How Much Do Movers Cost? — Sacramento, California

Moving costs depend on distance, home size, and services needed. A local move (same city) for a 2-bedroom apartment costs $400–$1,500 in the US, PLN 800–2,500 in Poland, and €500–€1,500 in the Netherlands. Long-distance moves cost significantly more — $2,000–$8,000+ in the US for a 3-bedroom home moving 1,000+ miles. The time of year and day of week also affect pricing.

Average moving costs

Job type	Typical cost (USD)
Studio/1-bed local move	$300–$800
2-bed local move	$500–$1,500
3-bed local move	$800–$2,500
4+ bed local move	$1,200–$4,000
Long-distance (1-bed, 500 mi)	$1,500–$3,000
Long-distance (3-bed, 1,000 mi)	$3,000–$8,000
Cross-country (3-bed, 2,500+ mi)	$5,000–$12,000+
Packing service (full home)	$300–$1,500 additional
Piano/specialty items	$200–$800 per item

Sources: HomeAdvisor 2025 cost data, Angi service pricing reports.

What affects the cost?

• Distance — local moves are charged hourly; long-distance is by weight and distance
• Volume/weight of belongings — more stuff means a bigger truck and more labor hours
• Stairs and access — walk-ups, narrow hallways, and long carry distances add to the cost
• Time of year — summer (May–September) is peak moving season with 20–30% higher prices
• Day of week — weekday moves are often cheaper than weekends
• Additional services — packing, disassembly/reassembly, storage, and specialty items cost extra
• Insurance/valuation — basic coverage is included, but full-value protection costs 1–3% of item value

Moving costs in the United States

Local US movers charge $80–$200 per hour for a 2-person crew plus truck. Most local moves take 3–8 hours. Long-distance moves are priced by weight and mileage, typically $0.50–$0.80 per pound per 1,000 miles. For interstate moves, verify the moving company has a USDOT number and check reviews on FMCSA's database.

Always get a binding or not-to-exceed estimate for long-distance moves. Avoid movers who ask for large deposits upfront or give estimates without seeing your belongings. The cheapest quote is often a red flag.

Moving costs in Poland

Polish movers charge PLN 80–200 per hour for a 2-person crew with a van. A local apartment move (2–3 rooms) typically costs PLN 800–2,500. Inter-city moves within Poland cost PLN 2,000–6,000+ depending on distance and volume. Many Polish moving companies offer both transport and packing services (pakowanie).

Check for OCP transport insurance. For international moves from/to Poland (common within the EU), expect PLN 5,000–15,000+ depending on destination and volume.

Moving costs in the Netherlands

Dutch movers (verhuizers) charge €35–€60 per hour per mover, with most crews being 2–3 people. A local move for a 2-bedroom apartment costs €500–€1,500. The erkend verhuizer (recognized mover) quality mark from the Organisatie van Erkende Verhuizers guarantees certain service standards and liability coverage.

Many Dutch moves involve steep, narrow staircases (trappenhuis) — if furniture won't fit, a verhuislift (moving hoist/crane through the window) adds €150–€400. This is a common and normal part of moving in the Netherlands, especially in Amsterdam and other historic cities.

How to save on moving costs

• Move mid-month, midweek — the cheapest time is Tuesday–Thursday in the middle of the month
• Move off-season — October–April has the lowest demand and prices
• Declutter before the move — less weight means lower costs
• Pack yourself — self-packing saves $300–$1,500 on a full home pack
• Get 3+ quotes — compare apples-to-apples on services included
• Ask about student/military discounts — many movers offer 5–15% off