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, €500–€1,500 in the Netherlands, and €300–€900 in Spain. Long-distance moves cost significantly more — $2,000–$8,000+ in the US for a 3-bedroom home moving 1,000+ miles; Spanish inter-provincial moves run €600–€2,500. The time of year and day of week also affect pricing.
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Average moving costs[1,2]
| 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 |
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
Costs by country
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.
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
Frequently asked questions
How much do movers charge per hour?
Local movers charge $80–$150 per hour for a 2-person crew with a truck in the US. A 3-person crew runs $120–$200/hr. Most have a 3–4 hour minimum. Long-distance movers price by weight and miles: $0.70–$1.20 per pound for short hauls (under 1,000 miles) and $0.50–$0.90/lb for cross-country.
How long does it take to move?
1-bedroom apartment: 3–5 hours local, 1–2 days long-distance. 3-bedroom house: 6–10 hours local, 3–5 days cross-country. Pack-only services add 4–8 hours. Add 30% time for stairs, narrow access, or items requiring disassembly.
Are full-service movers worth the cost?
Full-service (pack, load, transport, unload, unpack) costs 2–3× labor-only moves but saves 20–40 hours of work. Worth it for: long-distance moves, families with kids, moves with antiques or fragile items, time-constrained moves. Skip it for: minimalist apartments, short local moves, anyone with help available.
Should I tip movers?
Yes — $4–$6 per hour per mover for local moves, or $40–$80 per mover for long-distance. Provide drinks and lunch on long jobs. Tip in cash at the end based on quality of work, not the company's policy. Difficult moves (heavy items, many stairs) warrant 25–50% more tip.
Learn about the trade
How to become a professional mover: licensing, DOT requirements, salary expectations, and career paths in the US, Poland, and the Netherlands.
How to become a mover