While moving can be exciting, it can also be incredibly overwhelming and daunting. Determining the average cost to move a 5 bedroom house can take time and effort.
It is essential to factor in all potential moving costs, including hidden fees, to help you better understand what it will cost to move a 5 bedroom house.
Several factors can influence the cost of moving, such as the number of belongings you have, the weight of your items, and the distance you are moving. To ensure your move is successful, it is crucial to plan and budget for your move as much as possible to avoid any financial strain.
Packing and Supplies Costs
The cost of packing and other moving supplies can quickly add up, especially when moving a 5 bedroom house. The more belongings you have, the more it will cost to purchase packing supplies such as boxes, labeling materials, pens or markers, or bubble wrap.
The cost of packing supplies for a 5 bedroom house can greatly range depending on your needs and what you purchase. You can cut some costs by saving boxes before your move to use for packing and using old towels or blankets instead of buying furniture pads.
Here is an estimated cost range of how much it can cost for packing supplies when determining the cost to move a 5 bedroom house.
| Packing and Supplies | Estimated Cost Range |
| Moving Boxes | $200 to $400 |
| Packing Tape | $20 to $50 |
| Bubble Wrap | $50 to $100 |
| Packing Paper | $30 to $60 |
| Furniture Covers | $50 to $100 |
| Mattress Bags | $30 to $60 |
| Labels and Markers | $10 to $30 |
| Utility Knife | $10 to $20 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $400 to $810 |
Before purchasing packing supplies, creating an extensive list of your required supplies is wise. Consider the amount of belongings you have and any special items that may need additional packing materials.
Transportation Costs
Transportation costs can vary when moving a 5 bedroom house depending on multiple factors. These factors can include the moving company, moving truck rental, time of the year, moving distance, additional services, or any unforeseen circumstances that can arise during your move.
It is essential to remember that the transportation costs are only a portion of your overall average cost to move a 5 bedroom house. Here are the average transportation costs of moving a 5 bedroom house locally, to a nearby city, to a different state, or across the country.
| Destination | Distance (Miles) | Estimated Transportation Cost |
| Local Move | Within 50 miles | $500 to $1,500 |
| Nearby City | 50 to 200 miles | $1,500 to $3,000 |
| State-to-State | 200 to 1,000 miles | $3,000 to $8,000 |
| Cross Country Move | 1,000 plus miles | $8,000 to $15,000 plus |
Insurance and Liability Coverage
Moving companies typically provide different insurance options for you when moving. The insurance is designed to protect your belongings throughout the moving and transportation process if your belongings become damaged or broken. These are some common insurance and liability coverage details to be aware of when planning your move.
| Insurance Coverage | Coverage Details | Estimated Cost Range |
| Basic Liability Coverage | Covers damage on weight, typically 60 cents per pound | Included with the move |
| Full Value Protection | Covers the full value of lost or damaged items | 1 to 2 percent of the declared value of your belongings |
| Released Value Protection | Covers damage based on weight, typically 60 cents per pound | Usually included with the move or minimal additional cost |
| Third Party Insurance | Additional coverage through an external insurance provider | Varies based on provider and coverage |
| Specialized Coverage (antiques, fine art, etc.) | Specific coverage for delicate items or items of high value | Varies based on provider and coverage |
It is essential to understand that the cost of insurance and liability coverage can vary depending on the value of your belongings, the coverage level, the insurance provider, and the moving company you choose.
Sneaky Hidden Costs
Multiple sneaky hidden costs can interfere with your estimated cost of moving. It is important to remember these hidden costs so you can prepare as best as possible for what your move will cost. These hidden costs include:
Packing Services
If you choose for your movers to help you pack or unpack, there will be an additional fee. It typically costs the hourly charge plus the cost of materials.
Specialty Items
Moving specialty items, such as a piano, fine artwork, or antiques, will cost more because it requires additional equipment to keep it extra safe.
Long Carries
You may be charged an additional fee if your movers need to carry your belongings for a long distance. This is common if there is no parking near your home’s entrance.
Stair Fee
Some moving companies charge a stair fee, primarily if you have more stairs than a typical home or are moving to a new location with multiple flights of stairs. Moving a 5 bedroom home can cost more than moving a 3 bedroom home or 4 bedroom home due to the stairs. Be sure to notify your movers of all stairs in your home before moving day.
Gas Costs
Depending on your moving method, you need to factor in gas costs. If you rent a truck, you will be responsible for filling it up with gas throughout your moving distance. In addition, long-distance moves often charge you a fuel fee, which is not typically included in your moving estimate.
Forgetting to Discontinue Services
If you do not let your utility company know your exact moving date, you may get charged a fee to cancel services. You should inform your utility company of the discontinuation at least 30 days in advance to avoid a fee.
Storage and Temporary Accommodation
If you need storage and temporary accommodation during your move, the costs can vary depending on a few factors:
Storage Unit Rental
If you need to use a storage unit to store your belongings before or after your move, you must consider the cost of a storage unit. The price of a storage unit can range between $50 to $300 per month, depending on the size of the unit, location, and duration of storage.
Moving Container Rental
If you choose a portable moving container, you can store your belongings there until you are ready to deliver them to your new location. Renting a moving container can range between $200 and $500 per month, depending on distance, container size, and duration.
Temporary Accommodation
If you need temporary accommodation due to a gap of moving out of your home and into a new location, you may need to stay in a hotel or short-term apartment rental. This cost can vary depending on the accommodation you choose and the location and duration of the stay. Typically, you can expect to pay between $100 to $300 per night.
Things to Look Out for When Getting Moving Quotes
There are a few factors to consider when obtaining a moving quote. These factors include the following:
Binding Vs Non-Binding Estimate
You should know whether your estimate is binding or non-binding, A binding estimate guarantees the final cost of your move, whereas a non-binding estimate can change based on the weight of your belongings or the services that are provided.
Detailed Inventory
When getting your moving quote, be sure the moving company provides a detailed inventory of the items they will be moving to ensure your quote is tailored specifically to your needs. The inventory should include the number of rooms, appliances, furniture, or any specialty items that need to be moved.
Reputation and Reviews
Look into the moving company’s reputation and read as many reviews as possible, as this can help you understand the company’s professionalism and accuracy with moving quotes.
Insurance Coverage
You should inquire about what level of insurance is included in your quote. While most moving companies include basic liability coverage in their quote, you should know if it is included or if you want to add a different level of insurance.
Additional Services
Determine if any additional services are included in the quote, such as packing, unpacking, storage, disassembly, or moving a car.
Written Documentation
To avoid any misunderstandings, request written documentation stating the quote you have been provided with. The written documentation should also include all terms and conditions and the services you have discussed.
Ways to Save on Your Move
There are various ways you can save some money on your move.
- DIY packing
- Planning and organizing ahead of time
- Comparing moving quotes
- Move during the “off-season” and not during “peak season”
- Be flexible with your moving dates
- Consider a shared or consolidated move
- Maximize your vehicle space and pack items into your vehicle
Conclusion
The average cost to move a 5 bedroom house can vary depending on several factors. A long-distance move can range between $5,000 and $10,000 depending on the distance and moving company.
A local move can cost between $1,000 and $5,000 depending on the distance, accessibility, and the belongings you need to be transported. It is essential to consider factors such as moving distance, the weight of your belongings, insurance coverage if you have any specialty items and additional fees that can affect your overall cost.
To ensure you get the best quote for moving, you should research and obtain multiple quotes from different moving companies with planning your move. The Agoyu moving app can help you find mover pricing and the best moving companies. Check out Agoyu today to get started planning your move.
