How Much Does a Moving Company Cost? — United States

Moving company costs depend on distance, home size, and services needed. A local move (under 50 miles) for a 2-bedroom home typically costs $400–$1,500, while a long-distance move (500+ miles) runs $2,000–$7,000+. Full-service moves including packing, loading, transport, and unpacking cost 50–100% more than load-and-go. According to the American Moving & Storage Association, the average interstate move costs around $4,890.

Average moving costs by home size

Home size	Local move (USD)	Long-distance move (USD)
Studio / 1-bedroom	$300–$800	$1,500–$3,500
2-bedroom	$500–$1,500	$2,500–$5,000
3-bedroom	$800–$2,500	$3,500–$7,000
4-bedroom	$1,000–$3,500	$4,500–$10,000
5+ bedroom	$1,500–$5,000	$6,000–$15,000+

Sources: AMSA industry data, Moving.com cost calculator, HomeAdvisor 2025.

What affects the cost?

• Distance — local moves charge by the hour ($80–$200/hour for a crew); long-distance moves charge by weight and mileage
• Volume and weight — more stuff = higher cost; a 3-bedroom home averages 7,500 lbs of belongings
• Packing services — full packing service adds $300–$2,000 depending on home size
• Specialty items — pianos ($200–$600), pool tables ($300–$600), safes, hot tubs cost extra
• Stairs and access — walk-ups, narrow hallways, and long carries add $50–$200 per flight/obstacle
• Season — summer (May–September) is peak season with 20–30% higher rates; end-of-month is also pricier
• Insurance — basic coverage (60¢/lb) is included; full replacement value adds $100–$500

Moving costs in the United States

Local movers charge $80–$200/hour for a 2–3 person crew with truck. A typical local move for a 2-bedroom apartment takes 4–6 hours, totaling $400–$1,200. Long-distance moves are priced by weight — around $0.50–$0.80 per pound plus a base rate. The average cross-country move (2,500 miles) costs $4,500–$8,000 for a 3-bedroom home. Always get at least 3 in-home or virtual estimates, and verify the company is registered with FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) for interstate moves.

Watch for red flags: unusually low estimates (common with rogue movers), large cash deposits upfront, or no physical address. Reputable movers provide a binding or not-to-exceed estimate after assessing your belongings.

Moving costs in Poland

Polish moving companies (firmy przeprowadzkowe) charge PLN 80–200/hour for local moves with a 2–3 person crew. A typical 2-room apartment (M2/M3) move within the same city costs PLN 500–1,500. Intercity moves are priced per kilometer, typically PLN 2–5/km plus loading/unloading fees. A Warsaw-to-Kraków move (300 km) for a 2-bedroom runs PLN 2,000–5,000. Most Polish movers offer both "transport only" and full-service packages. Get a written wycena (estimate) that specifies elevator access, floor level, and distance from the vehicle to the entrance.

Moving costs in the Netherlands

Dutch movers (verhuizers) charge €40–€80/hour per mover, with most jobs requiring 2–3 movers. A typical studio/1-bedroom local move costs €400–€800, while a 3-bedroom family move runs €800–€2,000. The Netherlands uses a volume-based system (cubic meters) for pricing: local moves average €50–€100/m³, while longer distances cost €100–€200/m³. Look for companies with the erkend verhuizer (recognized mover) quality mark from Overheid. All prices include 21% BTW. For expat relocations, several companies specialize in international moves with customs handling.

How to save on moving costs

• Move mid-week and mid-month — weekday and mid-month rates are 15–25% lower than weekends and month-end
• Move in winter — off-peak season (October–April) can save 20–30% on rates
• Pack yourself — DIY packing saves $300–$2,000; use free boxes from grocery or liquor stores
• Declutter before moving — fewer items = lower weight = lower cost; sell or donate what you don't need
• Get 3+ in-home estimates — never accept a quote over the phone without a walkthrough
• Consider hybrid moves — load a portable container (PODS, U-Pack) yourself and have it shipped