The True Cost of Moving in 2025
Whether you are moving across town or across the country, budgeting for your move is the first and most critical step. In 2025, inflation, fuel costs, and labor shortages have impacted the moving industry, making it more important than ever to understand exactly what you're paying for.
Local vs. Long-Distance Moves
The moving industry categorizes moves into two main types, which are billed entirely differently:
Local Moves (Under 50-100 miles) Local moves are almost always billed at an hourly rate.
- The average rate in 2025 is $120 to $200 per hour for a standard two-person crew and a truck.
- A 1-bedroom apartment typically takes 3-5 hours ($360 - $1,000).
- A 3-bedroom house typically takes 6-10 hours ($720 - $2,000).
Long-Distance Moves (Over 100 miles or crossing state lines) Long-distance moves are billed based on the total weight of your shipment and the mileage traveled.
- A 1-bedroom apartment (approx. 3,000 lbs) moving 1,000 miles averages $1,500 to $3,000.
- A 3-bedroom house (approx. 7,000 lbs) moving 1,000 miles averages $3,500 to $6,500.
- Cross-country moves (e.g., NY to CA) can easily exceed $8,000 for a large home.
Hidden Fees to Watch Out For
When reviewing a moving quote, the base rate is rarely the final price. Look out for these common accessorial charges:
- Stair/Elevator Fees: If you live on a 3rd-floor walk-up, expect a fee of $50-$100 per flight of stairs.
- Long Carry Fees: If the moving truck cannot park within 50-100 feet of your front door, you will be charged for the extra walking distance.
- Bulky Item Fees: Pianos, safes, riding mowers, and hot tubs require specialized handling and incur flat-rate surcharges.
- Packing Materials: If the movers pack for you, you will pay a premium for their boxes, tape, and shrink wrap.
How to Save Money on Your 2025 Move
- Declutter aggressively: For long-distance moves, every pound costs money. Sell or donate heavy furniture that isn't worth the cost to transport.
- Move off-peak: Mid-week, mid-month moves from September to April are up to 20% cheaper than weekend moves in July.
- Pack yourself: Full-service packing adds $500 to $1,500 to an average move. Boxing up your own non-fragile items is the easiest way to save.
- Compare multiple quotes: Never accept the first estimate. Use a marketplace like moving.art to get competitive bids from verified carriers.