Moving Cost Calculator

Calculate moving costs for local and long-distance moves. Compare DIY, hybrid, and full-service options. Get a complete moving checklist.

Move Type

Home Size

Distance (miles)

5 mi3,000 mi

Moving Season

Need temporary storage?

Side-by-Side Comparison

Cost Item	DIY	Hybrid	Full-Service
Base / Truck	$80	$400	$1,063
Labor	$0	$480	$750
Packing Materials	$75	$75	$180
Insurance	$50	$100	$150
Fuel	$88	$0	$0
Estimated Range	$249 - $351	$897 - $1,319	$1,928 - $2,785

DIY

Rent a truck, pack and drive yourself

$300

avg estimate

Most Affordable

Pros:

+ Cheapest option

+ Full control over timeline

+ No strangers handling belongings

Cons:

- Most physical effort

- Risk of injury

- Time-consuming

- Truck driving stress

Hybrid

You pack, professionals load and transport

$1,108

avg estimate

Pros:

+ Save on packing costs

+ Professionals handle heavy lifting

+ No truck driving

Cons:

- Still need to pack everything

- Less flexible scheduling

- Moderate cost

Full-Service

Professionals handle everything

$2,357

avg estimate

Pros:

+ Least effort required

+ Professional packing reduces damage

+ Insurance included

+ Fastest option

Cons:

- Most expensive

- Less control over handling

- Need to schedule in advance

Tipping Guide

Per Mover

$30

Movers Needed

Total Tip

$90

Based on estimated 5-hour job. Tip 15-20% of total cost or $5-10/mover/hour for exceptional service.

Moving Timeline Checklist

8 weeks before

Research moving companies and get quotes

Create a moving budget

Start decluttering and donating unused items

Notify landlord if renting

4 weeks before

Book movers or reserve truck rental

Start packing non-essentials

Change address with USPS and update accounts

Transfer utilities to new address

2 weeks before

Pack most rooms, label all boxes clearly

Confirm moving company reservation

Arrange pet/child care for moving day

Prepare an essentials box (meds, docs, chargers)

1 week before

Finish packing remaining items

Defrost and clean refrigerator

Disassemble furniture as needed

Confirm arrival time with movers

Moving day

Do final walkthrough of old home

Supervise loading and check inventory

Take photos of empty rooms for deposit

Hand over keys

How to Use Moving Cost Calculator

1Select local or long-distance move
2Enter the distance and home size
3Choose your moving method
4Compare costs and review checklist

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to move?▾

A local move averages $1,000-$2,500, while a long-distance move ranges from $2,500-$7,500+ depending on distance and home size.

Is it cheaper to move yourself?▾

DIY moves are typically 50-75% cheaper than full-service, but require significant time and physical effort. Hybrid options offer a middle ground.

How much should I tip movers?▾

The standard tip is 15-20% of the total labor cost, or $4-8 per mover per hour for a typical move.

About Moving Cost Calculator

Calculate moving costs for local and long-distance moves. Compare DIY, hybrid, and full-service options. Get a complete moving checklist.

NexTool's Moving Cost Calculator is completely free to use with no sign-up required. Your data is processed directly in your browser and never sent to our servers, ensuring complete privacy and instant results.