How the estimate works
The calculator prices the same move three ways so you can compare them. It does not guess market rates: the defaults are example numbers, and the result is only as good as the quotes you type in.
- Local movers (hourly) = movers × rate per mover × (hours on the job + billed travel time) + truck or fuel fee + materials + stairs or elevator fees + tip.
- Long-distance movers (by weight) = shipment weight × rate per pound (or ÷ 100 × rate per hundredweight) + packing, long carry, shuttle and storage + the cost of Full Value Protection if you keep it.
- Do it yourself = truck day rate × days + miles × per-mile charge + fuel (miles ÷ mpg × gas price) + equipment + damage coverage + paid helpers + tolls and parking.
The home-size menu fills in starting crew sizes, hours and room counts. For long-distance moves, the room count is turned into a rough weight at about 1,000 pounds per room of furniture. That is a planning shortcut, not a rule. A mover’s in-home survey or the weigh ticket replaces it.
Worked example
A one-bedroom apartment, using the default inputs:
| Option | How it adds up | Total |
|---|---|---|
| Local movers | 2 movers × $65 × 5 h = $650, + $100 truck + $75 materials + $65 tip (10%) | $890 |
| Long-distance movers | 2,000 lb × $0.85 = $1,700, + $300 Full Value Protection | $2,000 |
| DIY truck, 25 miles | $40 day + $25 miles + $8 fuel + $40 equipment + $30 coverage + $125 helper | $268 |
If the $2,000 long-distance estimate is non-binding, the most the mover can make you pay at delivery is $2,200 (110%), plus any services you added after signing the bill of lading and limited extra charges for impracticable operations.
Federal rules for interstate moves
At a glance
- Binding estimate
- Fixed price
- You pay the amount for the services listed, unless you add items or services.
- Non-binding estimate
- 110% at delivery
- Mover must hand over your goods when you pay 110%; the rest is billed after 30 days from delivery.
- Impracticable operations
- 15% cap
- Charges collected at delivery for these are limited to 15% of all other charges due.
- Released Value
- 60¢ / lb / article
- No extra cost, minimal protection. You must waive Full Value Protection in writing.
- Full Value Protection
- Default
- Repair, replace or pay. Minimum valuation is $6.00 per pound of the shipment.
- Claims
- 9 months
- File in writing within 9 months of delivery.
These rules come from 49 CFR Part 375 and apply to interstate household goods moves. A move within one state follows that state’s rules instead. Every estimate must be in writing, and items worth more than $100 per pound need to be listed in writing or the mover can limit what it pays for them.
Taxes
Most people can’t deduct moving costs. The IRS allows the deduction for active-duty members of the Armed Forces moving under military orders for a permanent change of station, and, for moves in 2026 or later, for some intelligence community employees and new appointees.
Next steps
Count your supplies with the moving box calculator. Moving within New York City? The NYC moving cost estimator adds walk-up floors and building fees, and how to hire a licensed mover explains how to check a company. If something arrives broken, see how to file a damage claim.