Estimating moving costs is important for any family or homeowner looking to relocate. It helps you get a ballpark idea of how much it will cost to move based on the size of your home and the number of belongings you have. A moving cost calculator can help you get an accurate estimate of how much your move will cost.

Continue reading below for a guide on how to determine moving costs. 

How Much Do Moving Companies Charge? 

The cost of moving companies can vary depending on how far you are moving, and the size of the move. If you hire a professional moving company for a local move, you can expect to pay anywhere from $300 to $1,500, depending on how many things need to be moved. 

If you are moving long-distance, you can expect to pay between $2,000 and $10,000 depending on the distance and the size of your move. If you are moving across the country, you will likely pay much more than moving to a state close by. 

How Much Do Long-Distance Moves Cost? 

When moving long-distance, the best moving companies will charge you based on the size of household belongings being moved, and how far you are moving. Most long-distance moves cost between $2,000 and $10,000. However, if you are moving a very long distance away, you might be charged over $10,000. Using a moving cost calculator can help you determine a more accurate cost that you will be charged for your move.

For example, a small move for a one-bedroom apartment will usually cost between $600 and $3,500 depending on if it is local or long-distance.  If you live in a 2 to 3 bedroom home, you should expect to pay between $1,700 and $7,000 depending on the distance you are moving. A long-distance move, like from California to New York, will cost you between $3,200 and $10,000 since the move is about 3,000 miles.

How to Calculate Moving Costs?

To calculate moving service costs, you will need to determine how many hours your move will be. Once you know the number of hours that will be spent for your move, multiply that number by the hourly rate the moving company charges. You might need to add on extra charges, like the costs of packing materials, a tip for your movers, and travel time. 

Moving Costs to Consider

When using a moving cost calculator, it is important to consider a few factors that can result in additional fees. If you have a large move, it is going to be more expensive than a smaller move. Moving from a 3 bedroom home will cost you more than moving out of a 1 bedroom apartment because you will likely have much more furniture to move. Using a moving cost calculator will help determine what your move will cost.

The distance of your move will be a factor when estimating costs because the longer the distance, the more money the move will cost. If you are trying to save some money, consider planning to move in the off-season, like winter. Summer pricing for moving companies is higher because it is their busiest time of year. 

Moving in the middle of the week instead of the weekend can help keep the cost of moving lower. It is important to keep in mind that your moving charges will be more expensive on weekends because weekends are the busiest times for moving.

Fees to Consider

Many moving companies have stair-carrying fees if their professional movers have to go up multiple flights of stairs to move your belongings. This is most common in apartment buildings. Your movers might charge a stair carrying fee, usually several hundred dollars, if there are multiple staircases. Some moving companies even charge a fee for long elevator rides if your building is narrow and requires a lot of trips in the elevator.

If there is no parking for the moving truck, you will likely have to pay an additional fee, as your movers will need to walk a long distance to fill their truck up with your belongings. If your movers need to use packing supplies, like bubble wrap, packing paper, or mattress covers, expect to be charged a fee for the extra supplies. 

Moving bulky or heavy items, like hot tubs, pianos, motorcycles, or pool tables, will add to your cost of moving. It is a good idea to add this information into your moving cost calculator to help determine a more accurate price for your move.  Your movers will usually offer to help with unpacking services or storage solutions, however, it does cost an additional fee. 

Lastly, if your movers need to make extra stops throughout the move, like at a friend’s house to pick up more of your belongings, expect to pay an additional fee. Having a relocation strategy set in place will help you figure out if your movers will need to make additional stops. Be sure to tip your movers for their hard work. The amount you tip can vary depending on how large of a move you have and the distance traveled.

Best Ways to Save Money on a Move 

There are many ways to save money on a move. Keep these factors in mind if moving a long distance or if you have a lot of belongings that need to be moved.

• Move during the off-season, like during the winter
• Use your own packing supplies
• Donate, throw away, or sell belongings that are no longer needed
• Move on a weekday
• Pack your belongings yourself
• Use a moving cost calculator to estimate the cost of your move early
• Unpack your belongs yourself
• Compare the costs of moving companies to find the best deal
• Use a portable storage unit to pack your belongings yourself, ad have your moving company move the unit
• Use free boxes instead of purchasing them

FAQs About the Costs of Moving

Here are some frequently asked questions regarding the cost of moving.

What should a moving estimate include?

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. Also, any packing or unpacking services, charges for storage, transportation charges, fuel charges, insurance charges, and discounts will be included in your estimate.

Do you pay movers before or after?

Most moving companies expect payment after they unload your goods upon delivery. This is standard with moving companies. Unless you have a long-distance move or a labor-intensive move, most moving companies will not require a large deposit. 

What is the cost of insurance for moving companies?

Moving insurance costs will vary depending on the type of insurance you opt for and how valuable you think your belongings are. The cost of moving insurance for a one-bedroom apartment will usually cost between $500 and $700.

How much do San Antonio movers charge?

In San Antonio, local movers with a truck typically charge between $50 and $100 per hour Monday through Thursday. Pricing differs on weekends, but usually costs about $120 for a local move. These prices can fluctuate depending on the size of your move and if there are any additional fees you will be charged for. 

Consider calling the moving company of your choice and ask for the flatrate moving prices. This way, you will have an exact idea of what you are going to need to pay for your move. Using an approximate moving cost calculator will help you get a close estimate of what it will cost you to move, but will not give you flat rate pricing. 

Why should you use a moving cost calculator?

Moving cost calculators are simple to use and will give you a reliable estimate of how much your move will cost. A moving cost calculator will help prepare you for your financial obligation to your moving company and will allow you to have a better idea of what your move will cost based on a few factors. These factors include the distance of your move and the weight or size of your shipment.

What does it cost for packing services?

The cost of full packing services typically will cost between $900 and $1,500. These costs are based on the size of your move and if you have any bulky items that need to be packed. 

Full packing in a small apartment can cost up to $500 and up to $1,700 for a three-bedroom home. A benefit of using full packing services is that if your movers pack your belongings, it is covered under the moving insurance. If any damage occurs, the moving insurance will most likely cover the costs of the damage.

Final Thoughts

Using a moving cost calculator is a great way to figure out how much it will cost to relocate. Agoyu offers a great cost estimator for free. You’ll enter all the information about your move and the app will provide you with up to date quotes. The Agoyu app can even estimate the overall weight of the items in your home. Get started today!