Planning ranges by size and distance
| Home | 800 mi | 1,200 mi | 1,600 mi | 2,000 mi | 2,400 mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1.1k to $1.8k | $1.1k to $1.8k | $1.3k to $2.0k | $1.4k to $2.3k | $1.6k to $2.5k |
| 1 bedroom | $1.4k to $2.3k | $1.6k to $2.6k | $1.9k to $3.0k | $2.1k to $3.4k | $2.3k to $3.7k |
| 2 bedroom | $2.6k to $4.3k | $3.0k to $4.9k | $3.5k to $5.5k | $3.9k to $6.2k | $4.3k to $6.8k |
| 3 bedroom | $4.1k to $6.6k | $4.8k to $7.5k | $5.3k to $8.6k | $6.0k to $9.5k | $6.5k to $10.5k |
| 4 bedroom | $5.8k to $9.3k | $6.7k to $10.7k | $7.5k to $12.1k | $8.4k to $13.4k | $9.3k to $14.8k |
These are planning figures for typical homes, without packing or storage. They aren't quotes, and your estimate will be based on your actual inventory.
How your bill is built
Linehaul
This is the main transport charge, based on weight and miles. Longer moves cost less per mile, but more overall.
Access charges
Stairs, long carries, elevators and shuttle trucks. Federal rules expect these to be settled before you sign the bill of lading, and if not, the mover must deliver your goods and bill you for those services later.
Packing and materials
Fragile-only packing adds about 6% in our planning figures, and a full pack about 18%.
Storage
Short-term storage adds about $0.12 to $0.22 per pound for 30 days in our planning figures.
Valuation
Released value at 60 cents per pound per article costs nothing extra but pays little. Full Value Protection costs more and pays much more. See valuation coverage.
What makes one move cost more than another
| Factor | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Weight | Each pound travels the whole route |
| Distance | Sets the rate per pound |
| Season | Summer and month-end demand is higher |
| Access | Stairs and shuttles add labor |
| Truck type | A dedicated truck usually costs more |
| Destination | Lines with less return demand can price differently |
How to lower the price
- Reduce weight before your survey: books, tools, old furniture, basement storage.
- Move outside peak dates. Mid-month and off-summer dates give more choice.
- Pack what you can. Leave only fragile items to the crew.
- Compare on the same inventory. A low estimate based on a guess can end up costing more.
Warning signs in a low quote
- A firm price with no survey or inventory.
- A large deposit, particularly by cash or wire.
- An estimate based on cubic feet with no clear explanation.
- No U.S. DOT number, or a company name that doesn't match the record.
See moving scams for more.