The Cost of Moving: What to Expect

There’s a lot to consider when it comes to pricing an entire move. We’re here to make sure you know exactly what to expect price-wise from your moving company. We made this guide to leave no curveballs in your moving experience.

Based on iMoving quotes and completed moves (last 12 months – quotes = 1,930; completed = 520; N = 2,450), normalized for standard access (no unusual obstacles), typical packing needs, and common crew sizes. Local = 0–100 miles; long-distance = 100–1,500 miles or interstate; cross-country = 1,500–2,500+ miles. Ranges reflect the middle band of prices for each lane and bedroom size; your quote will vary with inventory, access, dates, and add-ons.

Moving is expensive and can be a big investment for many families. It makes the process much easier if you know exactly what to expect cost-wise walking into the moving process.

You’ll be far less stressed and have more time to worry about what matters; planning your new and exciting chapter in life. 

How do you get a fair, accurate number?

An estimate is the best way to know exactly what you should expect price-wise from your moving company. It’s an estimated price tag on what the entire move will cost.

Although this sounds straightforward and easy, you need to make sure you’re getting an accurate estimate.

Do this for a clean quote:

• Ask for a visual survey (video or in-home) with a written inventory.
• Request a binding or not-to-exceed estimate.
• Mention stairs, elevators, long carries, parking limits, and bulky items in advance.
• Get 2–3 quotes to compare like-for-like.

Some scam-moving companies will do a quick walk around your house and give you a super cheap estimate. If an estimate in the moving world seems too good to be true, it most likely is.

They may try to hold your belongings and demand more money. Avoid large cash deposits and keep everything in writing.

When does packing change the price?

Packing services may also add some additional fees to your move. If you are trying to save money on your move, it’s best that you pack as many items as possible on your own.

This will make sure that when your moving company arrives, they aren’t having to charge you for any unnecessary packing expenses.

With most estimates, they will give you an estimate based on the estimated weight of the moving truck. If that weight ends up exceeding the estimated weight, you may be charged additional fees.

Ways to control packing costs:

• Pack non-fragile items yourself; label by room.
• Note fragile/oversized items that truly need pro packing.
• Ask for boxes/materials to be line-itemed on the quote.

Which items add the biggest surcharges?

Another factor that could add to the cost of moving is if you need special moving services. These include services for moving specific single items such as pianos, pool tables, or recliners.

If you have a home arcade as well, many of those items will require special moving. This is because any big, bulky item that requires a specific assembly process will need special precautions to make sure it remains undamaged during the moving process.

Flag these in your quote:

• Pianos, safes, pool tables, hot tubs, gym equipment
• Long carry, shuttle truck, hoisting, crating
• Storage between pickup and delivery

We’re trained in life to always find creative ways to save money and find the best deal on the market. Moving is the one exception to this rule. Under no circumstances should you ever choose the moving company with the cheapest price. 

This is because moving company scams will often try and lure you in with cheap prices and make something seem too good to be true. 

When hiring a moving company, it’s best to expect to settle with a price that’s dead set in the middle of all your estimates.

We wish you a safe and happy move. Our only goal is to help you go into this process completely free of financial stress. Make sure to check out other iMoving articles as well for the best moving experience possible. Happy moving!