By Project Genie Editorial Team ·
September 24, 2026
Moving costs vary by distance, home size, and how the estimate itself is structured -- and that last part is the piece most cost guides skip. Here's typical pricing, what estimate type you're actually getting, and what information gets you a quote you can genuinely compare against another mover's.
Quick answer: Most local moves cost $500-$2,500 total, with movers typically charging $120-$350 per hour for a crew and truck (rates vary by crew size and region). Long-distance and interstate moves are priced differently -- usually by weight and distance rather than an hourly rate -- and cost more overall. This guide covers household moves; for a single oversized or specialty item (a piano, hot tub, or safe) as a standalone job, see Moving & Heavy Removal instead.
Every figure here is a general, typical range, not a quote for your specific move -- get a real bid for your actual job rather than budgeting around averages alone.
Understand Your Estimate Type First
This matters more than most cost guides let on, because it determines whether your final bill can change after the estimate:
Binding estimate -- the price is locked in regardless of actual weight/time, based on the inventory you provide upfront
Non-binding estimate -- the final price is based on actual weight or hours, which can come in higher (or lower) than the estimate
Binding not-to-exceed -- you pay the lower of the estimate or the actual cost, never more than the estimate -- generally the most consumer-friendly of the three
Ask which type you're being given before comparing numbers -- a non-binding estimate that looks lower on paper isn't actually a lower price if it comes with more room to increase.
What Actually Produces a Comparable Quote
The single biggest lever for quote accuracy is a real inventory, not a room count. "Two-bedroom apartment" tells a mover almost nothing about how much is actually being moved. A specific inventory -- furniture pieces, approximate box count, any bulky or fragile items -- lets multiple movers bid on the same actual job instead of guessing from a vague description, which is the main reason two quotes for what sounds like "the same move" can come back far apart.
Inventory -- what's actually being moved, not just square footage or room count
Access -- stairs, elevators, long carries from parking to the door, at both the origin and destination
Distance -- local vs. long-distance changes both the pricing model and the regulatory picture (see below)
Timeline -- a flexible date range sometimes costs less than a fixed, non-negotiable one, especially during peak moving season
Packing and Storage as Separate Services
Packing and unpacking are usually priced separately from the move itself, and it's worth confirming upfront who supplies boxes and packing materials -- some movers include this, others bill it as an add-on or expect you to supply your own. The same applies to short-term storage if there's a gap between move-out and move-in dates.
Interstate Moves: One Thing Competitors Rarely Mention
Movers that cross state lines are required to be registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and carry specific insurance. It's a reasonable, concrete question to ask any interstate mover before hiring -- a legitimate long-distance moving company should be able to answer it without hesitation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between a binding and non-binding estimate?
A binding estimate locks in the price regardless of actual time/weight; a non-binding one can change based on what the move actually takes. Ask which type you're getting before comparing quotes.
Why did my moving quote come back higher than expected?
Often because the original estimate was based on a vague description (room count) rather than an actual inventory, or because packing/storage add-ons weren't included in the number you were comparing.
Do I need to check anything special for an interstate move?
Yes -- movers crossing state lines must be FMCSA-registered and carry specific insurance. Asking about this upfront is a reasonable, standard question for any long-distance move.
What if I'm only moving one large item, not my whole household?
That's a different job -- see Moving & Heavy Removal for single oversized or specialty items like a piano, hot tub, or safe.
Get a Fair Quote, Not a Guess
Moving costs vary by distance, inventory, and access, but the surest way to get a fair price is movers bidding on your actual move, not a guess from a vague description. Post your move free and let Service Professionals bid for it.