
Moving to a new home can be an exciting but overwhelming experience, and one of the biggest concerns is often the cost of hiring a moving company.
The truth is, moving companies can be expensive, with prices ranging from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on the distance and weight of the move.
Factors such as the size of the move, the distance to be traveled, and the weight of the items being moved all play a significant role in determining the final cost.
For example, a local move with minimal items may cost as little as $200-$300, while a long-distance move with a large household may cost upwards of $5,000 or more.
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National Average and Pricing
The average cost of hiring a moving company is around $302 to $1,495, depending on whether it's a local or long-distance move.
Local moves typically cost between $108 and $125 per hour, while long-distance moves can range from $651 to $5,491.
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If you're moving within the same city, you can expect to pay between $312 and $2,356, depending on the city and the size of your move.
For example, in Los Angeles, local moves can cost between $150 and $250 per hour, with a minimum of 2 to 3 hours of work, and the total cost can range from $400 to $1,000.
In contrast, long-distance moves in Los Angeles can cost between $2,000 and $10,000 or more, depending on the weight of your belongings, the exact mileage to your new home, and other factors.
Here's a rough estimate of local move costs:
Keep in mind that these are just estimates, and the actual cost of your move may vary depending on several factors, including the size of your home, the number of items you're moving, and the time of year.
Estimating and Calculating Expenses
The cost of a move is determined by several factors, including the weight of the shipment and the mileage between the origin and destination. To estimate moving costs, consider the size of your move, the packing services you'll need, and your move date.

Calculating moving costs involves considering labor costs, services such as packing or climbing an excessive number of stairs, and assembling furniture. The more stuff you move, the heavier the shipment, and the farther you move, the higher your moving costs will be.
The method of moving also dramatically impacts the moving cost, with full-service moving companies and moving containers being more expensive than renting a moving truck.
Estimating Expenses
Calculating moving costs can be a challenge. Our free moving cost calculator can help you estimate the costs based on where you're moving from and to, the size of your move, packing services needed, and your move date.
The more stuff you move, the heavier the shipment, and the farther you're moving, the higher your moving costs will be. Don't forget to factor in the cost of packing supplies and moving boxes as well.
Your method of moving will dramatically impact the moving cost. For instance, those hiring a full-service moving company or using a moving container will pay a lot more than those renting their own moving truck.

Getting quotes from the best moving companies is one of the most accurate ways to estimate moving costs, but it's not a perfect system. Providing incomplete information when requesting a quote can lead to inaccurate quotes.
In 2022, 64% of Americans who hired a professional moving company paid more than they were quoted by an average of $2,282.
Calculating Expenses
The cost of a move can vary greatly depending on several factors, including the weight of the shipment, mileage between the origin and destination, and labor costs.
The cost of an interstate or long distance move is typically determined by the weight of the shipment, mileage between the origin and destination, and labor costs.
To get a more accurate estimate, use a moving cost calculator that takes into account factors such as the size of your move, packing services needed, and move date.
Calculating the cost of a local move is slightly different, as it's based on a flat dollar amount per hour, with factors such as labor costs, services, and extra add-ons affecting the hourly rate.

Many local movers offer a flat rate option, which is typically the moving company's estimated number of hours the move will take, multiplied by their hourly rate.
The average cost of moving was $41.59 per mile traveled, based on 2022 data, with costs ranging from low to high depending on household size.
Here are some estimated moving costs for specific routes from LA:
By understanding these factors and using a moving cost calculator, you can get a more accurate estimate of the cost of your move.
Factors Affecting Cost
Travel fees add up quickly when moving a long distance, taking into account fuel costs and labor costs for the time it takes for the movers to get from house A to house B.
The size of your move also affects the cost, with more belongings resulting in a heavier shipment and a longer move time, increasing the cost.
Packing services can add an extra few hundred bucks or more to your moving bill, but hiring packers may be well worth the money, saving you time, energy, and the hassle of packing up a home.

Here are some key factors that influence moving costs:
The difficulty of the move, including navigating stairs or narrow hallways with large pieces, and the need for specialized equipment, also affects the cost.
Factors Affecting You
Moving to a new place can be a daunting task, and one of the biggest concerns is the cost. But did you know that there are several factors that affect the cost of hiring movers in Los Angeles? Let's break it down.
The number of movers you hire is a significant factor, with prices ranging from $150 to $250 per hour for a two-person team, depending on the size of the move.
Packing and unpacking fees can also add up, with prices ranging from $50 to $100 per hour.
The weight and cubic feet of space your items take up in the truck also play a role, with prices varying depending on the size of the truck and the items being moved.
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Truck and gas fees are another factor, with prices ranging from $20 to $60 per day for a small truck without a driver or fuel.
Storage fees can also add up, with prices ranging from $150 to $500 per month for a portable on-demand storage container.
Navigating stairs and other obstacles can also increase the cost, with prices ranging from $50 to $100 per item for reassembly charges.
Here are some estimated costs for specific routes from LA:
These are just a few examples of the factors that can affect the cost of hiring movers in Los Angeles. By understanding these factors, you can better plan your move and avoid any unexpected expenses.
Heavy Items
Moving heavy items can be a challenge, especially if you're not prepared. The cost of moving heavy items can vary greatly, depending on the item itself.
A hot tub, for example, can cost between $350-$450 to move. This is likely due to its size and weight, which require specialized equipment and labor.
Moving a piano is another story, with costs ranging from $300-$400. The cost may be lower due to the fact that pianos are typically smaller and lighter than hot tubs.
If you're planning to move a pool table, be prepared to spend between $395-$500. This is likely due to the table's size and the need for specialized equipment to move it safely.
Here's a rough estimate of the costs involved in moving different heavy items:
Day of the Week Does Not Affect
The day of the week you choose to move on may not affect your moving quote.
In fact, research has shown that there is no statistically significant correlation between day of the week and moving quotes.
You don't have to worry about choosing a weekday over the weekend to save money on your move.
When Is Peak Time?
Peak time for moving is typically from May to September, when warm weather makes it more appealing to move. This period is also known as peak moving season.
The large number of people moving during these months drives up costs for moving companies. In fact, summer is an expensive time to move.
If your move dates are flexible, consider aiming for an off-season move between fall and spring. This can help you save money on moving costs.
DIY vs Professional
DIY moving can be a cost-effective option, especially for small moves or those on a tight budget. However, it's essential to consider the time and energy required for a DIY move.
Moving yourself can be stressful, especially when dealing with heavy furniture and fragile items. This is where professional movers come in, offering a more efficient and less stressful moving experience.
Professional movers have the best equipment and tools, making it easier to transport your belongings safely. They also save you time and stress, allowing you to focus on other important details.
Moving companies offer insurance, which can give you peace of mind and protection against accidental damage. This is a significant advantage of hiring professional movers.
Here are some factors to consider when deciding between DIY and professional moving:
- Budget: Consider whether you can afford the costs of hiring professional movers.
- Complexity of the move: If you're dealing with a complicated, long-distance move, hiring full-service movers might be the most efficient option.
- Amount of stuff you're moving: If you have a lot of items to move, hiring professional movers can save you time and energy.
- Distance of the move: If you're moving far, hiring professional movers can be more convenient and less stressful.
Cost by Location
The cost of hiring movers varies significantly depending on your location. In Los Angeles, the average cost of hiring local movers is between $150 and $250 per hour for a two-person team of laborers, with a minimum of 2 to 3 hours of work at those rates.
In Atlanta, the total average moving cost is between $312 and $1,681, while in Austin, it's between $310 and $1,536. These costs can fluctuate based on the size of your home, the number of items you have to move, and the complexity of the job.
If you're moving from Los Angeles to San Francisco, you can expect to pay around $1,500 to $3,000, while a cross-country move to New York can cost between $3,000 and $7,000 or more.
Here's a breakdown of estimated moving costs for specific routes from LA:
Keep in mind that these costs can vary depending on the specific services you choose and the size of your load. It's essential to research and compare prices to find the best option for your needs and budget.
Cost-Saving Strategies
If you're looking to save money on your move, consider using a moving calculator to understand the cost of your move before getting quotes from companies. This can help you make informed decisions and avoid overpaying.
Booking your move ahead of time during the off-peak season can also save you money. In Los Angeles, for example, the winter or fall before the start of the school year is a great time to book a move, as rates are lower due to less demand.
Packing yourself is another cost-effective strategy. By packing and unpacking your items, you can save extra money on hiring movers. You can also disassemble and reassemble your furniture yourself to save on additional services.
Don't buy moving supplies unnecessarily. Instead, consider what free packing supplies you can access, such as spare cardboard boxes from friends or neighbors, or even towels and clothes to wrap fragile items.
Here are some additional cost-saving strategies to consider:
- Purge unnecessary belongings to reduce the amount of items you need to move.
- Take advantage of moving discounts, such as booking a move during the off-peak season.
- Choose a less expensive moving date, if possible.
- Pack smart to fit all your belongings in a smaller moving truck.
- Get quotes from multiple movers to compare estimates and find the best deal.
By implementing these cost-saving strategies, you can reduce the financial burden of moving and make the process more affordable.
Long-Distance Moves
Long-distance moves can be a significant expense, but understanding the factors that influence the cost can help you prepare. The national average cost of a long-distance move is around $4,890 for a two to three-bedroom move of approximately 7,500 pounds with a distance of 1,000 miles.
The cost of a long-distance move is largely based on the weight of the shipment, with other factors like the cost of gas, distance traveled, labor costs, packing services, and insurance also playing a role. For example, moving 1,001-2,000 miles can cost around $1,977.
Here's a breakdown of the national average moving cost based on distance:
How Common Are Long-Distance Moves?
Long-distance moves are a significant undertaking, and it's essential to understand their frequency and cost implications. According to the national average, a move within the same building costs around $350.
The cost of a long-distance move can vary greatly depending on the distance. For instance, a move between 1,001 and 2,000 miles can cost up to $1,977. This is largely due to factors such as gas prices, tolls, and compensating drivers.
A move of 1,000 miles or more can range from $1,123 to over $14,107, depending on the size of the move. This highlights the significant cost difference between local and long-distance moves.
Interestingly, the cost of a long-distance move is largely based on the weight of the shipment, with a two to three-bedroom move of approximately 7,500 pounds costing around $4,890 for 1,000 miles. This emphasizes the importance of accurate weight estimation when planning a long-distance move.
Here's a breakdown of the national average moving costs for different distances:
Keep in mind that these costs are only averages, and your actual moving costs may vary depending on your specific situation.
Travel Time to Home
Moving to a new home can be a long and tiring process, and one of the biggest factors is the travel time to get to your new place. Studio apartments take around 3-4 hours to move, but that time can easily add up as you move into a larger home.
For a 1-bedroom home, you're looking at 3-6 hours of moving time, which can be a bit more manageable than a studio apartment. However, if you're moving into a 2-bedroom home, be prepared for 5-8 hours of moving time.
As you move into a larger home, the moving time only gets longer. A 3-bedroom home takes 6-10 hours to move, and a 4-bedroom home takes 8-12 hours.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is a reasonable moving budget?
A reasonable moving budget varies from $2,000 for local moves to over $10,000 for long-distance moves, depending on the size and distance of your move. Determine your specific costs by considering the services you need for a successful relocation.
Sources
- https://www.thumbtack.com/p/moving-companies-prices
- https://www.cnet.com/home/services/is-it-cheaper-to-hire-movers-or-do-it-yourself-we-do-the-math/
- https://www.moving.com/movers/moving-cost-calculator.asp
- https://www.thisoldhouse.com/moving/how-much-do-movers-cost
- https://www.movingapt.com/cost-to-hire-local-long-distance-movers-los-angeles/
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