Key takeaways
- Local moves commonly cost between $400 and $3,500, depending on home size, labor, and property access.
- Long-distance moves generally range from $2,800 to more than $11,000 based on distance and shipment size.
- Packing, storage, stairs, elevators, shuttle service, and seasonal demand can increase the final moving cost
Moving costs in 2026 can range from a few hundred dollars for a small local relocation to more than $11,000 for a large cross-country move. The price depends on much more than mileage. Shipment size, packing needs, property access, storage, route conditions, and the moving date can all affect the final amount.
Safeway Moving has completed more than 18,000 moves across the United States. The pricing ranges below combine Safeway’s published estimates with the operational experience gained from coordinating local, interstate, and cross-country relocations.
How Much Do Movers Cost in 2026?
The most useful way to estimate moving costs is to first determine whether the move is local, regional, or long-distance.
Local Moving Costs
Most standard local moves cost between $400 and $2,000. Larger homes, difficult access for building, packing services, and multiple stops can increase the price to $3,500 or more.
Regional Moving Costs
A move covering approximately 250 to 500 miles typically costs between $2,800 and $6,545. The final price depends on the size of the shipment and the services included.
Cross-Country Moving Costs
A move of 2,500 miles or more generally costs between $3,700 and $11,266. A small apartment may fall near the lower end of that range, while a large household requiring packing or storage may exceed it.
How Much Does a Local Move Cost by Home Size?
Home size provides a useful starting point, although the actual amount of furniture and boxes is more important than the number of bedrooms.
A lightly furnished two-bedroom apartment may cost less than a one-bedroom home containing large furniture, a garage, and a storage unit. The most accurate quote is based on a detailed inventory rather than bedroom count alone.
| Home size | Typical local moving cost |
|---|---|
| Studio apartment | $400 – $700 |
| One-bedroom home | $500 – $900 |
| Two-bedroom home | $800 – $1,500 |
| Three-bedroom home | $1,200 – $2,000+ |
| Four-bedroom or larger home | $2,000 – $3,500+ |
How Much Does a Long-Distance Move Cost?
Long-distance pricing is primarily determined by shipment size and transportation distance.
These ranges are designed for planning purposes. A personalized price still requires information about the inventory, route, moving date, and property access. Customers planning an interstate relocation can learn more about Safeway’s long-distance moving services.
| Distance | Studio or 1 bedroom | 2–3 bedrooms | 4+ bedrooms |
|---|---|---|---|
| 250–500 miles | $2,800 – $3,085 | $3,000 – $4,669 | $4,100 – $6,545 |
| Approximately 1,000 miles | $3,400 – $4,643 | $3,944 – $5,689 | $4,906 – $7,671 |
| 2,500+ miles | $3,700 – $4,967 | $4,940 – $7,279 | $6,299 – $11,266 |
What Does a 1,000-Mile Move Cost?
A move of approximately 1,000 miles generally costs:
- $3,400 to $4,643 for a studio or one-bedroom home
- $3,944 to $5,689 for a two- or three-bedroom home
- $4,906 to $7,671 for a four-bedroom or larger home
A two-bedroom home with a small inventory may cost less than a heavily furnished one-bedroom apartment.
Packing, storage, stairs, elevators, and specialty items can also change the total.
What Does a Cross-Country Move Cost?
A cross-country move of 2,500 miles or more generally costs:
- $3,700 to $4,967 for a studio or one-bedroom home
- $4,940 to $7,279 for a two- or three-bedroom home
- $6,299 to $11,266 for a four-bedroom or larger home
Distance is important, but shipment size often creates the greatest difference between two cross-country quotes. A smaller household moving from California to New York may cost less than a large family moving between two closer states.
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What Does a 1,000-Mile Move Cost?
A move of approximately 1,000 miles generally costs:
- $3,400 to $4,643 for a studio or one-bedroom home
- $3,944 to $5,689 for a two- or three-bedroom home
- $4,906 to $7,671 for a four-bedroom or larger home
A two-bedroom home with a small inventory may cost less than a heavily furnished one-bedroom apartment.
Packing, storage, stairs, elevators, and specialty items can also change the total.
What Does a Cross-Country Move Cost?
A cross-country move of 2,500 miles or more generally costs:
- $3,700 to $4,967 for a studio or one-bedroom home
- $4,940 to $7,279 for a two- or three-bedroom home
- $6,299 to $11,266 for a four-bedroom or larger home
Distance is important, but shipment size often creates the greatest difference between two cross-country quotes. A smaller household moving from California to New York may cost less than a large family moving between two closer states.
Which Factors Affect Moving Costs the Most?
Several factors can change the final moving price.
Shipment Size
Larger shipments require more labor, truck space, and transportation capacity. An itemized inventory provides a more accurate estimate than square footage or bedroom count.
Moving Distance
Longer moves involve more transportation time, route planning, fuel, and delivery coordination. The cost also depends on whether the move is local, intrastate, or interstate.
Packing Services
Professional packing adds labor and material costs. Customers may choose full packing, partial packing, or fragile-item packing depending on their budget and schedule.
Property Access
Stairs, elevators, limited parking, long carries, narrow streets, and loading restrictions can affect how the move is completed. Access conditions should be discussed before moving day.
Storage
Temporary storage may be needed when closing dates do not align or the destination is not ready. Storage costs depend on shipment size, storage duration, and handling requirements.
Moving Date
Summer, weekends, and the end of the month are often busier moving periods. Customers with flexible dates may have more scheduling options.
How Much Do Packing and Storage Cost?
Packing and storage are among the most common services added to a move. Fragile-item packing may cost $65 to $200 per item, depending on item size and required materials.
| Home size | Full packing | Partial packing |
|---|---|---|
| Studio apartment | $250 – $400 | $100 – $200 |
| Two-bedroom home | $500 – $800 | $200 – $350 |
| Four-bedroom home | $1,000 – $1,800 | $400 – $600 |
Storage Costs
Moving storage generally costs between $75 and $400 per month. Storage handling and redelivery may be priced separately, so customers should confirm what is included.
| Storage size | Approximate monthly cost |
|---|---|
| Small shipment | $75 – $160 |
| Medium shipment | $150 – $250 |
| Large shipment | $220 – $400 |
What Additional Moving Charges Should You Know About?
Some properties require additional equipment or labor.
Shuttle Service
A smaller shuttle vehicle may be required when a large moving truck cannot access the property. Safeway’s published shuttle pricing ranges from approximately $0.55 to $0.75 per cubic foot.
Long Carry
The first 100 feet between the truck and the property entrance may be included. Additional distance can cost approximately $70 per 50 feet.
Stairs
The first flight of stairs may be included. Each additional flight can add approximately $75.
Elevator Use
An elevator service charge may be added, approximately $75, when the move requires additional loading and waiting time. These conditions should be identified during the estimate so they are not discovered on moving day.
How Do Costs Differ by State?
Moving prices vary across states due to labor conditions, traffic, housing types, parking, and route demand.
For more detailed regional information, review:
State averages provide a general benchmark. The actual route, home size, and inventory remain more important.
| State | Estimated local move | Interstate move over 500 miles |
|---|---|---|
| Florida | $1,260 | $4,030 |
| New Jersey | $1,390 | $4,220 |
| California | $1,295 | $4,480 |
| New York | $1,370 | $4,030 |
| Texas | $1,180 | $4,490 |
Why Can a Moving Estimate Change?
A moving estimate is based on the information available when the quote is prepared.
The price may change when:
- Additional furniture or boxes are added
- Packing is requested later
- A storage unit was not included
- A second pickup location is added
- Stairs or elevator access were not disclosed
- The truck cannot access the property
- Specialty items were missing from the inventory
- The destination or moving date changes
Customers should also understand the difference between binding and non-binding estimates. A binding estimate applies to the inventory and services listed in the written agreement. Adding more items or services may require updating the quote.
How Can You Get a More Accurate Moving Quote?
Provide the moving company with a complete description of the move.
Before requesting an estimate:
- Review every room, closet, garage, and storage area.
- List all furniture and large items.
- Identify fragile and specialty belongings.
- Confirm access to stairs, elevators, parking, and loading.
- Decide whether packing or storage is needed.
- Mention all pickup and delivery locations.
- Confirm the moving date and destination.
- Review the final inventory before signing.
Photos or a virtual walkthrough can help the mover understand the size and complexity of the shipment. The goal should not be to receive the lowest initial price. The goal should be to receive a realistic quote that reflects the work required.
How Safeway Moving Helps You Understand the Cost
Safeway Moving uses the details of the individual move to prepare pricing. Instead of relying only on a broad online average, the estimate considers:
- Origin and destination
- Shipment size
- Moving distance
- Packing needs
- Storage requirements
- Property access
- Moving date
- Specialty items
The company has completed more than 18,000 moves and transported household goods across more than 9 million miles. Customers can request a personalized moving estimate based on their actual move.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most local moves cost between $400 and $3,500. Smaller apartment moves generally fall near the lower end, while larger homes and difficult properties cost more.
A professional long-distance move generally costs between $2,800 and $11,000 or more, depending on shipment size, distance, and additional services.
A 1,000-mile move generally costs between $3,400 and $7,671, depending on home size.
A move of 2,500 miles or more generally costs between $3,700 and $11,266.
Full packing typically costs between $250 and $1,800, depending on the size of the home and the number of items being packed.
Online averages do not account for your actual inventory, property access, route, packing needs, storage, or specialty items.
Provide a complete inventory, disclose all access conditions, identify specialty items, and complete a visual or virtual survey.
