How Our Moving Cost Estimates Work
Every cost range on Moving From is produced by the same transparent model. It is designed for planning and comparison; a binding quote from a carrier after a survey of your inventory will always be more precise.
1. Home size sets the shipment
Each home size maps to a typical shipment weight and crew size:
| Home | Typical weight | Crew | Local hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | 2,000 lb | 2 movers | 3–5 h |
| 1 Bedroom | 3,000 lb | 2 movers | 4–6 h |
| 2 Bedrooms | 5,000 lb | 3 movers | 5–8 h |
| 3 Bedrooms | 8,000 lb | 4 movers | 7–10 h |
| 4+ Bedrooms | 11,000 lb | 5 movers | 9–13 h |
2. Local moves are hourly
Up to 100 miles, cost = hourly rate × hours + travel fee. The base rate is $130 per hour for two movers and a truck, plus $45 per additional mover, multiplied by the regional labor index of the state (roughly 0.88 in the lowest-cost states to 1.30 in the highest).
3. Long-distance moves are weight × distance
Beyond 100 miles, cost = weight × $0 per pound (handling) + weight × miles × a per-pound-mile rate that falls with distance (0.0008 up to 500 miles, 0.00055 to 1,500 miles, 0.00035 beyond), plus a 10% fuel share, with a minimum of $1,500. The regional index is averaged across the origin and destination states.
4. Extras and timing
- Full packing adds 25% (minimum $300); partial packing adds 12%.
- Storage is $100 plus $60 per bedroom per month.
- Stairs, elevators or long carries add about $120; a piano, safe or similar item about $250.
- Timing multipliers: peak 1.2×, standard 1.0×, off-peak 0.88×.
5. Ranges, not points
The "typical" figure is the model output; the low and high bounds are 82% and 122% of it, which reflects the spread we see between competing quotes for the same inventory.
Distances and times
Road miles = straight-line miles × 1.18. Driving time assumes 58 mph on highways and 32 mph in urban areas, with 9 driving hours per day for multi-day trips. Delivery windows follow the spreads carriers commonly publish for consolidated long-distance shipments.