Moving to a new home is an exciting experience but understanding the costs involved can help you budget effectively and avoid surprises. If you’re planning to move a 3, 4 or 5-bedroom house, the costs can vary depending on several factors like distance, services and the volume of your belongings. This guide breaks down the average costs and what influences them, making it easier for you to plan your move.
Average Moving Costs for a 3-Bedroom House
Local Moves
- For a local move (under 50 miles), the cost of moving a 3-bedroom house typically ranges from $800 to $2,500.
- This cost includes labor for packing, loading, transporting and unloading. If you add packing services, the total may increase by $300 to $600 or you can also do the packing yourself using pro tips and save money here.
Long-Distance Moves
- For long-distance moves (over 100 miles), the cost ranges from $3,500 to $8,000.
- These moves are priced based on the weight of your belongings (around 5,000–7,000 lbs for a 3-bedroom house) and the distance traveled.
Average Moving Costs for a 4-Bedroom House
Local Moves
- A local move for a 4-bedroom house can cost between $1,000 and $3,500.
- This estimate is for a move where you handle some tasks like packing, while the movers focus on heavy lifting and transport.
Long-Distance Moves
- For a 4-bedroom house, long-distance moving costs typically range from $5,000 to $10,000 or more.
- The weight of belongings (about 7,000–10,000 lbs) and the mileage are key factors in this calculation.
Average Moving Costs for a 5-Bedroom House
Local Moves
- Moving a 5-bedroom house locally could cost anywhere from $1,500 to $4,500, depending on the amount of furniture and the services you choose.
- Homes with more furniture and heavy items may require additional manpower or specialized equipment, which can raise the cost.
Long-Distance Moves
- For long-distance moves, expect to pay between $7,000 and $14,000.
- The weight of belongings (10,000–15,000 lbs) and the distance are significant cost drivers.
Factors That Influence Moving Costs
- Distance
- Local Moves: Charged hourly for labor (e.g., $100–$200/hour for a team of movers).
- Long-Distance Moves: Charged based on weight and mileage, often adding fuel and toll costs.
- Weight of Belongings
- Larger homes have more furniture and personal items which increases the total weight and affects pricing.
- Movers in Chicago may charge around $0.50–$0.80 per pound for long-distance moves.
- Services Needed
- Packing Services: Adding packing can cost an extra $500 to $1,500.
- Storage: Temporary storage solutions can cost $50 to $300/month.
- Special Handling: Items like pianos, safes or antiques can add $200–$1,000 or more to the total.
- Time of Year
- Moving during the summer or weekends can be more expensive due to high demand.
- Off-season moves (winter) and weekdays are usually cheaper.
In the End
The cost of moving a 3, 4 or 5-bedroom house depends on whether it’s a local or long-distance move, the weight of your belongings and the services you require. On average:
- A 3-bedroom house move costs $800–$8,000.
- A 4-bedroom house move costs $1,000–$10,000.
- A 5-bedroom house move costs $1,500–$14,000.
Planning ahead, comparing quotes and choosing services wisely can help you stay within your budget while ensuring a smooth move.