How Much Do Movers Cost in 2025?

This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.

Getting ready for a move? Hiring professional movers costs about $1,712 on average, with most local moves ranging from  $883 to  $2,567. Factors like the size of your home, the distance of your move, and additional services like packing or storage impact your total cost. By planning ahead and hiring reputable professionals, you can make your move smoother and less stressful.

Moving Cost Factors

The cost to move depends on several key factors, including the size of your home, the distance of your move, and any additional services you require. Understanding these factors helps you budget effectively for your move.

Home Size

The size of your home significantly influences your moving costs. Larger homes usually have more belongings, requiring more time and resources to move, which increases the overall cost.

Mobile home moving costs tend to be measured differently since they typically include moving the entire mobile home unit. Costs can range from $5,000 to $20,000.

Moving Truck and Van Prices

Renting a truck or van costs between $30 and $3,500, depending on the size and duration of the rental. Many local moving companies include a standard vehicle in the package, but a larger one may cost extra.

Accessibility

Difficult access to your home can add $200 to $500 to your moving costs. Navigating multiple flights of stairs or tight spaces takes longer and may require extra movers. To avoid surprises, request an in-person estimate if accessibility is a concern.

Timing

Moving companies are busiest during the summer, weekends, and holidays, leading to limited availability and higher prices. To save money, consider moving during the fall or winter, on weekdays, or mid-month when rates are typically lower.

Materials and Supplies

Including packing materials like boxes, padding, and tape increases your moving costs by $270 to $2,200, averaging around $1,000. The size of your home and the number of bedrooms affect the amount of materials needed.

Storage

If you need temporary storage, renting a unit costs $20 to $450 per month, depending on the size. For a typical 1,200-square-foot home, a 12-foot container is usually sufficient.

Labor

Local moving companies charge $30 to $80 per hour per mover. The size of your home and the volume of your belongings determine how many movers you need. Larger homes or heavy items like pianos typically require three or more movers, while smaller homes may only need one or two.

Long-Distance

Long-distance moves cost between $2,700 and $10,000, depending on the distance and the weight of your belongings. The average household's belongings weigh around 7,500 pounds.

The price of a local move typically ranges from $900 to $2,400. The estimate may include an hourly rate, a flat fee, or both.

Moving Insurance

Most professional movers include basic liability insurance in their estimates, covering $0.60 per pound. For full-value coverage, expect to pay around 1% to 2% of your item's value. Be sure to inquire about moving insurance when requesting a quote, as you may not be able to add it on the day of service.

Tipping

It's customary to tip movers 10% to 20% of the total cost, especially for local moves. Consider tipping closer to 20% if the job is under $500 or if the movers provided exceptional service.

Packing Services

Packing services cost around $1,000 on average, ranging from $270 to $2,200, depending on your home's size and the number of items. Movers base estimates on the number of rooms and total square footage. This cost includes packing your belongings and materials; you'll pay extra for loading, unloading, or unpacking services.

Full-Service

Full-service movers charge $2,000 or more, depending on distance and home size. This comprehensive service includes:

• Packing

• Furniture disassembly

• Loading

• Transportation

• Unloading

• Unpacking

• Furniture assembly

A full-service move may take longer, often spreading over a week or two. Movers typically pack your items, store them temporarily, and then deliver them. Consider transporting essential items yourself for immediate access upon arrival.

Specialty Moving Costs

If you have specialty items like a piano or pool table, you may need specialized moving services. Large items such as cars or pianos cost an additional $400 to $2,000 beyond general moving costs due to the specialized skills and precautions required. These items are heavier, may increase fuel costs, and often require extra protection and insurance.

Car and Motorcycle Shipping

The cost to ship a car is around $1,200 and depends on weight, distance, dimensions, value, and insurance. You'll also pay more for express shipping, door-to-door service, and enclosed shipping. Motorcycle shipping prices for short distances fall between $300 and $500, depending on the size and weight of the motorcycle.

Pianos

The average cost to move a piano is $400, which is higher than the cost of shipping everyday items of the same size and weight. A specialist’s skills and equipment are necessary to successfully transport a piano without damaging it, whether you're shipping a little upright piano or a luxurious grand piano.

Pool Table

Moving a pool table costs an average of $550, though rates range from $50 to $4,000. Costs depend on the size and weight of your pool table and the distance you’re planning to move.

How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data

No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. We surveyed over 10,000 real customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.