Hiring professional movers typically costs $879 to $2,543 or more for a local move, with a recent US average of about $1,692. A long-distance move averages about $4,401, but a large household, cross-country distance, packing service, storage, or difficult access can push the total much higher.
Quick Cost Table
| Move type | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Local professional move | $879-$2,543+ |
| Recent US local-move average | About $1,692 |
| Recent US long-distance average | About $4,401 |
| DIY move | Truck, fuel, supplies, insurance, and labor vary |
Average Moving Cost
Moving prices are shaped by two basic measurements: how much must be moved and how far it travels. Local movers often estimate the labor hours and crew size. Long-distance companies also consider shipment weight or volume, mileage, routing, and delivery timing.
Angi’s 2026 moving survey reported an average of $1,692 for a professional local move and $4,401 for a long-distance move. Those figures are useful planning benchmarks, not guaranteed quotes. A lightly furnished apartment with easy access can cost less, while a multi-bedroom home with stairs, packing, storage, or specialty items can cost considerably more.
Moving Cost By Type
| Service type | How pricing usually works | Common extras |
|---|---|---|
| Local movers | Crew size and labor time | Stairs, long carries, packing |
| Long-distance movers | Distance plus shipment size or weight | Storage, delivery window, valuation coverage |
| Moving container | Container size and transport distance | Monthly storage and permits |
| Rental truck | Truck size, mileage, time, and fuel | Insurance, equipment, tolls, return fees |
| Labor-only help | Hourly crew time | Minimum booking time and travel |
What Affects The Price?
- Distance: A move across town is priced differently from an interstate shipment.
- Home size: More furniture and boxes require more labor, truck space, and loading time.
- Access: Stairs, elevators, parking restrictions, and long walks between the truck and door can add time.
- Packing: Full packing, fragile-item preparation, and unpacking are usually separate services.
- Timing: Weekends, month-end dates, summer, and short-notice moves may cost more.
- Specialty items: Pianos, safes, artwork, large appliances, and oversized furniture need extra planning.
- Storage: Delayed delivery or temporary storage adds handling and monthly fees.
- Coverage: Basic carrier liability is not the same as full-value protection. Review the terms before choosing.
DIY Vs Professional Moving
A DIY move can cost less when the distance is short, the household is small, and capable helpers are available. Budget for the truck, fuel, mileage, tolls, moving blankets, a dolly, boxes, tape, insurance, food, and the cost of returning the truck.
Professional movers are often worth considering for a large household, a long-distance move, tight timing, stairs, or heavy and fragile belongings. Confirm that the company is properly licensed for the type of move and that the written estimate explains the inventory, services, delivery terms, and coverage.
Ways To Save Money
- Declutter before requesting quotes so you do not pay to move unwanted items.
- Request written estimates using the same inventory and service scope.
- Pack ordinary items yourself if time and physical ability allow.
- Ask whether a weekday or off-peak date costs less.
- Reserve loading space and elevators in advance to avoid delays.
- Keep valuables, documents, medication, and immediate essentials with you.
- Photograph valuable items and keep copies of the inventory and contract.
When It Is Worth Paying More
Paying more can make sense for a detailed binding or not-to-exceed estimate where available, an experienced crew, appropriate licensing and insurance, clear claims procedures, careful packing, or reliable delivery timing. The cheapest quote is not a bargain if important services are excluded or the inventory is understated.
FAQs
Is hiring movers worth the cost?
It can be worth the cost when professional labor reduces injury risk, protects valuable belongings, or makes a large or long-distance move manageable. For a small local move, labor-only help or a hybrid DIY approach may offer better value.
What is the cheapest way to move?
For a small local move, using your own vehicle or renting a truck and doing the packing and loading yourself is often the lowest-cost option. Compare the full cost, including fuel, mileage, equipment, insurance, and help.
Why do moving quotes vary so much?
Quotes can reflect different inventories, crew sizes, service levels, access assumptions, coverage, and delivery terms. Ask each company to price the same scope in writing.
How can I avoid moving scams?
Verify licensing for the type of move, review complaint history, avoid vague estimates, and do not sign incomplete documents. Be cautious when a company demands an unusually large deposit or gives a very low quote without reviewing the inventory.
Sources And Methodology
CostFAQ used Angi’s July 2026 moving survey for current US local and long-distance benchmarks and reviewed MoveAdvisor’s 2026 ranges as a secondary reasonableness check. Prices vary by distance, inventory, access, timing, services, and location. Sources: https://www.angi.com/articles/moving-trends.htm and https://moveadvisor.us/move-costs
Short Summary
Professional local movers commonly cost $879 to $2,543 or more, with a recent average near $1,692. Long-distance moves average about $4,401. Distance, household size, access, packing, timing, storage, and specialty items create most of the price difference.