How Much Does Moving Really Cost in 2026?

When I moved from Chicago to Austin last year, I made a rookie mistake: I called one moving company, got a quote for $3,200, and thought "well, that's what moving costs." Turns out, I overpaid by about $800. Ouch.

The thing is, moving costs vary wildly based on distance, home size, time of year, and about fifty other factors. Understanding these costs upfront helps you budget accurately and avoid surprises on moving day.

The Quick Answer: Average Moving Costs in 2026

If you just want the numbers, here's what most people pay:

But these are just averages. Your actual cost depends on several key factors.

What Determines Your Moving Cost?

1. Distance

This is the biggest factor. Local moves are charged hourly ($100-150/hour for a crew), while long-distance moves are priced per pound and per mile.

Local moves (under 50 miles): Usually 2-8 hours of labor at $100-150/hour, so $400-$1,200 for labor alone.

Long-distance moves: Typically $0.50-$1.00 per pound per 1,000 miles. A 2-bedroom apartment averages 5,000 lbs, so a 1,000-mile move costs $2,500-$5,000 just for transport.

Use our moving cost calculator to get specific estimates between cities.

2. Home Size

More stuff = more money. Simple as that.

3. Time of Year

Here's something that shocked me: moving in summer can cost 30-50% MORE than moving in winter. No joke.

Peak season (May-September): Everyone moves in summer. Kids are out of school, weather is nice, leases end. Movers charge premium rates.

Off-season (October-April): Way cheaper. I've seen quotes drop by $1,000+ just by moving in February instead of July.

Best times to move: Mid-week in January, February, October, or November. You can save 20-40% compared to peak times.

4. Packing Services

Professional packing is convenient but pricey:

• Full packing service: $500-$1,500 (they pack everything)
• Partial packing: $200-$600 (just kitchen, fragiles, or specific rooms)
• DIY packing: $50-$200 in supplies (boxes, tape, bubble wrap)

Essential Packing Supplies

If you're packing yourself, here's what you'll need:

Heavy-Duty Packing Tape

Don't cheap out on tape. You'll use way more than you think, and cheap tape fails when boxes are heavy.

Bubble Wrap & Packing Paper

For dishes, glassware, and anything fragile. Bubble wrap is essential for protecting valuables.

Moving Boxes (Various Sizes)

You'll need small boxes for heavy items (books), medium for most things, and large for light bulky items (pillows, linens).

Permanent Markers

Label EVERYTHING. Room, contents, fragile warnings. Buy a pack of 10+, you'll use them all.

Mattress Bags

Protect your mattress from dirt, tears, and bed bugs during the move (i.e. gross stuff!). Essential for any move.

Stretch Wrap

Wrap furniture drawers closed, bundle items together, protect upholstered furniture. More versatile than you'd think.

5. Extra Services

These add-ons can balloon your final bill:

• Stairs/elevator: $50-$100+ per flight
• Long carry: $50-$150 if the truck can't park close to your door
• Storage: $100-$300/month
• Furniture disassembly/assembly: $100-$300
• Appliance servicing: $150-$300 (disconnecting/reconnecting washer, dryer, etc.)
• Specialty items: $200-$500+ (piano, hot tub, pool table)

Hidden Costs People Forget

The actual moving company isn't your only expense. Here are costs people often overlook:

For a long-distance move, these "hidden" costs easily add another $1,000-$2,000 to your budget.

Cleaning Supplies for Move-Out

Getting your security deposit back requires a thorough clean. Here's what works:

What's Included vs. What Costs Extra

Typically Included:

• Loading your belongings onto the truck
• Transporting to destination
• Unloading at new location
• Basic furniture pads and dollies
• Basic liability coverage (very minimal)

Usually Costs Extra:

• Packing materials and services
• Long carry fees
• Stair fees
• Storage
• Full-value insurance
• Tipping the movers (15-20% or $20-$30/person)

DIY Moving: Is It Really Cheaper?

Renting a truck seems like an obvious money-saver. And it CAN be... but not always.

DIY Truck Rental Costs:

• Truck rental: $20-$100/day for local, $1,000-$3,000 for long-distance
• Mileage: $0.69-$0.99/mile (adds up fast!)
• Gas: $200-$800+ (trucks are gas guzzlers)
• Insurance: $15-$40/day
• Equipment rental: $50-$150 (dollies, furniture pads, straps)
• Pizza and beer for friends: $100-$200 (the real cost of "free" help)

Total DIY cost: $400-$2,000 depending on distance

Compare that to professional movers at $2,500-$5,000. You're saving money, but you're also doing ALL the work. Plus risking injury and your friendships.

Essential Equipment for DIY Moving

If you're going DIY, invest in the right tools to protect your back and your belongings:

Furniture Dolly

This saves your back more than anything else. Move heavy furniture and appliances without killing yourself. And they're helpful when moving furniture after the move too

Moving Blankets

Protect furniture from scratches and damage. Reusable and way cheaper than replacing damaged furniture.

Furniture Straps

Secure items in the truck and help lift heavy furniture using leverage instead of just brute strength.

Hand Truck

For moving boxes and smaller items up stairs or over long distances. Essential for apartments.

My take: DIY makes sense for local moves, small apartments, or if you're broke. For long-distance or anything bigger than a 2-bedroom, hire pros. Your back will thank you.

10 Ways to Save Money on Your Move

Ready to cut costs? Here's how:

1. Get 3+ quotes: Prices vary by $500-$1,500 between companies. Seriously, call around.
2. Move off-peak: Mid-week, mid-month, winter = 20-40% savings
3. Purge ruthlessly: Moving costs are based on weight/volume. Less stuff = less money.
4. Pack yourself: Save $500-$1,500 on packing services
5. Get free boxes: Liquor stores, grocery stores, Buy Nothing groups
6. Book early: Last-minute bookings cost more. Book 4-8 weeks out.
7. Be flexible with dates: Let movers know you can move within a range of dates for better rates
8. Ship books media mail: USPS media mail is dirt cheap for heavy books
9. Sell big furniture: Sometimes cheaper to sell and buy new than to move bulky items
10. Tax deduction: If you're moving for work (50+ miles), moving expenses might be deductible

Should You Get Moving Insurance?

Short answer: YES.

Basic liability coverage (included free) pays only $0.60 per pound. Your $2,000 TV weighs 50 lbs, so you'd get $30 if it breaks. Not helpful.

Full-value protection costs 1-2% of your belongings' value. For a $30,000 worth of stuff, that's $300-$600. Expensive? Yes. Worth it? Absolutely if you have nice things.

I skipped it once. Movers broke my grandmother's china cabinet. Got $120 under basic coverage. Cabinet was worth $800. Learn from my mistake.

How to Get Accurate Quotes

Don't let companies lowball you with phone quotes, then jack up prices on moving day. Here's how to get accurate estimates:

1. Request in-home estimates: The best companies will visit and see your stuff in person
2. Show them EVERYTHING: Don't hide the garage, attic, or storage unit
3. Ask about binding vs. non-binding quotes: Binding quotes lock in the price. Non-binding can change.
4. Get it in writing: Verbal quotes mean nothing
5. Read reviews: Check Google, Yelp, BBB for horror stories
6. Verify licensing: Interstate movers need USDOT numbers. Check them at fmcsa.dot.gov

Red Flags to Watch For

Some moving companies are scams. Seriously. Watch for these warning signs:

• ❌ No physical address, only P.O. box
• ❌ Demands large deposit upfront (over 20%)
• ❌ No license/insurance info
• ❌ Quote way lower than everyone else
• ❌ Shows up in unmarked truck/rental van
• ❌ Changes quote dramatically on moving day
• ❌ Asks for cash only
• ❌ Poor reviews or no online presence

If you see these red flags, RUN. Plenty of legitimate movers out there.

Sample Moving Budget

Here's what a realistic budget looks like for a 2-bedroom apartment moving 1,000 miles:

That's a realistic number. Budget at least this much and you won't be caught off guard.

Final Thoughts

Moving is expensive, but it doesn't have to be financially devastating. The key is planning ahead, getting multiple quotes, being strategic about timing, and understanding what you're actually paying for.

Will you save money by packing yourself? Absolutely. By moving in February instead of July? For sure. By purging stuff you don't need? Definitely.

But don't be penny-wise and pound-foolish. Skipping insurance or hiring the cheapest company can cost you way more in the long run. Find the balance between saving money and not making yourself miserable.

And remember: moving costs are temporary, but breaking your back or losing your stuff lasts forever. Sometimes paying a bit more is worth it.