Moving Cost Calculator

Estimate what your move will cost with professional movers (local hourly or long distance by weight), a rental truck you drive yourself, packing help, stairs and insurance, shown side by side as a low-to-high range. Example: a 2-bedroom local move of about 5,000 lb at a $150 hourly crew rate comes to roughly $900 to $1,300 before tips.

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Home size

Distance (miles)

Local crew rate (2 movers and a truck, per hour)

Packing help

Stairs or no elevator at either home

Declared value of belongings (for insurance)

How to use the Moving Cost Calculator

Choose your home size and the move distance.
Set the hourly crew rate quoted in your area, and pick packing and stairs options.
Press Calculate to compare professional movers with a do-it-yourself truck.

Formula and method

Local move = crew rate x (weight / 1,000 x 1.05 + drive time). Long distance = weight x per-pound rate for the mileage band + fees. DIY = truck rental x days + mileage + fuel. A range of about -15% to +25% reflects real-world variation.

Typical weight by home size

Home	Weight (lb)	Typical rooms of boxes
Studio	1,500	2
1 bedroom	3,000	4
2 bedrooms	5,000	6
3 bedrooms	8,000	9
4 bedrooms	10,000	11

Ways to save on a move

Move mid-month and mid-week, declutter before you get quotes, pack yourself, compare three binding quotes, and book at least 4 to 8 weeks ahead.

Local versus long-distance pricing

Type	How it is priced	Typical use
Local (under 50 miles)	Hourly crew rate, 2 hour minimum	Within a metro area
Long distance	Weight and mileage	Cross-state or cross-country
Container	Flat quote by container size	Flexible timing

Questions to ask a mover

Ask whether the quote is binding, what insurance is included, how stairs, long carries and heavy items are charged, and whether the company is licensed with the FMCSA for interstate moves.

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to move a 2-bedroom apartment?

Roughly $900 to $1,300 locally and several thousand dollars long distance, depending on the distance.

Is it cheaper to rent a truck?

Usually yes in cash, but you pay with your time and risk.

When is moving most expensive?

Summer, weekends and the end of the month.

Are tips included?

No. Plan $20 to $50 per mover.

What is a binding estimate?

A quote that cannot rise above the agreed price for the listed goods.

How do I check a mover is legitimate?

Verify their USDOT number on the FMCSA website for interstate moves.

Sources

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Effortless Math Team

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