and online reviews
Read all contracts carefully

During the Move

Be present for loading and unloading
Take photos of valuable items
Keep all paperwork organized
Don’t pay final payment until everything is delivered satisfactorily

After the Move

Inspect your belongings carefully
Document any damage immediately
Keep all moving-related paperwork
Leave honest reviews to help other customers

Remember, a little extra time spent checking out your moving company can save you thousands of dollars and tons of stress. Good movers want you to feel confident in your choice, so they’ll be happy to answer all your questions and provide proof of their legitimacy.

Moving Costs in Different Parts of the Country

Moving costs change a lot depending on where you live. Some places cost more because lots of people want to move there or it’s harder to operate.

Expensive Moving Areas

Big cities usually have higher moving costs:

Major Metropolitan Areas

New York City area: 15-25% more than average
San Francisco Bay Area: 20-30% higher prices
Washington D.C. area: 10-20% above average
Los Angeles area: 15-25% more expensive

Cheaper Moving Areas

Some places have better deals on moving:

Midwest cities: Often 10-15% less than the national average
Southeastern areas: Competitive prices because there are lots of companies
Smaller cities: Lower costs because companies don’t pay as much to operate

Why Prices Are Different in Different Places

Several things make moving costs different from place to place:

What workers get paid: Areas where people earn more money see higher moving prices.

How many companies there are: Places with lots of moving companies usually have better prices because they compete with each other.

How hard it is to operate: Cities with bad parking, lots of traffic, or strict building rules often charge higher fees.

Planning Your Moving Budget

Making a realistic moving budget means understanding all the costs and saving some extra money for surprises.

Main Budget Categories

Basic moving services: 60-70% of your budget should go to the main moving services (workers, truck, transportation).

Extra services: 15-25% for packing, special items, and additional help.

Emergency fund: Save 10-15% for unexpected costs, delays, or extra services you didn’t plan for.

Travel costs: For long-distance moves, budget for hotels, food, and gas money.

When to Plan Your Budget

Moving Budget Timeline

8 weeks before: Start getting quotes and figuring out your price range.

6 weeks before: Pick your moving company and confirm your price.

4 weeks before: Add any extra services you need and adjust your budget.

2 weeks before: Double-check everything and get ready for any last-minute changes.

Working with Professional Moving Companies

Picking the right moving company is about more than just finding the cheapest price. Think about these things when making your choice:

Important Questions to Ask Moving Companies

What’s included in your price? Make sure you understand exactly what services are covered and what costs extra.

What happens if there are delays or problems? Know what the company will do if something unexpected happens.

What insurance do you offer? Understand what protection you have and how much it costs.

Can you give me references from recent customers? Good companies are happy to share what other customers say about them.

Understanding Your Moving Contract

Read everything in your contract carefully, especially:

Key Contract Terms

Fixed vs. flexible estimates: Fixed estimates guarantee your price, while flexible estimates can change.
When your stuff will arrive: Understand the delivery timeframe for your belongings.
What happens if things get damaged: Know what protection you have for broken or lost items.
When and how to pay: Understand when payment is due and what methods they accept.

Ready to Get Your Move Started?

Understanding how much do movers cost helps you make smart choices about your move. While moving can be expensive, doing your homework and planning ahead helps you find good services that fit your budget.

The trick to a great move is finding the right balance between cost and reliability. While picking the cheapest company might seem tempting, remember that your stuff represents years of memories and lots of money. Choosing an experienced, trustworthy moving company like U & Me Moving and Storage gives you peace of mind that comes with almost 100 years of experience in Southeast Florida.

Ready to get your move going? Contact U & Me Moving and Storage today for a complete, no-pressure quote. Our experienced team will give you a detailed cost breakdown that fits your specific needs, helping you plan and budget for a stress-free move.