Moving Cost Calculator
How much will your move actually cost? Enter your home size, distance, and service level — compare DIY, hybrid, and full-service options side by side in seconds. Updated with 2026 rates.
Studio 0 · 1BR 1 · 2BR 2 · 3BR 3 · 4BR 4. Estimate weight auto-updates below.
Rule of thumb: ~1,000 lbs per room. Studio ~2,200 lbs · 2BR ~5,000 · 3BR ~8,500 · 4BR ~14,000.
Local <100 mi · Mid-distance 100-1,000 mi · Long-distance 1,000+ mi
Typical: studio $80 · 1BR $150 · 2BR $250 · 3BR $350 · 4BR $400+ for boxes, tape, bubble wrap, wardrobe boxes.
📦 Estimated Total
$—
— typical range
DIY Truck Rental
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You pack + load + drive
Hybrid Move
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You pack, pros drive
Full Service
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Pros do everything
💡 What this means
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📦 Get the right moving supplies for less
📦 See top-rated moving box kits on Amazon →📌 5 Ways to Cut Your Moving Cost
- ✓ Declutter before you move. Every pound costs $0.50-$0.70 for long-distance moves. Donate, sell, or trash 20% of your stuff and save $200-$1,000 depending on shipment size. Garage sales, Facebook Marketplace, and Habitat for Humanity ReStore take furniture for free.
- ✓ Move mid-week, mid-month. Movers charge 20-30% less for Tuesday-Thursday moves vs the end of the month. First week of the month is cheapest. Avoid June-August peak season when rates are 30-40% higher.
- ✓ Get 3+ written quotes. The cheapest quote is rarely the best — check Yelp, BBB, and FMCSA (USDOT number for interstate). Watch for "binding" vs "non-binding" estimates: non-binding can balloon 30-50% on moving day.
- ✓ Do your own packing. Packing services add 20-30% to a full-service move. Buy boxes from Home Depot/Lowe's at ~50% less than what movers charge. Use towels, sheets, and clothing as free wrapping for fragile items.
- ✓ Claim the moving tax deduction. If you moved 40+ miles for a new job or self-employment, active-duty military moves, or a job-loss relocation, you may deduct storage, transport, lodging, and packing costs (check IRS Pub 521 / Canada Revenue Agency moving expenses).
Disclaimer: This calculator provides moving cost estimates for planning purposes only. Actual quotes vary by company, season, accessibility (stairs, elevators, long carries), bulky items (pianos, safes, pool tables), distance surcharges, fuel costs, and regional labor rates. Always get written, binding estimates from at least 3 licensed movers before booking. Interstate movers in the US must have a USDOT number; verify at protectyourmove.gov.
Related Tools
Moving is a major life expense. These calculators help you budget the full picture — from buying vs renting at your new place to managing debt and savings during a transition.
- Rent vs Buy Calculator — moving is the perfect time to re-evaluate whether renting or buying makes more sense at your destination.
- What Rent Can I Afford? — figure out your rental budget at the new location before signing a lease.
- How Much House Can I Afford? — if you're moving to buy, set your budget first so the move pays off.
- 50/30/20 Budget Calculator — slot moving costs into a complete household budget at your new location.
- Debt Payoff Calculator — relocation is expensive. Plan how the moving cost fits into existing debt payoff.