How do you calculate how much it will cost to move?
You'll need to determine the following in order to calculate your moving costs:
The distance of your move. Write down the total mileage to estimate gas costs and truck rental rates if you're DIY-ing your move. If you're moving locally (within a 50 mile radius or so) and want to hire a professional, your costs may be determined by the time it takes to get to point A to point B instead of your total load size. But if you're moving long distance or across the country, you may be charged by load size. Generally, local moves will cost less than long-distance moves.
Load and size. Find out how much your items might weigh. The more goods you have to move, the heavier your load, the more movers you'll need to hire, the longer it will take to pack and load your truck — and the higher your moving costs will be.
Cost of moving and packing supplies. Make a list of the supplies you'll need (moving boxes, rental truck, packing tape, dollies, bubble wrap, etc.), and get a rough estimate of how much it will cost to buy these items online or at stores near you.
Extra moving and packing services. Identify whether you'll need professional packing assistance, storage, a moving container or freight trailer, car shipping services and more. Get cost estimates for each additional service.
Get professional estimates. Once you've identified the information above, reach out to at least three moving companies and services in your area. Give them the information about your move so that they can calculate prices and give you an accurate quote.