Cost of a Long-Distance Move
The average cost of a long-distance move (typically over 100 miles) depends on several factors, including the distance, weight of belongings, moving services required, and time of year. Here’s a general cost breakdown:
By Distance & Home Size
| Home Size | 500 miles | 1,000 miles | 2,500+ miles |
| 1-Bedroom Apartment | $1,000 - $2,500 | $1,500 - $3,500 | $3,500 - $5,500 |
| 2-3 Bedroom House | $2,500 - $5,500 | $3,500 - $7,500 | $5,500 - $9,000 |
| 4+ Bedroom House | $5,000 - $9,000 | $7,500 - $12,000+ | $9,000 - $15,000+ |
Additional Cost Factors
- Packing Services: $500 - $2,000
- Storage: $100 - $500 per month
- Moving Insurance: $100 - $1,000
- Car Shipping: $1,000 - $2,500
- Specialty Items (Piano, Pool Table, etc.): $200 - $1,000+
Peak vs. Off-Season
- Peak Season (Summer): 20-30% more expensive
- Off-Peak (Fall/Winter): More discounts available
Saving homeowners thousands daily on their next move
Reviews and quotes from companies trusted on top rated platforms.
How to use our long-distance moving cost calculator
These simple steps make it easy to plan and budget your move. You can get moving quotes in under 30 seconds.
- Add your basic move info. Enter the pick-up and drop-off zip codes or city names in the designated 'Pick up Zip Code' and 'Drop off Zip Code' fields,so we can estimate mileage.
- Select the size of your move. Choose the size of your home from the options provided. We use this to calculate the cost of your estimated truck load and how much you will be moving.
- See your estimated cost . Using the information you provided, our long-distance moving calculator will generate an approximate price range for your upcoming move.
- Find your match. Now it’s time to find the mover that meets your budget. MoverMatch can connect you with the top-ranked national moving companies, so you can compare rates, check out their current offers, and save money on your long-distance move.
Our Top 3 Picks
These are our pick for the best moving companies:
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FAQ: Long-Distance Moving
1. How much does a long-distance move cost?
The cost depends on the distance, home size, and services needed. On average:
- 500 miles: $1,000 - $9,000
- 1,000 miles: $1,500 - $12,000
- 2,500+ miles: $3,500 - $15,000+
- Additional costs may apply for packing, storage, and specialty items.
2. How far in advance should I book a long-distance move?
- Peak season (summer): At least 8-12 weeks in advance
- Off-peak season (fall/winter): At least 4-6 weeks in advance
- Booking early helps secure better pricing and availability.
3. How long does a long-distance move take?
Most moving companies offer:
- 500 miles: 1-3 days
- 1,000 miles: 3-7 days
- 2,500+ miles: 7-21 days
- Delivery time depends on the moving company, weather, and road conditions.
4. Do movers offer insurance for my belongings?
Yes, most moving companies offer:
- Basic Liability Coverage (free, but minimal coverage)
- Full-Value Protection (higher cost, but covers item replacement/repairs)
- Third-Party Insurance (recommended for high-value items)
5. What items cannot be moved by professional movers?
Movers typically won’t transport:
- Hazardous materials (e.g., propane tanks, paint, fireworks)
- Perishable food
- Live plants
- Valuables (cash, jewelry, important documents – best to move these yourself)
6. Should I tip my movers?
Tipping is not required but appreciated. A general guideline:
- $5-$10 per mover per hour
- $50-$200 per crew for long-distance moves
7. How do I track my belongings during a long-distance move?
Many moving companies provide tracking services. You can ask about:
- GPS tracking (for full-service moves)
- Regular updates from the driver
- Customer support contact for real-time status
8. How can I save money on a long-distance move?
Many moving companies provide tracking services. You can ask about:
- Move during off-peak times (fall/winter, mid-month, weekdays)
- Declutter before moving to reduce load weight
- Compare multiple quotes from different movers
How we rate long-distance movers:
We rate companies on a scale of 1-5 based on the below categories removing all the leg work so you and your family can focus on the big move.
- Pricing & Transparency (10%)
- Clear, upfront pricing with no hidden fees
- Availability of free quotes
- Fair pricing compared to industry averages
- Customer Reviews & Reputation (25%)
- Ratings on Google, Yelp, BBB, and Trustpilot
- Number of reviews and overall sentiment
- Any history of complaints or disputes
- Licensing & Insurance (15%)
- Proper registration with FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration)
- Sufficient liability insurance and cargo protection
- DOT Number verification
- Services Offered (15%)
- Full-service moves (packing, loading, unloading, storage)
- Customizable options (fragile-only packing, furniture assembly, auto transport)
- International vs. domestic service coverage
- Reliability & Timeliness (15%)
- On-time delivery performance
- History of delays, cancellations, or lost items
- Availability of tracking services
- Customer Support & Communication (10%)
- Responsiveness via phone, email, chat
- Clarity of communication regarding delivery times, policies, and pricing
- Ease of resolving issues (claims process, refunds, and complaints)
- Extra Perks & Policies (10%)
- Flexible cancellation and rescheduling policies
- Discounts for military, seniors, and students
- Climate-controlled storage, white-glove service, or other premium add-ons
