Calculate Your Long-Distance Moving Cost

Hiring a moving company can alleviate much of the stress and strain of moving into a new home. It saves you from the most laborious work of loading and unloading items, and you won't have to worry about piloting a giant moving truck that you're probably uncomfortable attempting to drive.

Using professional movers is also more expensive, but knowing the details when it comes to costs can shave a substantial sum from the final bill.

The Importance of Accurate Moving Estimates

Whether you're relocating across town or overseas, moving can get expensive. Starting with an accurate long-distance moving cost estimate can help you plan and budget accordingly.

NorthAmerican’s long-distance moving cost calculator lets you compare long-distance moving companies' prices and find the right movers for the job. When comparing moving quotes, always ask about last-minute fees or additional charges. Avoiding these surprise expenses will be crucial for keeping your long-distance moving costs under budget.

How to Get a Moving Estimate

At North American Van Lines, we strive to make the moving estimate process as easy as possible. Here's how it works:

Quote on Demand Tool: Request a quote with our Quote on Demand Tool to receive an initial estimate for your move.
Provide Details: Send us your contact information and ideal move date. We'll partner you with a relocation specialist who will work with you to ensure you receive a comprehensive final quote.
Account for Special Items: We want to provide you with the most accurate moving estimate possible, so we ask that you send us a list of oversized, fragile, or other unique items you need help with.
Setup a Free In-Home Estimate: Once we have your information, we'll send a professional mover to estimate the total moving cost for your upcoming move.

Factors That Affect Your Moving Cost

When hiring a moving company, many variables influence the final long-distance moving cost. Simply asking the company, "How much does it cost?" could result in a higher payment than a savvy consumer would pay. So, we'll explain the factors that most influence final cost.

Professional vs. Inexpensive Movers: You'll need to choose between going with a more professional company or an inexpensive company. When hiring a moving company, using a professional outfit helps make a smooth move with no hiccups. The least expensive companies often are less reputable and may not correctly handle your furniture or other specialty items on the move. Also, higher-rated companies will be more personable and easier to work with. But, going with a cheaper company may be worth the reduced cost. It's all about what you're comfortable with and able to afford.
The Size of Your Move: Moving things into a large home can cost a hefty sum. A studio or one-bedroom home costs significantly less. You can reduce costs considerably by removing the dead weight in your home before the move, like old couches you're not really into anymore.
Long-Distance Move vs. Local Move: Long-distance moves are most easily calculated by measuring the weight and distance traveled to your new home. The moving company will weigh the truck before and after loading it to determine how much weight is being moved. The heavier the load, the more you'll be paying on a per-pound basis. Distance charges are usually accrued on a per-mile basis. A shorter move costs significantly less and is usually charged by a flat hourly rate.
Planning and Logistics: You'll also need to decide how to get to your new home. You'll have details to wrap up at the old house while your possessions are on the road. You'll need to pay expenses for hotels along the way when you're driving to your new home, and if you choose to fly, you'll need to pay for tickets and possibly a hotel.
Packing Services: Each mover for the company is paid on an hourly rate basis. If you can do some of the work, you'll pay less. One way to avoid higher costs is to purchase packing materials and pack and wrap your furniture and possessions before the movers arrive.

Additional Moving Costs and Fees to Consider

Add-on Services: For more security and less chance of damage to your goods, you can request that felt pads, stretch wrap, or mattress bags be used when your items are packed in the truck. Sometimes these add-ons are taken into account in the original quote, or you'll have to request these added protections with increased cost. The type of moving gear the company uses affects the final cost.
Moving Supplies: Before the movers arrive and begin loading items, you'll be packing boxes, wrapping furniture, and bubble wrapping fragile items to prepare. You might think these items won't cost much, but when you're boxing and packing hundreds of items, you may need 10, 20 or 40 boxes. The additional costs add up.
Temporary Storage: Moving and storage often go hand-in-hand. If you're moving into a smaller space, you may need to store your extra belongings. Or, you may have it in mind to give some of your things to family or friends. Getting to that step may take some time as moving is a full-time job while it's in process.
Once you've gotten settled into your new home, you can move on to your plans for items in storage. Keeping storage costs in the equation while you plan for the price of moving is wise.
Seasonal Rates: Often, people's moves must fit with school schedules. Parents save the moving for late spring and summer when the kids finish the school year. This results in significantly increased prices during that boom period for moving companies. You can alleviate some moving costs using a moving company during their slow season. It's also a smoother move when the company isn't swamped with jobs.

10 Easy Ways to Cut Moving Costs

Plan to move on a Wednesday
Plan your move during the slow season
Try to book your move in January
Avoid booking in June
Book 2 months in advance
Declutter, donate and recycle items you no longer use
Downsize before you pack
Compare long-distance moving company prices
Avoid moving in late spring and summer
Look for a binding estimate

Understanding and Comparing Estimates

When comparing estimates, understand that many factors may impact your overall long-distance moving cost. You'll want to be mindful of:

Charges and Surcharges: Some moving companies may add additional charges for materials to the cost of your move. In some instances, you may be required to pay the sales tax on the boxes, packing paper and tape needed for your relocation.
Binding vs. Non-Binding: A binding estimate ensures you'll never need to pay more than the quoted price. The price you see is the price you get. A non-binding estimate, by contrast, is only an approximation of the long-distance moving cost, meaning you may be required to pay additional fees and charges.

How much do movers cost?

Many factors play a role in determining the price of moving, including the distance of the move, how many rooms are being relocated, and whether or not any extra services are needed. Beyond the average cost, additional costs depend on factors like how much work you want to do yourself, how much protection you need for your items, how large your home is, and how far you're moving, among other things when considering your next long distance mover.

The only way to get an accurate estimate of your moving cost is to use our long-distance moving calculator.

Why You Should Use North American’s Moving Cost Calculator

As you can see, the cost of a move hinges on careful planning that savvy consumers should consider before their move. Being hip to the hidden costs helps you make your move less expensive. Knowing the costs of a move, you'll arrive in your new home satisfied that you saved on the way.

Our long-distance moving calculator is a tool designed to help you gain a better understanding of the overall cost of your upcoming relocation. This allows you to compare real costs and budget accordingly, providing peace of mind as you embark on the moving process.

At North American Van Lines, all of our moving services are customizable. We build comprehensive moving plans based on our clients’ needs and budgets to ensure a stress-free experience.

Further Information and Tools for Planning Your Move

Need more help and guidance? We also offer free online resources to help take the guesswork out of planning and executing your upcoming move.

Long Distance Moving Cost Calculator