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Planning a move? Whether you're relocating across town or the country, getting accurate moving company quotes is the first step to a hassle-free experience.
At MoverJunction, we connect you with the best moving companies in US, offering reliable, transparent, and competitive moving quotes to match your needs.
What are moving quotes?
Moving quotes are cost estimates provided by professional moving companies based on your unique requirements. These quotes give you a clear idea of how much your move will cost, including factors like distance, type of services, and the volume or weight of your belongings.
- Binding Estimate: A fixed price, regardless of changes in weight or volume
- Non-Binding Estimate: A flexible cost estimate that may vary based on the actual move.
- Binding Not-to-Exceed Estimate: A maximum price you’ll pay, which can decrease if the actual move costs less.
Benefits of getting moving quotes online!
Getting moving companies’ quotes helps you:
- Avoid overpaying: Quotes let you compare rates across companies.
- Understand services: Know exactly what you’re paying for—packing, storage, or special handling.
- Find trustworthy movers: Avoid scams by reviewing detailed quotes.
Whether you're looking for local moving quotes, state-to-state moving quotes, or long-distance moving company quotes, take the time to compare. This will give you good value for your money.
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How are moving quotes calculated for different types of moves?
Every moving company will have different moving rates and different criteria for giving you a moving quote based on their quality of service, availability, and several other factors. While this is true, the basic formula for calculating moving quotes remains the same for different types of moves: local moves or long distance moves.
In short, the more stuff you're moving and the further you are moving, the higher your moving quote will be.
But, of course, it’s not quite that simple. There are a lot of little factors that can influence the final price.
Let me break down the factors that affect moving quotes and share some examples to make it clearer for you.
Key cost factors that affect moving quotes?
1. Distance Matters
How far you’re moving is one of the biggest factors.
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Moving Quotes for Local Moves
Typically, a move is considered a local move if the customer is moving within the same state and the move is less than 100 miles apart.
For these types of moves, moving quotes are generally based on the number of people you'll need and the number of hours they'll need to complete the job. Moving companies have hourly rates for 2 men or 4 men based on your requirements.
Rates typically range from $80/hour to $125/hour per mover.
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Moving Quotes for Long Distance or Interstate Moves
If you're moving out of your state or cross-country, the moving quote formula changes. Your moving estimate in this case will be based on the number of hours it takes, but on the weight and distance of the shipment.
The cost calculation is a bit more complicated here, as some moves can take days or even weeks to complete.
For example, moving 1,000 miles with a three-bedroom home’s worth of stuff might cost anywhere from $4,500 to $9,000 or more, depending on the weight.
2. How Much You’re Moving
This is where weight and volume come into play. Movers need to estimate how heavy or bulky your load is to figure out transportation costs.
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Example: A studio apartment with a couch, a bed, and a few boxes is going to be a lot cheaper to move than a fully furnished four-bedroom house with a piano and a dining set.
3. Services You Need
What you’re asking the movers to do can also affect the price.
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Full-Service Moves
These include packing, unpacking, and handling specialty items, so they cost more.
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DIY or Self-Service Moves
These include packing, unpacking, and handling specialty items, so they cost more.
4. Moving labor costs
To move locally, the cost is calculated on the basis of the number of laborers and the time taken to complete the task, in addition to the traveling time. A mover considers this factor while deciding the local moving company quote.
5. Specialty Items
Some things take extra effort to move safely, and that comes with extra charges.
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Example: Moving a piano or antique furniture might add anywhere from $400 to $1000 to your bill.
6. Packing services
While you hire a full-service mover, it will take up the packing part and will bill you for the materials brought in, such as cartons, packing boxes, and plastic ropes. The more you have to pack, the higher the cost.
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Get Free Boxes7. Moving season
While you hire a full-service mover, it will take up the packing part and will bill you for the materials brought in, such as cartons, packing boxes, and plastic ropes. The more you have to pack, the higher the cost.
8. Accessibility Challenges
Sometimes, the layout of your home or neighborhood can add extra fees. Narrow streets, no elevator, or several flights of stairs all mean more work for the movers.
9. Insurance
When you assign your belongings to a company to move to a new home, you are taking a big risk. And coverage will be a good decision. Most movers offer a small coverage, which will not be sufficient against a big accident. You can take additional coverage from the mover, but that will add up to the moving quote.
10. Additional services
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Storage units
If your new home can’t accommodate all your belongings, renting a storage unit adds to the cost.
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Add-ons
Extra services, like disassembling heavy furniture or handling fragile items, are also included in the final quote.
Budget your move
Free online moving cost calculator
How to get accurate moving company quotes?
Step 1: Provide detailed information
Be specific about:
- Where you’re moving from and to
- What you’re moving (inventory)
- Any special requirements, like handling antiques or storing items
Get quotes from at least 4-5 top moving companies near you. This helps you compare prices, services, and terms to find the best fit.
Step 3: Use online toolsMany moving companies and vendors now offer instant quote calculators on their websites. These are great for quick estimates.
Step 4: Schedule an in-home surveyFor larger moves, invite a professional mover to assess your belongings. This ensures the estimate reflects the actual size, scope, and requirements of your move.
Step 5: Review the detailsCarefully check what’s included: Are packing supplies covered? Is insurance included? Are there extra fees for stairs or long carries?
What are the types of moving quotes you get from us?
MoverJunction promises a stress-free moving experience. Get amazing and affordable moving quotes for both local and long distance from us. Our range of services also covers storage, auto moving, and truck rental as well.
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Full-service moving quotes
A full-service moving company undertakes packing, loading, and unloading the truck, driving it to the new home, and finally unpacking the household stuff. Full-service moving quotes may be costlier when compared with other moving types but highly helpful and time-saving. When you have a plan to hire a full-service moving company, we can get you the best movers in your area.
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Moving labor quotes
Often, full-service moving companies may be costly for you and the best bet available is to hire moving labor service companies. You hire a truck and take the help of moving labor to load and unload the truck. Moving labor quotes cover loading and unloading costs and packing services can be added on request. Here is all you need to know about moving labor quotes.
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Long-distance moving company quotes
Long-distance moving company quotes are determined by the distance, types of services, moving season, moving company, and many other factors. If you have a plan to relocate long-distance, we can help you get the best long-distance moving quotes. Check here to know how to get our long-distance moving quotes.
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Local moving company quotes
While you move locally or within the state, the moving cost is calculated based on the number of laborers involved and hours taken to complete the job. And we can help you get the best and affordable local moving company quotes in your area. Read here to know how to get our best-in-class local moving quotes.
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Moving container quotes
While hiring a moving company does not fit into your budget but still you want to relocate professionally, rent a moving container. Highly cost-effective, this mode of relocation is now a hot trend. Here is what you need to know about moving containers.
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Moving truck rental quotes
Renting a truck and driving to the new home helps you move on a minimal budget. Even when you add the moving labor service cost, it is cheaper than many moving options. Know more about moving truck rentals.
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Auto/car moving quotes
An auto-moving company saves you from the stress of driving your car long-distance. When you have a car to move to the new home, hire a reliable auto/car moving company through us. Here is everything you need to know about auto moving.
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Storage unit quotes
Hiring a storage unit is a convenient way to stock your belongings for a specific period. If you are in search of a storage unit, MoverJunction can help you hire one at an affordable rate. Read to know all about storage units.
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Office/commercial moving quotes
When you have an office to relocate to a new location, many questions may pop up in your mind. Concerns related to office moving quotes, types of moving services, and how to find good movers may make you sleepless. Read to know everything about office/commercial moving.
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Partial moving quotes
Partial moving service is perfect for those who only need to move specific items rather than their entire household. It’s an excellent option if you’re downsizing, shipping items to family, or just moving select belongings to a secondary location.
How it differs from full-service moves? Unlike full-service moving services, partial moving quotes are calculated based on the type and quantity of items being moved rather than the weight of a complete household.
Factors to consider:
- Volume and weight: The size of the items being moved will influence the cost.
- Distance: Whether you’re moving locally or long-distance affects pricing.
- Special handling: Fragile or oversized items, like pianos or artwork, may cost you extra.
With MoverJunction, you can easily get partial moving quotes that match your budget and timeline.
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Self-service moving quotes
Self-service moves are ideal for those looking to save on moving labor costs. You handle packing, loading, and unloading yourself, while the moving company provides transportation.
How it differs from full-service moves? Unlike full-service moves, self-service quotes online focus solely on transportation and exclude labor costs for packing and handling. This makes it a more cost-effective choice for budget-conscious movers.
Factors to consider:
- Truck Size: Choose a truck size that fits your belongings to avoid extra trips or oversized charges.
- Loading and unloading: While you’re responsible for this, hiring moving labor separately can add convenience.
- Scheduling flexibility: Self-service moves often require more planning on your part, especially for long-distance moves.
MoverJunction ensures that self-service moving quotes are straightforward and affordable, giving you complete control over your move.
Common mistakes to avoid when getting instant moving quotes
- Accepting only phone quotes: Always ask for a written and detailed estimate.
- Ignoring terms and conditions: Review details for hidden fees and clauses to avoid last-minute surprises.
- Not checking credentials: Verify licenses, insurance details, and customer reviews to avoid scams.
- Rushing the process: Take time to compare and don’t shy away from asking questions or clearing your doubts.
Checkout our After The Move Checklist
Get the ChecklistFrequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Yes, they do. However, there is no fixed rate of discount and it is completely based upon how much you negotiate. Discounts are most available during off-peak moving season (September-April), when you can even grab an off of up to 20%, based on multiple factors, including your skill to bargain.
Summer is an expensive time to move as most people prefer moving in this season for warm climate and long sunny days. Moving companies will have a packed schedule and will not be ready to give discounts in summer. Similarly, moving is costly even on weekends and public holidays.
Yes, it is cheaper to hire moving companies. The concept that DIY is cheaper than hiring a mover is a myth. While you move without professional help, you need to procure the packing supplies, rent a truck, and give a treat to all friends & relatives who helped you pack and load the truck. The fuel costs and other expenses on the road are extra. In addition, there is also a high risk of injury and damage to an item while hauling. When you add up all the expenses, it would come almost near to an amount quoted by a moving company. Plus, you can relax on a moving day.
Getting an online moving quote is simple. You fill in the zip codes of both destinations (the present one and the destination you intend to move to), the assumed moving date, the approximate volume of your belongings, along the email at respective boxes. You will instantly receive moving company quotes from different movers in your area from which you can pick the best suitable quote.
Fill in the zip codes of both your current location and the destination you plan to move to, along with the moving date, the volume of the household stuff, and the personal email at required boxes. Instantly you will get moving company quotes from the movers near your home.
One of the best places to find the country’s top-rated legitimate movers is MoverJunction. Its Mover’s Directory has a robust network of the best and licensed moving companies in the US from which you can easily pick one based on the services and quote.
Two major and common ways to get moving company quotes are to find them online and visit the moving company office in person. You can find the names of movers through recommendations, yellow pages, and even online. However, before you accept a moving quote, ensure the moving representative visits the home and takes a stock of every belonging there. Do not accept a quote via phone and it should be given in writing.
On average, a moving company would charge roughly between $3,000 and $18,000 to move a 2,000 square feet home long-distance. However, this is a rough estimate and it can either go down or higher based on multiple factors, such as the distance you want to cover, type of services, packing quality, the truck type, and the season you prefer moving in. Learn more about moving costs on MoverJunction moving guide.
A 3,000 sq ft home will typically have around 4 or 5 bedrooms and may have belongings weighing between 15,000 to 20,000 pounds and this may charge anywhere from $1,500 to $2,000 to move locally, which means less than 50 miles. While moving long-distance, a moving company may charge you anywhere from $4,000 to $20,000. However, this is a rough estimate, and to know more about calculating the moving cost
The cheapest way to move long distance is to hire a truck, fill your belongings into it and drive to the new home. The only cost you need to bear here is the truck rental plus the fuel cost. You can even think about renting a portable moving container, which may cost you from $900 to $4,500+ depending on the distance and size of the move.
Yes, they can be! Many movers are open to negotiation, especially if you’re flexible with your moving date or have multiple moving quotes to compare. Start early, shop around, and don’t hesitate to ask if they can match or beat a competitor’s offer.
For local moves, movers typically charge between $50 to $125 per hour. This depends on your location, the number of movers you need, and the season. Be aware that packing, heavy lifting, or bulky items could increase the hourly rate.
For local moves the average cost is $300–$2,500, depending on how much you’re moving and the help you need. Long-distance moves often range from $2,000–$5,000 or more. Don’t forget to budget for extras like packing supplies, insurance, or storage, if needed.
The accuracy depends on how detailed your initial assessment is. If a mover does a walkthrough or takes a detailed inventory, the quote is usually pretty close to the final cost. Vague phone estimates are less reliable. Always confirm what’s included to avoid hidden surprises.
Start getting moving company quotes 4–6 weeks before your move. This gives you time to compare options, negotiate, and secure a spot with your preferred company, especially during busy seasons.
For long-distance moves, companies usually consider both. Your cost will depend on how much your belongings weigh and how much space they take up in the truck. Local moves are often charged hourly instead.
Make sure to share your pickup and delivery addresses, a list of the items you’re moving (especially large or fragile ones), any special requirements, and your preferred moving date. The more detailed you are, the better estimate your moving quotes online will offer.
Movers quotes are based on factors like the distance of the move, the weight or volume of your items, the labor involved, and any additional services you request. Busy seasons or special handling needs might also affect the price.
It’s possible. Common hidden fees include charges for packing materials, stairs, fuel, or handling oversized items. To avoid surprises, ask for a full breakdown of costs before committing to a company.
Prioritize experience, transparent pricing, and good reviews. Make sure they’re licensed, insured, and have a clear process for handling damages or delays. Companies offering flexible, customizable services are also a plus.
Don’t just look at the price—dig into the details. Cheaper quotes might exclude important services or come from less reputable companies. Use lower moving company quotes as leverage to negotiate, but make sure you’re comparing apples to apples.
Start by reading reviews from multiple sources. Verify their licensing (especially for interstate moves) and ask for references from past customers. Confirm their insurance policy and make sure they’re upfront about costs and services.
A full-service moving company quote will have in common:
- Packing services
- Loading and unloading the truck
- Driving the truck to the new home
- Unwrapping services
And based on your demand, a mover can add a service or remove one, which will make tweaks to the quote.
Non-binding estimate: The quote is based on the weight of the customer’s belongings, but the cost can change based on the actual weight of the move. It’s risky as the final bill may be much higher than expected.
Binding estimate: A fixed cost based on the approximate weight of the belongings. The final cost won’t change even if the actual belongings weigh less.
Binding not-to-exceed estimate: The most popular option for long-distance moves. If the shipment exceeds the original estimate, no extra charge is applied. If it weighs less, you pay only for the actual weight.
To check the USDOT number, simply enter the company name or USDOT/MC# into the FMCSA search engine. This will provide the USDOT number along with relevant company details. A USDOT number is issued after registering with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), which is legally mandatory to operate in the industry.
Yes, it is possible to hire furniture movers, and there are many companies specialized in moving furniture of multiple types. However, when you have just a single piece of furniture to move, it would be largely based upon the time of year, day of the week, and your overall flexibility, since it is a low-dollar service.
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20130 Lakeview Center Plaza
Ashburn, VA 20147
888-901-4841
