How Much Does It Cost to Move in 2026?

Average Moving Costs at a Glance

Moving costs vary enormously depending on how far you're going, how much you own, and how much help you hire. Here are the national average ranges for 2026.

Full-Service Movers vs DIY vs Portable Containers

Choosing a moving method is the single biggest lever on your total cost. Each option involves a real trade-off between money, time, and effort.

• Full-service movers: The most expensive option — they pack, load, transport, and unload. Best for large homes, long distances, and anyone without the time or physical ability to do the work. Get binding estimates from FMCSA-licensed movers for interstate moves.
• Rental truck DIY: The most affordable method. You rent a truck and do all the loading, driving, and unloading yourself. Fuel, tolls, hotel stays on cross-country moves, and physical labor are absorbed by you. Best for local moves or budget-conscious long-distance moves.
• Portable container: The company delivers a container to your driveway, you load it on your schedule, and they pick it up and deliver it to your new location. A strong middle ground — more convenience than a rental truck, significantly cheaper than full-service movers. Storage flexibility is a bonus if your move-out and move-in dates don't align.

Hidden Costs That Surprise People

The base quote rarely captures everything. Budget for these commonly overlooked expenses:

• Packing materials: Boxes, tape, bubble wrap, and packing paper can add $100–$500 depending on your home size. Start collecting free boxes from liquor stores, bookstores, and local Facebook groups early.
• Tips for movers: Tipping professional movers is standard. A common guideline is $20–$50 per mover per day for good service, more for exceptional work or a difficult move with stairs or long carries.
• Storage: If your move-in date lags behind your move-out date, you may need short-term storage. Portable container services often include one month of storage. Self-storage units typically run $80–$200 per month depending on unit size and location.
• Utility deposits and overlap rent: Paying first, last, and a security deposit at a new place while still paying rent on the old one is a common but under-budgeted cash flow hit.
• Specialty items: Pianos, safes, pool tables, and oversized furniture often carry surcharges from full-service movers. Ask specifically about these items when getting quotes.
• Long carry and stair fees: Most movers charge extra when the truck can't park close to the entrance or when they have to navigate flights of stairs. Confirm these policies before signing.

Best Time of Year to Move (and How to Save)

Moving timing has a real impact on cost. Peak season runs from May through August — this is when families move before the school year, leases typically turn over, and demand for movers is highest. Prices during peak season can be 20–30% higher than off-peak.

The most affordable moving windows are September through April, on weekdays (Monday through Thursday), and mid-month rather than the first or last few days when most leases turn over. If your employer or landlord gives you any flexibility on timing, shifting your move by a few weeks can produce meaningful savings.

Book movers as early as possible — 4–8 weeks in advance for local moves, 8–12 weeks for long-distance — to lock in better rates and ensure availability. Last-minute bookings in peak season often cost significantly more or can't be accommodated at all.

Always Get 3+ Quotes — Prices Vary Widely

Moving company pricing is not standardized. The same move can be quoted at wildly different prices by different companies in the same market. Getting at least three written quotes — ideally from an in-home walkthrough or thorough virtual survey — is the single most effective step you can take to ensure you're paying a fair price.

For interstate moves, verify that any company you consider holds a USDOT number through the FMCSA. Ask for binding estimates (not non-binding estimates) so the final price can't balloon after your belongings are loaded. Be wary of companies that ask for a large upfront deposit or require a credit card before they'll provide a quote.

Use the free Moving Cost Calculator to estimate a realistic range for your move type and home size before you call movers. If your move involves buying a home, the Closing Cost Calculator helps you budget transaction costs, and the Rent vs Buy Calculator can confirm whether buying makes financial sense in your new market.

Results and cost estimates vary by location, contractor, and individual circumstances. Always get multiple quotes and verify all contractors are properly licensed and insured.