Moving Cost Estimator

Estimate your moving expenses

Last updated: January 2025

About This Tool

The moving cost estimator helps you budget for your upcoming move by calculating expenses based on distance, home size, and services needed. Understanding these costs upfront helps you plan and compare options between DIY and professional movers.

What is Moving Cost Estimator?

Moving costs include expenses for transporting your belongings from one home to another. This includes truck rental or professional movers, packing materials and services, insurance, storage if needed, and tips. Costs vary significantly based on distance, volume, and service level.

How It Works

Select your moving distance, home size, and whether you are doing a DIY move or hiring professionals. Add optional services like packing and storage. The calculator estimates total costs based on average pricing for each component.

Formula

Total Cost = Base Moving Cost + Packing + Storage + Insurance + Tips

500 miles

Long Distance Move

Estimated Total Cost

$3,720

Cost Breakdown

Labor$800
Transport$2,750
Insurance$50
Tip (15%)$120
Total$3,720

💡 Tips

  • • Get 3+ quotes from movers
  • • Mid-month moves are cheaper
  • • Declutter before moving

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When to Use This Calculator

  • 1When budgeting for an upcoming move
  • 2To compare DIY moving versus hiring professionals
  • 3When getting quotes to ensure they are reasonable
  • 4To decide how much stuff to move versus sell/donate
  • 5When planning a long-distance relocation

Pro Tips

  • •Get at least 3 quotes from professional movers
  • •Moving mid-week and mid-month is typically cheaper
  • •Declutter before moving to reduce volume and cost
  • •Book movers 4-6 weeks in advance for best availability
  • •Purchase moving insurance for valuable items

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • •Underestimating how much stuff you have
  • •Not accounting for packing supplies and time
  • •Hiring the cheapest mover without checking reviews
  • •Not getting binding estimates in writing
  • •Forgetting about tips for professional movers (15-20%)

Frequently Asked Questions

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