The Best Long-Distance Moving Services of 2025
Compare top-rated movers in your area.
Updated: September 2025
The average move costs ~$5,600, depending on your move's size, distance, from/to locations, etc., but typically ranges between $700 - $13,000. Compare the top-rated movers in your area to get an accurate cost estimate. Use the provided information and discounts to save money and find the best personalized experience.
Our Expert Advice: get a few quotes
There's no single price to estimate your moving cost since each home size is different and your move-from/to locations will vary. You will have to provide some basic information about your move along with your email and phone number, but it is the only real way to compare services and get a realistic price.
Moving Cost Calculator
Move distance, house size, item weight and move timing matter most
We highly recommend you get multiple quotes from reputable national movers. There are too many combinations of individual circumstances to create a custom, or even realistic, individual quote. Without personalized data, you can only rely on ballpark national averages to estimate rough moving costs.
Key factors will impact your move's cost.
Move Distance
Shorter moving distance will cost less than coast-to-coast moves. But there will always be a base-level cost for the truck and labor costs.
Home Size
Bedroom size helps movers estimate the overall size and weight of the move to calculate fuel cost and number of trucks needed.
Additional Services
A variety of factors impact overall cost. Add-ons like premium white-glove service, moving specialty, heavy or high value items will cost more.
Distance
Mileage matters and increases your move's costs
Movers will calculate their cost of goods sold based on the moving distance. This number considers their labor costs, number of trucks needed, and fuel costs–depending on the overall size and weight. Changes to current fuel prices will also impact cost.
Home Size
The number of bedrooms and overall weight of bedrooms matter most
The actual number of bedrooms doesn't necessarily matter, but moving companies tend to estimate move sq. footage and move weight based on these figures. The moving size and weight matter, depending on how the moving company charges, since it will impact fuel cost, multiplied by the total moving distance.
| Miles | 1-Bedroom | 2-Bedroom | 3-Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|
| 250 or Less (Short Distance) | $600 - $2,000 | $1,200 - $2,750 | $2,000 - $3,500+ |
| 1,000+ (Long Distance) | $1,500 - $5,600 | $3,300 - $6,500 | $4,900 - $8,300+ |
| 2,500+ (Cross Country) | $3,000 - $6,000 | $4,500 - $7,500 | $9,000 - $12,000+ |
| International | $2,500 - $9,000+ | $4,000 - $11,000 | $8,000 - $15,000+ |
Seasonal Challenges
Expect higher costs and lower mover availability in April-October
Late spring through early fall is prime moving season with students moving for school and house listings typically peaking in July. Although the weather tends to benefit movers during the summer, it's also when moving companies have less moving trucks available, resulting in higher prices. You may be able to save money by moving early or late in the year. Moving on weekdays may also save you money vs. weekends.
Active Listings (realtor.com)
You may also run into inventory issues where the movers cannot accommodate your moving date. Make sure to get confirmation after you get a quote that the dates requested will work, especially during peak summer months.
Expected Timeframe
Move time ranges from 1 day to 3 weeks, depending on distance
The numerous factors listed above will impact the full timeframe, and unexpected delays do occur from time to time. Make sure to pack enough necessities and secure ample accommodations before committing to a long-distance move, especially if it's from coast-to-coast.
Additional Costs
Make sure you calculate overlooked costs
It is possible to hire a helping hand to pack your belongings, but many people choose to pack it on their own. The supplies needed vary, but here are some typical costs you may encounter while packing your belongings.
Typical Moving Supplies
- Boxes (small to TV-sized)
- Moving blankets ($15-$200+)
- Storage bins to protect valuables
- Packing material (bubble wrap, packing peanuts, etc.)
- Misc. packing supplies (tape, labels, markers, etc.)
- Garbage bags
Some moves may also require temporary storage if there is a gap between move-out and move-in. These range widely in price, depending on rental length and if it's at a local storage lot or if you are using a POD that's being shipped with your valuables.
Specialty Items
Moving costs may increase due to weight of specialty or unique items, such as:
- Heavy items (hot tubs, pianos, safes, tools, etc.)
- Appliances (the number of ranges, refrigerators, etc.)
- Fragile items or valuables (artwork, glass dinnerware, etc.)
- Weapons (consider state-to-state laws and regulations)
Cleanup Costs
Depending on your situations, there may also be cleaning fees or move-out costs if you are renting.
- Cleaning supplies
- Move-out costs or lost deposit
- Painting (touch-ups or entire rooms)
- Junk removal services or a dumpster
- Landscaping
International Moves
Expect increased cost and time to completion
We recommend paying for door-to-door moving services to reduce lost items and have the company take care of any logistical, inter-country approvals and costs, and to have a single point of contact for your move.
Car Shipping
Auto transport is an additional cost to your full-service move
Cost ranges between $300 - $1,800, depending on the distance and if you choose enclosed shipping–for added protection, typically for high-end vehicles. Compare companies in our auto transport services guide to find an auto transportation company near you.