We moved from a 2-bed house to a house down the street. Use MoveBuddha's free moving cost calculator to estimate how much your move will cost. You'll receive an instant estimate of the move without having to enter your email or other personal information. Plus, you'll find useful tips for saving on your next move. We know it's a wide range, but there are several factors that influence moving costs.
The most important one is whether you choose a self-made move or a full-service one. The average cost of a self-made move can vary depending on whether you book a moving container or a rental truck, the amount of things you have to move, and how far you're going to go. Let's look at the cost of moving containers and moving trucks. Based on 2025 moving cost data owned by MoveBuddha, here's what you can expect to pay to move from different U.S. cities.
UU. These ranges reflect accurate estimates for the rental of trucks, containers and professional moving companies drawn from our updated cost guides. Whatever route you choose, knowing how many boxes you'll need is key to avoiding last-minute stress or overspending on supplies. Use our free moving box calculator to get a personalized list based on the size of your house, how many people are packing and your style of packaging.
Everyone should use a moving cost calculator before starting to receive quotes from moving companies. It gives you a clear idea of what your move should cost and the types of services available, such as full-service removals, containers or truck rentals. There's no doubt that you can try moving only if you want to save money. A home move can save you thousands of dollars compared to using a full-service moving company.
Keep in mind that while you'll save money, the move will cost you time and effort. If you're not sure if you're doing all the work yourself, consider hiring a container moving company. In the case of container moving companies, you are still responsible for packing and loading the container, but they will handle the transportation. The cheapest moving company depends on the type of move you choose. For self-made moves, renting a truck with U-Haul is one of the cheapest options.
For container removals, U-Pack offers the best prices and quick and transparent quotes. If you're looking for a full-service moving company, North American Van Lines and Mayzlin Relocation are among the most affordable options. Don't just search for the cheapest rate you can find, make sure that a cheap moving company also has a strong reputation in the industry. No, moving quotes don't include shipping the car.
Not all moving companies offer car shipping services. If you need to ship your vehicle, you'll usually need to get separate quotes from car shipping companies. Our car shipping cost calculator can give you a better idea of how this will affect your overall moving budget. Full value protection is an additional insurance option that offers a refund based on the value of each item and not the weight. This additional coverage can provide additional protection, especially for high-value items, but it will also significantly increase moving costs.
Yes, MoveBuddha's moving cost calculator is reliable. It's designed to capture relevant details about your move and transform this data into a reliable cost range. Its accuracy and reliability are the result of years of refinement based on real-world data and changing cost trends. While your actual moving expenses may vary, this range of costs should give you a good idea of what you can expect so you can properly budget for your move.
Yes, you can definitely negotiate with moving companies. They usually offer discounts on moving or other options to lower your quote. You can also bring quotes you received from competitors to see if they outbid other companies or offer even prices. Ask your sales representative for advice to further reduce your costs. For example, being flexible with moving dates or getting rid of high-cost items, such as pool tables or heavy safes, can help reduce overall moving expenses.
The most expensive part of a move is often the cost of hiring a moving company that offers a full service, especially for long-distance moves or out of state. Labor, transportation, and additional services, such as packing, disassembling furniture, and handling special items, can add up quickly. If you want to reduce costs, consider moving yourself or hybrid moves that reduce the need for a full moving service. Understanding the average costs associated with different home sizes can help you effectively budget for your local move.
Local moves generally involve fewer logistical challenges, such as fewer regulations and simpler coordination, which translates into lower costs and faster completion times. By considering these factors, you'll be better prepared to make informed decisions when planning your local move and budgeting for associated expenses. Local moves are always billed by the hour, and door-to-door trips are generally also billed by the hour, although some moving companies use origin and destination charges. Moving from Chicago to Detroit, for example, costs about 285 miles and about five hours by car, so it wouldn't be considered a local move. Unlike long-distance moves, local moves are usually completed in a single day, making them less complex and more cost-effective.
Understanding the cost structure of your local move is crucial to effectively budget and avoid unexpected expenses. There are many ways to really and dramatically reduce the costs of a move, especially if it's a local move. Before hiring an expensive moving company, be sure to consider whether the expense is worth it or not. Get quotes from several moving companies: Before hiring a moving company, be sure to look for the best price.
For long-distance moves, full-service movers and packers will quote you a fixed price based on the size of your home and the quantity and nature of the items you want to move. If you want to find a cheap moving company, you should start looking for it as soon as possible so you can compare the estimated prices of different moving companies. However, if your budget is more flexible and you want to save time and energy while moving, it may be worth hiring a moving company.
