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Moving Cost Calculator
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Move Type
Same City
Different City
Different State
Home Size
Studio
1 Bedroom
2 Bedroom
3 Bedroom
4 Bedroom
5+ Bedroom
Distance (miles)
5 mi
3,000 mi
Moving Season
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Spring (Mar-May)
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Fall (Sep-Nov)
+10% seasonal surcharge applied
Need temporary storage?
Side-by-Side Comparison
Copy Results
Cost Item
DIY
Hybrid
Full-Service
Base / Truck
$80
$400
$1,063
Labor
$0
$480
$750
Packing Materials
$75
$75
$180
Insurance
$50
$100
$150
Fuel
$88
$0
$0
Estimated Range
$273 - $386
$986 - $1,451
$2,121 - $3,064
DIY
Rent a truck, pack and drive yourself
$330
avg estimate
Most Affordable
Pros:
+ Cheapest option
+ Full control over timeline
+ No strangers handling belongings
Cons:
- Most physical effort
- Risk of injury
- Time-consuming
- Truck driving stress
Hybrid
You pack, professionals load and transport
$1,219
avg estimate
Pros:
+ Save on packing costs
+ Professionals handle heavy lifting
+ No truck driving
Cons:
- Still need to pack everything
- Less flexible scheduling
- Moderate cost
Full-Service
Professionals handle everything
$2,592
avg estimate
Pros:
+ Least effort required
+ Professional packing reduces damage
+ Insurance included
+ Fastest option
Cons:
- Most expensive
- Less control over handling
- Need to schedule in advance
Tipping Guide
Per Mover
$30
Movers Needed
3
Total Tip
$90
Based on estimated 5-hour job. Tip 15-20% of total cost or $5-10/mover/hour for exceptional service.
Moving Timeline Checklist
8 weeks before
Research moving companies and get quotes
Create a moving budget
Start decluttering and donating unused items
Notify landlord if renting
4 weeks before
Book movers or reserve truck rental
Start packing non-essentials
Change address with USPS and update accounts
Transfer utilities to new address
2 weeks before
Pack most rooms, label all boxes clearly
Confirm moving company reservation
Arrange pet/child care for moving day
Prepare an essentials box (meds, docs, chargers)
1 week before
Finish packing remaining items
Defrost and clean refrigerator
Disassemble furniture as needed
Confirm arrival time with movers
Moving day
Do final walkthrough of old home
Supervise loading and check inventory
Take photos of empty rooms for deposit
Hand over keys