If you’re planning a move in 2025, you’re likely wondering, “How much do movers cost?” The answer depends on several factors — distance, home size, moving services, and the company you hire. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down what U.S. homeowners can expect to pay for professional movers in 2025. Whether you’re working with local Short Distance Movers or hiring a team for a long-haul relocation, budgeting ahead is essential.
Average Moving Costs in 2025 (No Table Needed)
Moving costs in 2025 are trending slightly higher due to fuel, labor, and equipment expenses. For local moves, U.S. homeowners can expect to pay anywhere between $300 to $3,000, depending on the size of the home and the number of movers required.
- A studio or 1-bedroom local move typically costs between $300 and $700.
- A 2- to 3-bedroom move usually ranges from $700 to $1,800.
- For 4+ bedroom homes, expect to pay $1,500 to $3,000 or more.
Long-distance moves are calculated based on weight, volume, and mileage. These can range from $2,500 to over $8,000, depending on how far you’re moving and the services you choose.
What Affects Local Moving Rates?
Hiring Short Distance Movers for an in-town or nearby move? These jobs are generally billed hourly. The typical cost for two movers and a truck falls between $100 and $145 per hour, with rates increasing as you add more movers or complexity to the job.
The total time required will depend on factors like:
- The number of boxes and furniture items
- Staircases or elevator usage
- Long walking distances from the truck to your front door
- How well-prepared your items are for loading
For example, moving a two-bedroom apartment locally might take five hours and cost around $600 to $700, including labor and truck usage.
Long-Distance Moving Costs Explained
If you’re crossing state lines or moving across the country, your costs will rise significantly.
Instead of hourly billing, long-distance moves are priced based on:
- The total weight or cubic footage of your belongings
- The distance traveled in miles
- Special handling needs (such as stairs, oversized items, or narrow access points)
- Whether packing, unpacking, or storage services are required
Moving a one-bedroom apartment from South Carolina to Florida might cost around $2,000 to $3,500. Moving a larger three-bedroom home from Georgia to New York could land in the $4,000 to $6,500 range. A full cross-country move (like California to North Carolina) can easily exceed $7,000. Working with a reputable company like Bluffton Movers ensures you’re getting accurate quotes tailored to your move, not just generic estimates.
Packing Services and Materials
Packing is one of the most time-consuming parts of a move, and many people choose to hire help.
Professional packing services in 2025 can cost:
- Between $150 and $500 for partial packing (e.g., just the kitchen or fragile items)
- $500 to $1,800+ for full packing services, depending on the size of your home
You’ll also pay for materials, including:
- Boxes (standard, wardrobe, dish pack)
- Tape and labels
- Bubble wrap and protective padding
- Mattress covers and furniture blankets
Supplies alone can add $100 to $350 to your total cost. Some Short Distance Movers offer bundled packing and moving packages to reduce the overall rate and save you time.
Extra Fees You Might Encounter
While most moving companies are transparent, it’s important to ask about possible add-on fees before signing a contract.
Common charges include:
- Stair fees if movers have to carry items up multiple flights
- Elevator surcharges in high-rise buildings
- Long carry fees for extended walking distances
- Shuttle truck fees if your road or driveway can’t fit a full-size truck
- Storage fees if there’s a delay between move-out and move-in
- Last-minute booking fees
- Cancellation or rescheduling penalties
To avoid surprise costs, always request an itemized quote. Trusted companies like Bluffton Movers are known for their clarity and upfront pricing, helping homeowners stay within budget.
Moving Insurance: Is It Worth It?
Standard moving insurance — also known as Released Value Protection — is included in most quotes at no extra charge. But it only covers $0.60 per pound per item, which is often insufficient for valuable belongings.
For better protection, you can opt for:
- Full Value Protection, which reimburses the actual replacement value of damaged items
- Third-party insurance, especially for high-value electronics, antiques, or artwork
These policies typically cost 1–2% of the declared value of your belongings. For example, $30,000 worth of coverage might add $300–$600 to your moving bill. For peace of mind, especially on long-distance moves, many homeowners find this expense well worth it.
How to Get an Accurate Moving Quote
The only way to truly know what your move will cost is to request a customized quote from multiple companies. Here’s how to get a reliable estimate:
- Contact 2–3 movers at a minimum to compare rates.
- Schedule a virtual or in-person walkthrough so the movers can see what they’re moving.
- Ask about what’s included (e.g., packing, truck, fuel, stairs, supplies).
- Request flat-rate or guaranteed quotes when possible to avoid surprises.
Most importantly, work with licensed and insured movers with strong reviews. Bluffton Movers, for example, provides detailed, transparent estimates that help homeowners feel confident throughout the process.
Conclusion:
So, how much do movers cost in 2025?
- Local moves range from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars, depending on home size and time required.
- Long-distance moves may cost between $2,000 and $8,000+ based on distance and complexity.
- Packing, materials, insurance, and extra services can add significantly to the final bill.
The key is to request accurate estimates, clarify service levels, and ask about any extra fees before you commit. Companies like Bluffton Movers or your local Short Distance Movers are happy to walk you through the process and help you choose services that match your budget and timeline.
