The honest answer: a long distance move costs $2,500 to $8,000+ for most households. But that range is nearly useless without context. A studio moving 300 miles is a completely different job than a 4-bedroom moving 1,500 miles. Here's how to understand what you'll actually pay.
Average Cost by Home Size
| Home Size | 500 Miles | 1,000 Miles | 1,500+ Miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1-Bed | $1,800–$2,800 | $2,200–$3,500 | $2,800–$4,500 |
| 2 Bedroom | $2,500–$4,000 | $3,200–$5,000 | $4,000–$6,500 |
| 3 Bedroom | $3,500–$5,500 | $4,500–$7,000 | $5,500–$9,000 |
| 4 Bedroom | $5,000–$7,500 | $6,500–$10,000 | $8,000–$13,000 |
| 4+ / Estate | $7,000+ | $10,000+ | $14,000+ |
Ranges reflect 2025 pricing for full-service moves including loading, transport, and unloading. Not including packing services or specialty items.
What Drives the Price
The primary driver for interstate moves. Long distance moves are priced by weight × mileage (tariff rate). Every 100 extra miles adds roughly $150–$300 depending on the time of year.
More stuff = more per pound. A standard 2-bedroom household weighs approximately 5,000–7,000 lbs. Your mover should provide a binding estimate based on a written inventory, not a guess.
Summer (June–August) adds 15–30% to baseline rates. Moving in October through February can save you $500–$1,500 on a typical move. See our moving timing guide for the full breakdown.
Full packing by the mover adds $400–$1,500 depending on home size. Many people pack themselves and save significantly — the mover only handles loading, transport, and unloading.
Pianos, gun safes, pool tables, and large art pieces require specialty equipment and usually add $200–$600 each. Always disclose these upfront so they're included in your binding estimate.
Long carry (truck can't park close), multiple flights of stairs, elevator reservations, or narrow driveways all add to labor time and may add fees. Disclose these when getting quotes.
Binding vs. Non-Binding Estimates — Why It Matters
This is the most important part of this entire article. There are three types of estimates:
Binding Estimate
Your price is locked. Period. The mover cannot charge you more at delivery regardless of actual weight. This is what you want.
Binding Not-to-Exceed
Similar to binding, but if the shipment weighs less than estimated you pay the lower amount. Good option.
Non-Binding Estimate
The mover can charge up to 110% of the estimate at delivery, even if you didn't add anything. Dangerous — avoid.
What's NOT Included (Read Before You Sign)
Standard long distance moving estimates typically do NOT include:
- •Packing materials (boxes, tape, bubble wrap) — purchase separately or pay per box
- •Packing labor — unless specifically included
- •Storage — if your destination isn't ready, storage fees are separate
- •Shuttle fees — if a large truck can't access your building, a smaller shuttle truck may be needed
- •Valuation / insurance upgrades — basic coverage is $0.60/lb, full replacement value is extra
Get Your Exact Binding Estimate — Free
US Safe Moving provides written binding estimates with no obligation. Call or use our online form.
How to Get an Accurate Quote
The most accurate quotes come from a written inventory of everything you're moving. When you call US Safe Moving, we'll walk through your inventory over the phone (or video) and provide a written binding estimate based on actual weight tables — not a rough guess.
Be honest about specialty items, access conditions, and your destination situation. Every surprise at delivery that wasn't disclosed upfront is a potential dispute. A carrier who gives you a binding estimate and sticks to it is worth more than the cheapest quote from someone who isn't licensed.