Moving Cost FAQs

Yes. Most movers add a stair fee of $50 to $100 per flight when there is no elevator. Some charge per flight per trip, which adds up fast in a multi-story walkup.

For most people, no. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act suspended the moving expense deduction for civilians through 2025, and Congress has not restored it. Active-duty military members who move due to a permanent change of station can still deduct moving expenses.

The standard tip is $20 to $30 per mover for a half-day local move and $40 to $50 per mover for a full day or long-distance move. Tip each crew member individually in cash at the end of the job.

A binding estimate locks in the price - you pay the quoted amount even if the move weighs more. A non-binding estimate is a guess that can change based on actual weight. A binding not-to-exceed estimate caps the price but lets it go lower.

Shipping a car costs $500 to $1,500 for moves under 1,000 miles and $1,000 to $2,200 for cross-country transport. Open carriers are cheaper than enclosed transport, which adds $300 to $600.

Most movers charge the same rates on Saturdays as weekdays, but Saturdays book up fastest so you have less negotiating room. Sundays and holidays often carry a 10-20% surcharge. Moving mid-week is the cheapest option.

A long carry fee is charged when the moving truck cannot park within 75 feet of your door. The typical charge is $75 to $150 per 50 feet beyond the standard distance. It is common in urban areas, apartment complexes, and rural properties with long driveways.

Budget $100 to $250 for a 1-bedroom and $200 to $500 for a 3-bedroom home. That covers boxes, tape, bubble wrap, and paper. Professional packing services add $300 to $800 on top of the material cost.

Moving permits typically cost $20 to $150 depending on the city. Some cities require them for reserving street parking for the moving truck. New York, Boston, Chicago, and San Francisco all require permits for street loading zones.

Interstate movers typically charge $0.50 to $0.80 per pound based on distance. A 5,000-pound shipment moving 1,000 miles costs roughly $3,500 to $5,000. The per-pound rate decreases as total weight increases.