Moving Cost Estimates (as of 2025)
Packing Services
This is most often an added cost that is separate from the moving costs. Packing is charged by the hour, per packer, so if it takes 4 hours at $65/hour and there are three packers, you cost would be $780 plus the cost of boxes, tape, packing materials, etc.
Cost Range: $60–$80 per hour per packer.
Boxes & Packing Materials
If you are using a professional mover, you are charged per item (ie: boxes, tape, packing materials). If you purchase the materials separately, you have several options. Moving companies sell boxes, tape, bubble wrap, etc., often at a markup. You can purchase boxes at retail stores like Walmart, Home Depot, Lowes, etc. Another inexpensive source is you local U-Haul store. You can purchase online and pick them up at your local store, or purchase them in-person at the local store.
Cost Range: $2 to $20+ per box depending on size/type.
- Small cardboard box: $2 to $4
- Medium cardboard box: $3 to $5
- Large wardrobe box $15 to $20
- Special dish-pack boxes: $10+ each.
Total material cost varies widely: a small move might spend $75-$100. A large household could spend several hundred dollars on boxes, tape, and wrapping. You can also save by sourcing free used boxes or using household items as padding.
Moving Labor (Loading & Unloading)
Billed hourly. This covers the mover’s lifting furniture, carrying boxes, loading the truck at your current location, driving to the destination, and unloading into your new home. The hourly rate depends on crew size. Usually a 2-mover team is standard for small moves; larger homes may require 3–4 movers, increasing the hourly rate.
Hourly Rate Range:
$80 to $100 per hour for 2 movers + truck is a typical base rate. Adding a third mover might raise it to $120 to $150/hour. Many companies have a 2 to 4 hour minimum charge.
Transportation & Travel Fees
A flat travel fee or drive-time charge usually applies in addition to hourly labor for loading and unloading. This covers fuel and the time driving to your locations. This is often calculated as an extra hour of labor or a set fee. Mileage isn’t usually itemized for short local moves, but some companies may charge a per-mile rate beyond a certain radius.
Travel Cost Range:
Commonly equivalent to one hour of labor. For example, if the hourly rate is $100, you might pay a $100 travel fee on top of the labor hours. This fee compensates for the truck use, fuel, and crew’s driving time from their office to your home and then to the new home. (If moving within the same town, some movers have a smaller flat fee instead.
Unpacking at your new home
If you want movers to unpack boxes and put away items, this is usually a separate service after delivery. Usually this service is charged hourly. You may have to schedule a crew for an additional block of time or a next-day service). Unpacking includes removing items from boxes and may include disposal of packing materials.
Hourly rate range:
Usually similar to packing rates. Some movers quote unpacking by the job (e.g. $300 to unpack a 1-bedroom, up to $1,000+ for a large home). In general, packing and unpacking services together might add a few hundred up to a couple thousand dollars to a move, depending on home size. (Most consumers handle unpacking themselves to save money.
