Moving a 3 bedroom house long distance is a major undertaking that requires careful planning and budgeting. The average cost to move a 3 bedroom house long distance is $4,500 to $10,000.
However, costs can range from as low as $3,000 for a smaller home and shorter distance to $15,000+ for a larger home moving cross country with full service movers.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down the various factors that influence the cost to move a 3 bedroom house long distance so you can budget accurately.
Cost Breakdown for Long Distance 3 Bedroom House Moves
The main factors that determine how much it will cost to move a 3 bedroom house long distance include:
Home Size
- A small 3 bedroom home (up to 1,500 sqft) will cost $3,000 to $7,000 on average
- A medium 3 bedroom home (1,500 to 2,500 sqft) will cost $4,500 to $9,000 on average
- A large 3 bedroom home (over 2,500 sqft) will cost $6,000 to $12,000 on average
Larger homes with more belongings require bigger trucks, more packing supplies, and take longer to load/unload.
Distance
- Under 500 miles – $3,000 to $7,000
- 500-1,000 miles – $4,500 to $9,000
- 1,000-2,000 miles – $6,000 to $12,000
- Over 2,000 miles (coast to coast) – $9,000 to $15,000
The further the distance, the higher the costs for fuel, labor hours, and other travel expenses.
Time of Year
- Peak season (May-Sept) will be $500-$2,000 more due to higher demand
- Off-peak season (Oct-April) will offer lower rates
Packing Services
- Packing yourself – $0
- Full packing service (materials & labor) – $1,000-$2,500
- Partial packing service – $300-$800
Professional packing will safeguard your belongings but adds to the cost.
Additional Services
- Piano or pool table moving – $200-$600
- Car shipping – $500-$1,200
- Crating large antiques/artwork – $300-$1,000
- Extra pickup/delivery fees – $100-$500
- Storage fees if needed – $100-$300 per month
Specialty items or services will add costs.
Insurance
- Released value protection – Included
- Full value protection – Additional 1%-5% of total value
Full value protection covers replacement costs for damaged items.
Long Distance Moving Cost Estimates
Here are sample long distance moving costs for a 3 bedroom house based on different home sizes and distances:
Small 3 Bedroom Home Moves
Under 500 miles:
- DIY Rental Truck: $3,000-$4,000
- Professional Movers: $4,000-$7,000
1,000 mile move:
- DIY Rental Truck: $4,500-$6,000
- Professional Movers: $6,000-$9,000
2,000 mile move:
- DIY Rental Truck: $6,000-$8,000
- Professional Movers: $8,000-$12,000
Medium 3 Bedroom Home Moves
Under 500 miles:
- DIY Rental Truck: $4,000-$5,000
- Professional Movers: $5,500-$8,500
1,000 mile move:
- DIY Rental Truck: $5,500-$7,000
- Professional Movers: $7,500-$11,000
2,000 mile move:
- DIY Rental Truck: $7,000-$9,000
- Professional Movers: $9,500-$14,000
Large 3 Bedroom Home Moves
Under 500 miles:
- DIY Rental Truck: $5,000-$6,000
- Professional Movers: $7,000-$10,000
1,000 mile move:
- DIY Rental Truck: $7,000-$8,000
- Professional Movers: $9,000-$13,000
2,000 mile move:
- DIY Rental Truck: $9,000-$11,000
- Professional Movers: $11,000-$16,000
How to Save Money on Your Long Distance Move
Moving a fully furnished 3 bedroom house long distance can be pricey, but there are ways to lower your costs:
- Get quotes from 3-5 moving companies – compare rates and services
- Avoid peak moving season – move in the fall or winter to get lower prices
- Be flexible on moving dates – midweek/off-peak dates can save $500+
- Pack yourself – use free used boxes and do it yourself
- Sell/donate unused items – reduce what you move to lower costs
- Opt for released value protection – avoids extra insurance fees
- Keep your move together – separate pickups/deliveries cost more
Saving where you can on a long distance move adds up. With strategic planning, you can potentially reduce your total moving costs by 20-30%.
What’s Included in Long Distance Moving Quotes
When comparing moving quotes for a 3 bedroom house long distance, here are key things that should be included:
- Number of movers needed for proper crew size
- Total weight estimate of your household goods
- Itemized list of packing supplies & materials
- Loading/unloading truck at origin and destination
- Transportation costs (mileage, fuel, tolls)
- Travel time and estimated number of days
- Additional equipment fees if needed
- Full replacement insurance costs (if selected)
- Storage fees if required
- Any specialty moving services for vehicles, pianos, etc
Reputable long distance movers will provide a detailed quote clearly outlining what is included so you can accurately compare options. Be wary of any quotes that seem abnormally low or don’t provide specifics.
Determining the Weight of Your Move
An essential factor in long distance moves is determining the weight of your household goods. This governs the size of truck needed and fuel costs.
To estimate weight:
- Go through each room and note furniture items and boxes
- Use a moving calculator to tally estimated weights
- Add up the total weight of all your household items
- Add an extra 10-20% over your estimate
A 3 bedroom house will typically weigh 4,000 to 8,000 lbs for a local move. For long distances, reduce items and aim for 3,000 to 6,000 lbs if possible to lower your costs.
Pro movers can also provide a more precise weight survey. Just be wary of any quotes with weights that seem too low.
Additional Services To Consider For Long Distance Moves
- Extra pickup/delivery – If storing items at a secondary location. Around $100 per stop
- Storage – If you need long term storage. Around $100-$300 per month.
- Custom crating – For delicate antiques, artwork, pianos. Around $300-$1,000 per item.
- Car shipping – To have your vehicle moved. Around $500-$1,200
- Extra insurance – For full value protection. Around 1%-5% of total value
- Heavy/bulky item moving – For pianos, safes, machinery. Can be $200-$500 each.
- Packing/unpacking – For full packing and unpacking services. Around $1,000-$2,500
Finding the Best Long Distance Movers
The key to a smooth, affordable long distance 3 bedroom house move is finding the right mover. Look for:
- A mover with strong online reviews and ratings.
- Check the FMCSA website for registered movers to verify licensing.
- Look for movers that are transparent about costs and have no hidden fees.
- Ask about their claims process in case any belongings are lost or damaged.
- Experience moving 3+ bedroom homes long distances.
Also be sure to get a binding estimate in writing clearly outlining final costs and services included before booking.
The Cost of Moving a 3 Bedroom House Long Distance Yourself
Some opt to move long distances themselves by renting a truck rather than hiring movers. Here are cost considerations:
- Truck Rental – $1,500-$2,500
- Fuel Costs – $500-$1,500
- Food/Lodging Enroute – $500-$1,000
- Packing Supplies – $500-$1,000
- Moving Equipment Rentals – $300-$500
- Insurance – $100-$300
- Tolls/Parking Fees – $200-$500
- Help loading/unloading – $500-$1,500
Total costs for a DIY long distance 3 bedroom move can be $4,000-$8,000. While you save on labor costs, you take on more risk and effort. Make sure you understand all that a DIY long distance move entails before committing.
Key Things To Know About Long Distance 3 Bedroom Moves
Moving a fully loaded 3 bedroom house long distance takes skill and preparation. Keep these tips in mind:
- Plan well in advance – book movers or trucks at least 4-8 weeks out.
- Purge and declutter as much as possible so you only move essentials.
- Be clear with movers on every service needed including unpacking/setup help.
- For DIY moves, confirm route and rest stops. Have chains/straps for securing load.
- Confirm dates/times and details with real estate agents and contacts at your new home.
- Transfer utilities on and off, change addresses, and set up any new accounts needed.
- Keep irreplaceable items, cash, keys with you – not on the truck.
Moving a 3 bedroom home long distance takes effort. But with proper planning and an experienced mover, it doesn’t have to break the bank. Use our cost data and tips to make your long distance move as smooth and affordable as possible.
Questions to Ask Prospective Long Distance Moving Companies
The key to finding the right long distance mover is to ask the right questions upfront. Here are important questions to ask any mover before hiring them for your 3 bedroom house long distance move:
Licensing & Insurance
- Are you licensed and insured to perform moves in all states I’m moving from and to?
- Can I see a copy of your insurance certificate?
- What is your USDOT license number?
Experience
- How long have you been in business?
- Have you moved many 3 bedroom homes similar to mine long distance?
- Can you provide references from past customers?
Estimate Details
- How did you calculate the weight estimate for my home’s contents?
- Are packing materials and all supplies included in the estimate?
- Are there any conditions that could alter the final price?
Services
- Do you offer packing and unpacking services?
- How many movers will be on my job?
- Do you break down and reassemble furniture on request?
Protection & Claims
- What types of valuation insurance do you offer?
- What is your claims process if any items are lost or damaged?
Storage
- Do you offer short term storage included in the cost?
- What are your storage fees if I need long term storage?
Getting answers to these questions upfront will give you confidence in your chosen long distance moving company and help avoid misunderstandings later. Make sure you get any details of your move confirmed in writing.
