Pricing transparency · Updated 2026
What a Long-Distance Move Really Costs
Most interstate movers quote a single number and hope you don’t ask what’s inside it. We break down every line item that goes into a long-distance estimate so you can compare quotes apples-to-apples.
What actually drives your price
Long-distance moves are priced on five inputs. Every quote you receive is some combination of these.
1. Weight
The single biggest factor. A standard 3-bedroom home weighs 7,000–10,000 lbs. Pricing is typically $0.50–$0.80 per pound on long-distance routes.
2. Distance
Linehaul mileage from origin to destination. The first 1,000 miles costs more per mile than the next 1,000 — fuel, driver hours, and tolls scale non-linearly.
3. Packing & supplies
Full-pack vs. self-pack can swing a quote by $1,500–$3,000. Materials (boxes, paper, tape, wardrobe boxes) typically add $200–$600.
4. Access & logistics
Long carries, stair flights, elevator reservations, shuttle requirements, and certificates of insurance for high-rise buildings all add line items.
5. Timing
Memorial Day–Labor Day is peak season — pricing can run 15–25% higher than off-season. End of month is also surge pricing.
Bonus: Valuation
Federal default is $0.60/lb (released value). Full-value protection costs more but actually replaces damaged items at fair market value.
Typical price ranges by home size
Realistic 2026 ranges for a 1,500-mile interstate move with standard packing assistance.
Studio / 1-bedroom
$2,200 – $3,800
Weight: 2,000–4,000 lbs · Crew: 2–3 movers · Truck: 16–20 ft
2-bedroom
$3,400 – $5,600
Weight: 4,500–6,500 lbs · Crew: 3 movers · Truck: 20–24 ft
3-bedroom
$5,200 – $8,400
Weight: 7,000–10,000 lbs · Crew: 3–4 movers · Truck: 26 ft
4-bedroom+
$7,800 – $14,000+
Weight: 10,000–15,000 lbs · Crew: 4–5 movers
Line items every legitimate estimate includes
- Linehaul transportation charge
- Fuel surcharge
- Origin services (loading, packing labor)
- Destination services (unloading, placement)
- Materials (boxes, paper, tape, wardrobe boxes)
- Valuation/insurance election
- Long carry / stair / elevator surcharges if applicable
- Shuttle service if a tractor-trailer can’t access the residence
- Storage-in-transit if needed
Red flags in moving quotes
🚩 Quote without an inventory
A legitimate interstate quote requires a binding inventory — either a virtual walkthrough or in-home survey.
🚩 Cash-only or large deposit
Reputable carriers don’t require more than a small reservation deposit.
🚩 No USDOT number
Verify at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov.
🚩 Far-below-market quote
The cheap one is either a broker reselling to the lowest-bidder carrier or a scammer.
Real ways to lower your quote
Move off-peak
October through April is 15–25% cheaper than summer.
Self-pack non-fragile items
Books, linens, clothes. Have the crew handle dishware, art, and electronics.
Declutter ruthlessly
At ~$0.65/lb, that 200-lb couch costs $130 just to ship.
Flexible delivery window
A 5–7 day window lets the carrier route efficiently and saves 5–10%.
Related resources
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