How much does it cost to move?

Local move (2-3 bedroom home): DIY truck rental: $100-$500. Professional movers: $800-$2,000. Average: $1,000-$1,500. Long-distance move (2-3 bedroom home): professional movers: $2,000-$8,000+. DIY truck: $1,000-$3,000. Portable container: $1,500-$5,000. Average cross-country: $4,000-$6,000. Additional costs: packing materials: $100-$300. Tips: 15-20% or $20-$50 per mover. Specialty items: $100-$500 each. Storage: $50-$300/month.

How do I find a good moving company?

Steps: get 3+ in-home or virtual estimates (never accept a phone-only quote for a full move). Check reviews on Google, Yelp, and BBB. Verify license: local movers should be licensed in your state. Interstate movers must be registered with FMCSA (check at protectyourmove.gov). Verify insurance. Red flags: demands large cash deposit. No physical address. Suspiciously low estimate (may be a scam). Refuses in-home or virtual survey. No written contract. Ask: is the estimate binding or non-binding? What fees are not included? What is the claims process for damage? What is the cancellation policy?

How far in advance should I book movers?

Ideal: 4-8 weeks before your move date. Minimum: 2 weeks (but options will be limited). Peak season (May-September): book 6-8 weeks ahead. Weekends and month-end: book further in advance (these are the busiest times). If you wait too long: fewer choices. Higher prices. May not get your preferred date. For long-distance moves: book 6-8 weeks ahead year-round.

What should I do with things I do not want to move?

Options: sell: Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, garage sale, consignment shop. Donate: Goodwill, Salvation Army, Habitat for Humanity ReStore, local charities. Give away: friends, family, Nextdoor, Buy Nothing groups. Trash or recycle: arrange bulk pickup with your waste company. Junk removal service: $200-$600 for a truckload. Why declutter before moving: less to pack = less time and effort. Less weight = lower moving cost (long-distance moves charge by weight). Fresh start in the new home. Rule of thumb: if you have not used it in a year, you probably do not need to move it.

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Woodworking & Lumber

Moving Guide: Checklist, Cost & Tips

Lumberama Editorial Team, Moving & Home Transition Specialists Nov 23, 2026 9 min read

Moving Costs

Local move (under 100 miles): DIY (rental truck): $100-$500 (truck) + $50-$200 (supplies). Professional movers: $300-$2,000 (2-person crew, 3-8 hours). Average: $1,000-$1,500 for a 2-3 bedroom home.

Long-distance move (100+ miles): Professional movers: $2,000-$8,000+. Based on: distance + weight of items. Average: $4,000-$6,000 for a 2-3 bedroom home cross-country.

DIY long-distance: Rental truck: $1,000-$3,000. Portable container (PODS, U-Pack): $1,500-$5,000.

Additional costs: Packing materials: $100-$300. Packing services: $200-$1,000+. Insurance: $50-$200. Storage: $50-$300/month. Tips for movers: 15-20% or $20-$50 per mover. Specialty items (piano, pool table, safe): $100-$500+ each.

Factors affecting cost: Distance. Weight/volume of belongings. Time of year (summer is peak and most expensive). Day of week (weekends cost more). Floor level (stairs, elevator). Access difficulty. Packing services.

Moving Checklist

8 weeks before: Research moving companies. Get 3+ quotes. Start decluttering. Begin collecting boxes and packing supplies. Create a moving binder or file. Notify schools, doctors, dentists.

6 weeks before: Book movers or reserve truck. Start packing non-essentials. Notify utility companies (old and new address). Forward mail (USPS change of address).

4 weeks before: Continue packing room by room. Arrange travel (if long-distance). Arrange pet and child care for moving day. Start using up pantry and freezer items.

2 weeks before: Confirm moving details. Pack most items (except daily essentials). Defrost freezer (if moving the fridge). Prepare an essentials box (see below).

1 week before: Final packing. Clean the old home. Confirm new home is ready. Charge devices, prepare cash for tips.

Moving day: Do a final walkthrough. Check all closets, cabinets, and storage. Lock all windows and doors. Leave keys, garage openers, and any instructions for the new owner.

Tips

Essentials box: Pack separately and keep with you (not on the truck): toiletries, medications, phone chargers, change of clothes, important documents, snacks, water, paper towels, toilet paper, basic tools (screwdriver, wrench), trash bags, first-night bedding.

Save money: Move mid-month and mid-week (cheapest rates). Move in fall or winter (off-peak season: September-April). Declutter aggressively before packing (less weight = lower cost). Get free boxes (liquor stores, grocery stores, Nextdoor, Facebook Marketplace). Pack yourself (saves $200-$1,000+).

Hiring movers: Get 3+ in-home or virtual estimates. Check reviews (Google, Yelp, BBB). Verify license and insurance (FMCSA for interstate). Get a binding estimate (not a non-binding estimate). Ask about hidden fees (stairs, long carry, bulky items). Never hire a mover who wants a large deposit or cash only.