Moving Cost Estimator
Estimate your total moving cost based on the size of your move, distance, labor rate, and truck rental.
How labor hours are estimated
This calculator estimates roughly 1.5 hours per room as a general rule of thumb for a moving crew, which is a reasonable starting point for typical household rooms with average furniture density — heavily furnished rooms, homes with lots of stairs, or particularly large items (pianos, heavy furniture) can extend this considerably.
For a more precise estimate, many moving companies provide a free in-home or virtual walkthrough quote based on your actual belongings, which will be more accurate than any general room-based formula.
Other costs this estimate doesn't include
This calculator covers the core costs of labor, fuel, and truck rental, but a full move budget often includes packing supplies (boxes, tape, padding), moving insurance, tips for the moving crew, and temporary storage if there's a gap between move-out and move-in dates.
Long-distance moves handled by professional moving companies (rather than a DIY truck rental) are often priced differently — typically based on total weight and distance rather than an hourly local-move rate — so this calculator is best suited for local or regional moves rather than long-distance interstate relocations.
Frequently asked questions
Does this estimate include packing supplies or moving insurance?
No — this covers core labor, fuel, and truck rental costs. A complete moving budget should also account for packing supplies, insurance, tips, and any temporary storage needs.
Is this calculator suitable for long-distance moves?
It's best suited for local or regional moves. Long-distance moves handled by professional movers are typically priced differently, often based on total shipment weight and distance rather than an hourly local-move rate.