Realistic 2026 costs and how to cut them.
The same move can vary by thousands depending on movers, season and distance. This guide breaks down the real costs and how to keep them down.
Local movers bill by the hour — crew size times hours, plus a travel fee. A 2–3 bedroom move often runs $800–$2,000. Estimate yours in the local move calculator.
Cross-country carriers price mainly on shipment weight and distance, commonly $2,000–$8,000+. Decluttering is the highest-ROI move — every pound travels the full distance. Estimate it in the long-distance calculator.
Renting a truck saves money on short local moves; the cost is a daily rate plus mileage and fuel. Big trucks burn a lot of gas. Price it in the truck rental calculator.
Materials for a whole house run a few hundred dollars new — far less if you source free boxes. Estimate supplies and optional labor in the packing calculator.