Original research
Moving cost data
Our calculator turns origin, destination, home size, and date into a real estimate — and shows the math. Calibrated against 2,147+ quote data points, the model is open: here is exactly how a moving cost is built.
The four-factor cost model
Every long-distance estimate is weight × distance × seasonality × service level. No bidding war, no hidden markup — just the same formula our engine runs, broken out so you can check it.
Weight
We estimate the weight of your household goods from your home size — industry-standard mid-points, from 1,800 lbs for a studio up to 15,000 lbs for a 5+ bedroom.
Distance
Driving distance between origin and destination, priced from a $0.70 per-lb per-1,000-mi national baseline. Long hauls run slightly cheaper per mile; very short long-distance moves run pricier.
Seasonality
Most US moves happen mid-May through August, so peak-summer rates run roughly 15–25% higher than the winter floor. We apply a month-by-month multiplier to your move date.
Service level
Add-ons — full packing, unpacking, storage in transit, specialty items, full-value protection — each apply a transparent multiplier on top of the base estimate.
The full formula: estimate = weight × (distance ÷ 1,000) × corridor rate × seasonality × service multiplier. We report a band of 85%–120% around the mid-point to reflect real quote variance. Local moves under 50 miles switch to an hourly model (crew × hours × rate + truck fee).
Estimated weight by home size
Industry-standard mid-point weights (AMSA / industry guidelines) that drive the long-distance estimate. Mid-points only — the calculator widens the band on either side.
| Home size | Estimated weight |
|---|---|
| Studio | 1,800 lbs |
| 1 bedroom | 2,500 lbs |
| 2 bedrooms | 5,000 lbs |
| 3 bedrooms | 7,500 lbs |
| 4 bedrooms | 10,000 lbs |
| 5+ bedrooms | 15,000 lbs |
Service add-on multipliers
Each add-on applies a transparent multiplier to the base estimate. Stack several and the multipliers compound — the calculator shows the running total.
| Add-on | What it covers | Multiplier |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Movers pack every box for you. | × 1.18 |
| Unpacking | Movers unpack and place at destination. | × 1.06 |
| Storage in transit | 30 days of storage between origin and dest. | × 1.10 |
| Specialty items | Piano, safe, art, gym equipment, etc. | × 1.08 |
| Full-value protection | Replacement coverage instead of $0.60/lb. | × 1.04 |
Move types we cover
The canonical taxonomy behind the calculator and our cost pages. Calculator-backed types link straight to a live estimate.
Long-distance moving
Moves over ~50–100 miles, typically across state lines. Priced primarily by weight × distance.
See the cost calculator →Local moving
Moves within ~50 miles. Typically priced hourly (number of movers × hours × rate).
See the cost calculator →Interstate moving
Crosses state lines and falls under FMCSA regulation. Federally-licensed movers required.
See the cost calculator →Commercial moving
Office, warehouse, and business relocations. Priced by inventory and complexity, not weight alone.
Car shipping
Auto transport via open or enclosed carrier. Priced by distance, vehicle size, and carrier type.
Storage
Self-storage and full-service storage. Priced monthly by unit size and access type.
PODs / portable containers
Container-based moves. You load it, they ship it. Priced by container count, distance, and storage time.
Truck rental
DIY with a rented truck (U-Haul, Penske, Budget). Priced by truck size, days, and miles.
Full-service movers
Movers handle packing, loading, transport, and unpacking. The most-expensive option, the least work for you.
DIY moving
You do everything: rent a truck, pack, drive, unload. The cheapest option if your time is free.
Coming Q1 2027
The State of Moving Costs in America 2027
Our first annual data report on US moving costs — corridor-by-corridor pricing, seasonality patterns, mover concentration data, and the year's biggest migration corridors. Built from our own calibrated quote data, published open for journalists, researchers, and movers.
Press inquiries: press@movingcost.net
See the model run on your move
Enter your origin, destination, and home size — get a real estimate in 60 seconds, with the four-factor math broken out line by line.