No two long-distance moves cost the same, because the price is built from a handful of measurable things. Once you know what they are, a quote stops being a mystery and becomes something you can compare line by line.
The four things that set your price
1. How much you are moving
Interstate moves are normally priced by the weight of your shipment, and sometimes by the space it takes up in the truck. A rough rule of thumb many movers use is 1,000 to 1,500 pounds per fully furnished room, but garages, basements, books and home gyms can push that up quickly. This is why a good estimate starts with a room-by-room inventory instead of a guess based on bedroom count.
2. How far it is going
Mileage affects fuel, driver hours and how long the truck is committed to your shipment. Price per mile usually falls as distance grows, so a 2,000-mile move does not cost twice what a 1,000-mile move does.
3. When you move
Demand peaks from roughly May through September, and at the start and end of each month when leases turn over. Flexible dates in the middle of the month, or a move between October and April, often lower the price.
4. What services you add
Full packing, crating for artwork or glass, storage, shuttle trucks for streets a tractor-trailer cannot reach, long carries and stairs are all priced separately. Ask for each one to appear as its own line on your estimate.
Common extra charges to ask about
- Long carry: when the truck cannot park close to your door.
- Stairs or elevator: extra labor at either address.
- Shuttle service: a smaller truck used when a large one cannot access your street.
- Bulky items: pianos, safes, hot tubs and similar pieces.
- Storage: if your new home is not ready when the truck arrives.
- Valuation coverage: the level of protection you choose for your goods.
Six ways to lower the cost
- Sell, donate or recycle what you do not want before the survey, not after.
- Be flexible on dates and ask which days are less busy.
- Pack non-fragile items yourself and leave fragile pieces to the crew.
- Book early, especially for summer moves.
- Reserve parking and elevators so the crew can work without delays.
- Get a written estimate based on a visual survey of your home, in person or by video.
The fastest way to get a real number
Online averages can only tell you so much. A quote based on your ZIP codes, your move date and your actual inventory is the only number that matters. Request your free quote and a move coordinator will walk you through it.