Moving Cost Calculator
Estimate the cost of a house move from distance, volume of belongings and services.
Formula and sources updated · Data sources · 1View algorithm, constants and default inputs (JSON)
Breakdown
About this calculator
A rough US-dollar planning scenario, not a mover quote. Transport cost uses modeled base charges and a distance × estimated-weight rate; packing, storage and valuation fees are also simplified inputs. Replace these assumptions with written local quotes before budgeting.
Worked example
calculated with the default values below
Moving distance 300 mi · Home size 2 bedrooms · Move type Long distance · Packing service Fragile items only · Boxes you pack yourself 40 · Months of storage needed 0 months · Declared value for insurance 20,000 $ · Valuation rate scenario 0.6 % Estimated total 3,026 $ · Estimated weight 7,700 lb · Estimated volume 1,100 cu ft · Truck and labour 2,171 $ · Packing materials and service 735 $ · Storage 0 $ · Insurance 120 $
Method and assumptions
T = b + 22×W×m/1000 + 3.5×max(0,d−50)×s + 2.5x + p + 0.35V + 180×M×V/1000 + 0.006E; W = 7V V is a fixed bedroom-based volume estimate (250/600/1,100/1,600/2,200/2,800 cu ft); W = 7V lb. Transport = base charge + (W/1,000 × type-specific rate × distance), plus $3.50 per mile over 50 for local moves. Packing = $2.50 per self-packed box + service fee (0/250/900) + $0.35V; storage = $180 × months × V/1,000; valuation = declared value × the user-entered rate %. All figures are editable planning assumptions in USD, not a quote. A rough US-dollar planning scenario, not a mover quote. Transport cost uses modeled base charges and a distance × estimated-weight rate; packing, storage and valuation fees are also simplified inputs. Replace these assumptions with written local quotes before budgeting. Use the cited guidance and your own measurements, bills or product specifications to choose inputs. Sample defaults are not current local data.
Data sources
Use the cited guidance and your own measurements, bills or product specifications to choose inputs. Sample defaults are not current local data.
Disclaimer
These calculators give general estimates. Sizing, pricing, availability and standards vary by brand, retailer and country, so treat the output as a starting point and confirm it against the seller's or authority's own figures.
Implementation source
This record describes the implementation used by this page. It is not independent validation. External references, when available, support only the stated formula or definition; estimates and custom rules retain their own assumptions.
Formula and variables
T = b + 22×W×m/1000 + 3.5×max(0,d−50)×s + 2.5x + p + 0.35V + 180×M×V/1000 + 0.006E; W = 7V
- T
- estimated total cost
- V
- load volume, cu ft (lookup)
- d
- distance, miles
- x
- self-packed boxes
- M
- months of storage
- E
- declared insurance value
V is a fixed bedroom-based volume estimate (250/600/1,100/1,600/2,200/2,800 cu ft); W = 7V lb. Transport = base charge + (W/1,000 × type-specific rate × distance), plus $3.50 per mile over 50 for local moves. Packing = $2.50 per self-packed box + service fee (0/250/900) + $0.35V; storage = $180 × months × V/1,000; valuation = declared value × the user-entered rate %. All figures are editable planning assumptions in USD, not a quote.
Frequently asked questions
What does this moving-cost estimate include?
It adds a modeled transport base charge and a distance × estimated-weight rate, packing materials/service, storage, and a valuation amount using the rate you enter. Bedroom volume and 7 lb/cu ft are fixed planning assumptions. Results are USD scenarios, not mover quotes; replace them with written local quotes.
Which inputs and limits apply to Moving Cost Calculator?
Use the units shown beside each field. These are form limits, not recommended settings. Moving distance: 1–10,000 mi; Boxes you pack yourself: 0–500; Months of storage needed: 0–24 months; Declared value for insurance: 0–2,000,000 $; Valuation rate scenario: 0–10 % T = b + 22×W×m/1000 + 3.5×max(0,d−50)×s + 2.5x + p + 0.35V + 180×M×V/1000 + 0.006E; W = 7V V is a fixed bedroom-based volume estimate (250/600/1,100/1,600/2,200/2,800 cu ft); W = 7V lb. Transport = base charge + (W/1,000 × type-specific rate × distance), plus $3.50 per mile over 50 for local moves. Packing = $2.50 per self-packed box + service fee (0/250/900) + $0.35V; storage = $180 × months × V/1,000; valuation = declared value × the user-entered rate %. All figures are editable planning assumptions in USD, not a quote. A rough US-dollar planning scenario, not a mover quote. Transport cost uses modeled base charges and a distance × estimated-weight rate; packing, storage and valuation fees are also simplified inputs. Replace these assumptions with written local quotes before budgeting. Use the cited guidance and your own measurements, bills or product specifications to choose inputs. Sample defaults are not current local data.
What is a complete worked example for Moving distance = 300 mi; Home size = 2 bedrooms?
Inputs: Moving distance = 300 mi; Home size = 2 bedrooms; Move type = Long distance; Packing service = Fragile items only; Boxes you pack yourself = 40; Months of storage needed = 0 months; Declared value for insurance = 20,000 $; Valuation rate scenario = 0.6 %. Calculation: T = b + 22×W×m/1000 + 3.5×max(0,d−50)×s + 2.5x + p + 0.35V + 180×M×V/1000 + 0.006E; W = 7V. Results: Estimated total = 3,026 $; Estimated weight = 7,700 lb; Estimated volume = 1,100 cu ft; Truck and labour = 2,171 $; Packing materials and service = 735 $; Storage = 0 $; Insurance = 120 $.