How Much Do Movers Cost? 2025 Moving Cost Guide

Moving costs typically range from $882 to $2,567 for local moves, with an average of $1,711. For long-distance moves, expect to pay between $2,700 and $10,000 or more. Research from   Forbes  shows that costs have increased 15-20% over the past two years due to inflation and increased demand. But the real answer depends on many things - like where you're going, how much stuff you have, and what time of year you move.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about moving costs. We'll break down local and long-distance prices, show you what affects the final bill, and share smart ways to save money. By the end, you'll know exactly what to expect and how to budget for your big move.

Understanding Moving Company Pricing

Moving companies don't all charge the same way. Think of it like choosing between a taxi and a bus - they get you there, but the pricing works differently.

How Local Movers Charge

Local movers charge by the hour, typically $80 to $100 per hour for a team of two movers. This makes sense because local moves are usually done in one day.

Here's what you get for that hourly rate:

• The moving crew (usually 2-4 people)
• A moving truck
• Basic moving equipment (dollies, straps, blankets)
• Gas and travel time

Most local moving companies charge around $80 per hour per mover, so hiring 2 movers and a truck will cost approximately $160 per hour.

How Long-Distance Movers Charge

Long-distance moves work differently. Instead of paying by the hour, you pay based on:

• How far you're moving
• How much your stuff weighs
• What extra services you need

The average cost of a long-distance move is between $2,200 to $16,900. That's a big range because every move is different. According to the   American Moving and Storage Association , the average cost of moving a 2-3 bedroom household more than 1,000 miles is around $4,300.

Local Moving Costs by Home Size

Local moves are easier to estimate because they follow a clear pattern. Bigger homes take more time, which means higher costs.

Studio and One-Bedroom Apartments

Moving a small space is the most affordable option. For a small apartment, you can expect to pay around $450.

A typical one-bedroom move includes:

• 2 movers working for 3-4 hours
• Total cost: $400-$800
• Best for people with minimal furniture

Two-Bedroom Homes

For a 2-bedroom home, expect to pay $1,440 for a local move. This is where you start seeing the time add up.

What to expect:

• 2-3 movers working for 5-7 hours
• Total cost: $800-$1,500
• May need a larger truck

Three-Bedroom Homes and Larger

Moving a three-bedroom house locally typically costs around $1,400. But this can go much higher with more stuff or difficult access.

Larger homes usually need:

• 3-4 movers working for 7-10 hours
• Total cost: $1,200-$2,800
• Definitely need a bigger truck

Long-Distance Moving Costs

Long-distance moves are where costs really start to climb. The farther you go, the more you'll pay.

What Counts as Long-Distance

Moving companies define a long distance move as a move of 1,000 miles or more. But some companies consider anything over 100 miles as long-distance.

Average Long-Distance Costs by Home Size

One-Bedroom Apartment  A one-bedroom apartment might cost $1,050 for a few hundred miles, but could increase to $3,500+ for a cross-country move.

Two to Three-Bedroom Home  The average cost of moving a 2-3 bedroom household more than 1,000 miles is around $4,300, but can range from $2,500 to $5,000.

Larger Homes  Four-bedroom homes and bigger can easily cost $7,500 or more for cross-country moves.

Why Long-Distance Costs So Much More

Long-distance moves cost more because of:

• Fuel costs for hundreds or thousands of miles
• Driver wages for multi-day trips
• Temporary storage needs
• More complex planning and coordination

Shipping vehicles as a part of your move will also add to the cost. You can expect to pay between $150 and $600 to ship a car 200-300 miles. Shipping a vehicle coast-to-coast will double or even triple that amount.

Additional Moving Costs You Should Know About

Moving companies love to advertise low base rates. But the real cost includes extras that can really add up.

Packing Services

Local movers charge about $80 per hour for the extra service of packing up your home. While convenient, this service isn't cheap.

Packing costs breakdown:

• Studio apartment: $300-$500
• Two-bedroom home: $600-$900
• Three-bedroom home: $900-$1,500

Moving Insurance

Basic coverage is usually free, but it's limited. Most moving companies offer multiple levels of protection, such as basic release value protection and full value protection.

Full coverage typically costs 1-5% of your belongings' total value.

Specialty Items

Some items need special handling, which costs extra:

Piano Moving  Local moving companies charge somewhere between $250 and $1,000 on average for moving an upright piano. Moving grand pianos cost more, expect to pay somewhere between $299 and $2,000 on average.

Other Specialty Items

• Pool tables: $300-$600
• Hot tubs: $500-$1,000
• Gun safes: $200-$500
• Artwork and antiques: $200-$800

Extra Fees to Watch For

Long Carry Fees  If movers can't park close to your door, expect to pay $1-2 per foot for carries over 100 feet.

Stair Fees  Each flight of stairs can add $20-$40 to your bill.

Elevator Fees  Some companies charge $75-$150 if they need to use elevators.

Storage Fees  Storage vault - 7' x 5' x 7' (store within moving company warehouse) $55 - $75 per vault per month.

What Affects Your Moving Costs

Several factors can make your move cost more or less than average. Understanding these helps you plan better.

Distance

This is the biggest factor. Costs rise the further you travel. A move across town costs much less than a move across the country.

Time of Year

Movers face increased demand from May to September, which often leads to higher rates for any moving service.

Summer moves cost 20-30% more because:

• Kids are out of school
• Weather is better
• Most leases end in summer

The   U.S. Census Bureau  data shows that most Americans move during the summer months, creating this seasonal demand spike.

Day of the Week

Weekend moves cost more than weekday moves. It's typically cheaper to hire a company to move your home on a weekday.

Home Access

Difficult access increases costs:

• Narrow streets
• No parking for the truck
• Multiple flights of stairs
• No elevator in high-rise buildings

Amount of Stuff

A larger load (like a four-bedroom house) will be more expensive than a small one (like a studio apartment).

The more boxes and furniture you have, the longer the move takes and the more it costs.

How to Get Accurate Moving Estimates

Getting the right estimate helps you avoid surprises on moving day.

Types of Estimates

Binding Estimates  The price is guaranteed, so you won't pay more (unless you add services).

Non-Binding Estimates  The final cost can change based on actual weight or time taken.

Binding Not-to-Exceed  You'll pay the estimate or actual cost, whichever is lower.

What Should Be in Your Estimate

A moving estimate should include the name and address of your moving company, the address of your current home and where you are moving to, miles traveled, the tariff cost, and an estimated weight of your goods.

Getting Multiple Quotes

Always get at least three quotes. This helps you:

• Compare prices
• Spot unusually high or low estimates
• Understand what services each company offers

Be suspicious of estimates that are much lower than others - they might be hiding costs.

Smart Ways to Save Money on Your Move

Moving doesn't have to break the bank. Here are proven ways to cut costs.

Reduce What You Move

The best way to save on moving expenses is to downsize before you relocate.

Before packing:

• Sell items you don't need
• Donate clothes and books
• Throw away broken items
• Use up frozen and canned food

Pack Yourself

Packing yourself can save you hundreds of dollars.

Tips for DIY packing:

• Start early (6-8 weeks before moving)
• Get free boxes from liquor stores and grocery stores
• Use your clothes and towels as padding
• Label everything clearly

Choose the Right Time

Best Times to Move:

• October through April (off-season)
• Tuesday through Thursday
• Middle of the month
• Avoid holidays

Times to Avoid:

• Summer months (June-August)
• Weekends
• Beginning and end of month
• National holidays

Consider Hybrid Options

You don't have to choose all-or-nothing. Consider:

• Pack yourself, hire movers for loading/unloading
• Hire movers for heavy items only
• Use   portable storage  for flexibility

Get Help from Friends

If you're doing a partial DIY move, ask friends to help with:

• Packing light items
• Moving boxes to the truck
• Cleaning your old place

Just remember to provide food and drinks, and be ready for some broken friendship if something gets damaged.

Moving Cost Examples by Location

Costs vary significantly by location. Here are some real examples to help you plan.

Canadian Moving Costs

Moving out of a 1-bedroom apartment will cost you approximately $600-$800 with 2 movers completing the job in 4-6 hours. Moving out of a 3-bedroom home will cost roughly $1,100-$1,500 with 3 movers finishing the moving job in 8-10 hours.

US City Examples

New York City  Local moves in NYC cost between $500 and $3,000, depending on how much stuff you're moving. For long-distance moves out of NYC, the costs can range from $1,000 to $10,000.

Los Angeles  On average, the total cost of hiring movers for a local move in Los Angeles can range from $300 to $1,500, depending on the move size and the services required.

Philadelphia  Hiring movers in Philadelphia usually costs between $90 and $180 per hour for two movers and a truck.

Tipping Your Movers

Tipping isn't required, but it's appreciated for good service.

An easy rule of thumb: tip your movers 15% to 20% of the total bill. Consider tipping $20-$50 per mover, per day. Or, tip $5-$15 per hour, per mover.

Generally speaking, you should tip $20 per person for a half-day move and $40 per person for a full-day, eight-hour move.

Red Flags to Avoid When Hiring Movers

Not all moving companies are trustworthy. Watch out for these warning signs:

Price Red Flags

• Estimates much lower than others
• Demands large deposits upfront
• Won't provide written estimates
• Charges by cubic foot for local moves

Service Red Flags

• No local address or phone number
• Unmarked trucks or rental trucks
• Door-to-door solicitation
• No proper licensing or insurance

Contract Red Flags

• Blank contracts you "can fill in later"
• No written inventory of your items
• Demands payment before delivery
• Won't explain their terms clearly

For local moves in the Edmonton area, make sure your chosen company is properly licensed and insured.   Last Stop Moving  provides transparent pricing and professional service for all your moving needs.

Planning Your Moving Budget

Here's how to create a realistic moving budget:

Basic Moving Costs (60-70% of budget)

• Moving company fees
• Truck rental (if DIY)
• Packing supplies

Additional Services (20-30% of budget)

• Packing services
• Storage fees
• Specialty item handling
• Insurance upgrades

Unexpected Costs (10-20% of budget)

• Extra stops
• Overtime charges
• Last-minute packing supplies
• Temporary lodging

Sample Budget for Local Move

Two-Bedroom Apartment

• Moving service: $1,200
• Packing supplies: $150
• Tips: $100
• Unexpected costs: $200
• Total: $1,650

DIY vs Professional Movers

Sometimes doing it yourself makes sense. Sometimes it doesn't.

When DIY Makes Sense

• Moving less than 50 miles
• Small apartment or few belongings
• Tight budget
• Flexible timeline
• Young and physically able

When to Hire Professionals

• Long-distance moves
• Valuable or fragile items
• Large furniture or appliances
• Time constraints
• Physical limitations
• Employer is paying

Hybrid Approach

Many people find a middle ground:

• Pack everything yourself
• Hire movers for loading, transport, and unloading
• Handle small items in your car
• Let professionals deal with heavy furniture

This approach can save 30-50% compared to full-service moves while avoiding the hardest parts of DIY moving.

International Moving Costs

Moving to another country is much more complex and expensive.

The cost of shipping your household goods by air is typically double that of ocean freight and can range from $3000 to $10,000. Ocean freight will cost $350 to $1500.

International moves include:

• Shipping costs (ocean or air)
• Customs fees and duties
• Professional packing (usually required)
• Documentation and permits
• Temporary storage
• Currency exchange costs

An international moving company's professional packing costs $500 to $1500.

Questions to Ask Moving Companies

Before hiring any mover, ask these important questions:

About Pricing

• Is this a binding or non-binding estimate?
• What's included in the base price?
• What could cause the price to increase?
• When is payment due?
• What forms of payment do you accept?

About Service

• How many movers will you send?
• What size truck will you use?
• Do you provide packing materials?
• What happens if something breaks?
• Do you offer storage services?

About the Company

• Are you licensed and insured?
• How long have you been in business?
• Can you provide local references?
• What's your process for handling complaints?

For Edmonton residents, consider asking about experience with local areas and buildings. Companies familiar with your neighborhood can provide more accurate estimates and smoother service.

Moving Insurance Explained

Understanding moving insurance helps protect your belongings.

Basic Coverage (Released Value Protection)

• Usually free
• Covers only 60 cents per pound per item
• A 50-pound TV worth $1,000 would only be covered for $30

This basic coverage is mandated by federal law but provides minimal protection. The   Department of Transportation  requires all interstate movers to offer this minimum coverage at no additional charge.

Full Value Protection

• Costs extra (usually 1-5% of declared value)
• Covers replacement value or repair costs
• Much better protection for valuable items

Third-Party Insurance

• Sometimes cheaper than mover's insurance
• May offer better coverage
• Requires separate claim process

When it comes to third-party insurers, the cost for moving insurance typically ranges from 1% to 5% of your valuation estimate.

Seasonal Moving Tips

Your moving costs and experience can vary greatly depending on when you move.

Summer (Peak Season)

• Highest prices
• Hardest to book short notice
• Hot weather makes moving harder
• Kids are home from school

Fall (Good Value)

• Moderate prices
• Good availability
• Pleasant weather
• School schedules settled

Winter (Best Deals)

• Lowest prices
• Best availability
• Weather can complicate moves
• Holidays may cause delays

Spring (Mixed)

• Prices starting to rise
• Weather improving
• Good time before peak season hits

Commercial and Office Moving

Business moves work differently than home moves.

For local office relocations, the average office moving cost ranges between $700 and $15,000. The cost varies based on the extra crew member added, square footage, data and IT cabling, specialty services, building complexities, etc.

Office moves often include:

• After-hours or weekend scheduling
• IT equipment disconnection/reconnection
• File and document handling
• Specialized equipment moving
• Minimal business disruption planning

If you need commercial moving services in the Edmonton area,   commercial movers  can handle everything from small offices to large facilities.

Final Thoughts

Moving costs depend on many factors, but you now have the tools to plan and budget effectively. Remember these key points:

For Local Moves:  Expect to pay $80-180 per hour per mover. A typical two-bedroom home costs $800-1,500 to move locally.

For Long-Distance Moves:  Costs range from $2,500-10,000+ depending on distance and home size. Get multiple quotes and book early.

Save Money By:  Moving during off-peak times, packing yourself, reducing belongings, and comparing multiple quotes.

Stay Safe By:  Choosing licensed and insured movers, getting written estimates, and avoiding companies with red flag behaviors.

Moving doesn't have to be stressful or break your budget. With proper planning and the right moving company, you can make your move smooth and affordable.

If you're planning a move in the Edmonton area,   contact Last Stop Moving  for a free estimate. Our experienced team provides transparent pricing and professional service for local, long-distance, and specialized moves.

Whether you're moving to a new   apartment , need   senior moving services , or require   packing help , professional movers can make your transition easier and often more cost-effective than doing it yourself.

Your move ends with us - get started with a free quote today!