How Much Does it Cost to Move?
Moving out of one home and into another can cost you some hard-earned cash. So how much can you expect to spend? Here’s what you need to know.
How Much Does it Cost to Move?
Moving involves a lot of separate expenses – some small and some large. Although prices vary, you can expect to spend between $80 and $100 per hour for local movers and between $2,000 and $8,000 for a long-distance move.
Local Moves
If you’re on the local side, here are a few averages.
| Home Size | Estimated Time Necessary | Average Price Range |
| 1-bedroom home | 3 to 5 hours | $200 to $500 |
| 2-bedroom home | 5 to 7 hours | $400 to $700 |
| 3-bedroom home | 7 to 10 hours | $550 to $1,000 |
| 4-bedroom home | 10 or more hours | $800 to over $1,000 |
Long-Distance Moves
If you’re moving to Silicon Valley (or out of Silicon Valley to go elsewhere) in a long-distance move, you can expect to spend between $2,000 and $5,000 to get where you’re going. Your move’s cost will likely depend on weight and distance. Remember:
- Your movers should give you an estimate of your household goods’ weight only after visiting your home to see what you have – and before you sign a contract.
- Your movers should provide you with an “empty weight receipt” to show you how much the truck weighs before putting your belongings inside. Then, they should provide you with an exact weight that includes the truck and your belongings so you know just how much you’ll pay.
- The farther you move, the higher your costs will be. Most moving companies charge a per-mile rate in addition to weight, but you should also ask about fees for things like fuel and tolls that the company may charge you.
What if You’re Doing a Different Type of Move?
You might choose to move your own belongings, hire a company to handle everything, or store some of your belongings. Here’s a quick run-down on what those options may cost you:
- Truck rental. Some truck rentals start as low as $20 per day with charges for gas and mileage.
- Hiring professional movers for heavy lifting. Many movers charge an hourly rate of $80 to $100.
- Full-service moving. The costs of full-service moving are identified in the table above. You can expect to pay between $2,000 and $10,000 for a long-distance move, as well as labor costs for packing, loading and unloading.
- Temporary storage. Depending on the size of the unit you choose, your costs will vary. Many storage facilities start around $100 per month. If you use a portable storage unit, you can expect to spend between $300 and $800 per month.
- Moving supplies. Buying your own moving supplies can get expensive – but you can sometimes rent plastic boxes or get cardboard boxes from stores, friends and family.
Other Costs Associated With Moving
Be aware that you may have to pay:
- Additional charges for moving large or fragile items, such as pianos
- Additional charges if movers need to walk a significant distance from the truck to your door, or if they must use stairs or an elevator to get to your home
- Charges for moving vehicles
- Full value protection insurance
- Shuttle charges if your street isn’t large enough for the moving truck
- Transportation surcharges if your moving company pays workers more for working in the city
A qualified agent with years of experience in the real estate market can help you with your options. When you’re ready to learn more, connect with me today. I’m happy to help!
