Average moving costs by distance and home size: Local move (<50 miles): Studio/1BR $300-900, 2BR $600-1,200, 3BR $900-1,600, 4BR+ $1,200-2,000.

Long-distance 1,000 miles: 1BR $2,000-3,500, 2BR $3,500-5,500, 3BR $5,000-8,000, 4BR+ $7,000-12,000.

Costs based on: weight (7-8 lbs per cubic foot), distance, labor hours (3-8 movers), packing services (+$500-2,000), stairs/elevators (+$75-150/floor).

DIY moving saves 40-60% but requires significant effort.

Costs: Truck rental $150-2,000 (depends on size/distance), Gas $100-800, Equipment rental $50-200 (dollies, blankets, straps), Helpers $25-35/hour each, Food/lodging for long trips $200-800.

Time investment: 3-5x longer than professionals.

Best for: local moves, small apartments, tight budgets, minimal furniture.

Not recommended for: families, >1,000 miles, valuable items, tight schedules.

Off-peak moving (Oct-April) saves 20-40%: Avoid peak season May-September (summer break, school year transitions), Move mid-week (Mon-Thu) instead of weekends for 15-25% discount, Choose mid-month (11th-20th) avoiding month-end rush, Winter moves (Nov-Feb) offer deepest discounts but weather risk.

Example: Weekend summer move $4,000 vs Tuesday February move $2,400 for same service.

Book 8-12 weeks advance for best rates.

Two main options: Released value coverage (included free): $0.60 per pound per item - minimal protection.

Example: 50 lb TV damaged = $30 compensation.

Full value protection (costs 1-2% of shipment value): Replace or repair items at current value.

Cost: $200-500 for typical move.

Third-party insurance: $300-600 for $50,000 coverage.

Recommended: Full value protection for moves >$5,000 value or with antiques, art, electronics.

Standard tipping: Local move: $20-40 per mover (4-8 hour day), Long-distance: $40-75 per mover, Difficult move (stairs, heavy items): Add 25-50%.

Total crew tip: $100-200 local, $200-500 long-distance.

Tip individually at end, not to crew chief.

Tip more for: exceptional care, weather challenges, overtime work.

Tip less if: damaged items (after filing claim), unprofessional behavior.

Cash preferred.

Common hidden costs totaling $1,500-5,500: Packing materials $200-600 (boxes, tape, bubble wrap), Cleaning old/new place $150-400 each, Deposits/fees at new place $500-2,000, Utility connection fees $100-400, Address change services $50-150, Storage if gaps between moves $150-300/month, Pet/vehicle transport $300-1,500, Take-out meals during move $100-300, Tool rental $50-150, Emergency hotel if delayed $100-200/night.

Budget 20-30% above moving quote.