How Much Does It Cost to Move a Three-Bedroom House in 2023?

Understanding the factors that affect the cost of a local or long-distance move can help you find the right moving company for your needs. The biggest factors that influence moving costs include how far you move and how many possessions you have.

Distance

The distance you travel is one of the biggest factors that affects your move price. The further you travel, the more physical laborers a moving company must hire to load and unload your belongings. Longer moves may also require more money spent on tolls and gas, making it even more expensive for the movers.

Moving company estimates vary widely by distance. For example, American Van Lines estimates the average cost to move a three-bedroom house about 650 miles from Washington, D.C., to Atlanta is $5,835. However, the average estimate to move the same size home from Greensboro, N.C., to Los Angeles (a distance of about 2,500 miles) from the same company is $10,559.

Price discrepancy is not only found with full-service movers — moving container costs also vary by distance due to similar factors. For example, a three-container move with U-Pack covering about 1,000 miles usually costs around $3,545, while a 2,700-mile move will usually cost around $6,217.

Size and Weight

Professional movers must comply with federal regulations related to the weight of each truck. These state-based regulations, set in place by the FMCSA, may require long-distance movers to employ more team members to carry heavier shipments. More movers increase the final cost of your move, no matter the distance.

Price differences can occur with professional movers and moving container companies. For example, American Van Lines estimates the average three-bedroom house has a shipping weight of 10,000 pounds. The average cost to ship a 10,000-pound shipment from Miami to New York City with the company is $8,182, while the average cost to move a 6,000-pound shipment the same distance is $5,286. If you need to book multiple moving containers, the total cost of your move could double or even triple.

Downsizing your furniture or belongings before you move can help lower your moving costs. If you choose to downsize, you can donate unwanted items to local charities and donation centers. Keep a record of all of your donations to claim any potential tax deductions.

Service Type

Each moving company offers different levels of moving services at various price points. But most companies include the following basic moving services:

• DIYmoving truck rental: The most affordable way to move is a DIY move with a truck rental. Depending on your area, you could rent a truck for $30 a day. You can also enlist the help of friends and family members to save on packing services and make the loading process easier and safer.

• Moving container rental: Moving container companies require you to load and unload your belongings, but save you the hassle of driving a moving truck. Moving container companies like PODS drop off a container at your current home for you to load, then transport the filled container to your new home. The company will also pick up the empty container and sometimes provide on-site storage services. While moving containers are more affordable than full-service movers, they may be more expensive for larger homes and require more stress loading.

• Full-service moving company: Full-service moving companies are the most convenient (and expensive) way to move. The movers supply full loading and transportation services and arrange furniture in your new home upon delivery. These companies may also provide optional add-on services like unpacking and furniture disassembly. Any additional services come at an extra cost but might be worth it if you have a large home or if your employer is paying for the relocation.
• Self-service moving company: Self-service moving companies may provide basic transportation services but usually won’t pack or load your belongings. These companies are more affordable than full-service movers. But if you have a larger home and movers bill by the hour, you could end up overpaying. To save money, you can ask friends or family to help you load and pack if you choose this moving method.

We recommend getting multiple quotes from different types of companies before hiring a mover.

Time of Year

Like other industries, the moving industry has times when companies are busy and when services are not as high in demand. As June, July and August approach, moving companies receive more moving requests and can increase prices.

While it can be difficult to move during the winter in some parts of the U.S., you will usually find the most affordable time to move is between December and February. If you can wait to move until this time, you may get a more affordable price for your move.

You might also be able to save money if you move on a weekday rather than a weekend. If possible, book a moving date other than Friday or Saturday and ask about weekday discount pricing.