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Local Moving Costs
Local movers (moves under 50-100 miles) typically bill hourly per mover, not a flat rate. Rates run $25-$90 per mover per hour depending on your market — with a typical 3-4 bedroom home requiring 4+ movers and around 8 hours, putting a full local move commonly in the $1,500-$3,000+ range. Most quotes include a 2-4 hour minimum and a travel fee (often one additional hour) to cover the crew's drive to and from your locations.
Interstate & Long-Distance Costs
Once you cross 100 miles or a state line, pricing shifts from hourly to a model based on weight and distance. Real sample data from 2026 interstate moves:
| Distance | 1-2 Bedroom | 3-4 Bedroom |
|---|---|---|
| Short interstate (100-250 mi) | $600–$2,400 | $1,300–$4,000 |
| Mid-range (250-500 mi) | $900–$3,650 | $1,600–$5,250 |
| Long-distance (500-1,000 mi) | $1,650–$6,150 | $2,350–$7,750 |
| Cross-country (1,000-2,500+ mi) | $3,150–$13,650+ | $3,850–$15,250+ |
For context, a well-documented 960-mile interstate move (a common benchmark route) runs $6,277 for standard service and $9,061 for full-service (including packing/unpacking) based on 2026 sample quotes.
Top-Rated Movers, Compared
What Actually Drives Your Cost
- Total weight, not just distance — interstate movers typically charge $0.50-$0.80 per pound, so every item you declutter before moving directly reduces your bill.
- Season and timing — summer (May-September) and weekends are peak season with the highest prices and lowest availability. Booking October-April, midweek, can reduce costs 15-25%.
- Full-service add-ons — packing, unpacking, and furniture assembly can add 30-45% to a standard move's cost.
- Accessorial fees — long carries, stairs, elevators, and hoisting large items all commonly trigger additional charges not included in a base estimate.
The Biggest Mistake Movers Make
Choosing based on the lowest quote alone, without verifying FMCSA licensing, reading the bill of lading, or confirming whether the estimate is binding or non-binding. A non-binding estimate can legally increase on moving day; a binding estimate locks in the price upfront. Any mover crossing state lines must be registered with the U.S. Department of Transportation and its Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) — verifying this registration before booking is one of the simplest ways to avoid a rogue or unlicensed operator.
Frequently Asked Questions
A binding estimate locks in your final price regardless of actual weight or time, as long as your inventory doesn't change. A non-binding estimate is just that — an estimate — and the final bill can legally come in higher based on actual weight and hours.
4-8 weeks ahead is standard, especially during peak summer season when availability tightens significantly. Booking last-minute often means fewer choices and higher prices.
Often significantly — a cross-country DIY truck rental move typically runs $1,500-$3,500 versus $10,000+ for a full-service move on the same route, though you take on all the labor and driving yourself.