Moving Calculators - How Much Will You Pay to Move?

One of the major concerns consumers face when they decide to move is to figure out how much money to set aside for the entire moving process. While every moving company has their own system for determining how much a specific move will cost, Relocation.com's Smart Calculators are a great starting point for those trying to get a handle on their moving situation, no matter where they may be moving to.

Within the moving calculator section families can determine their estimated moving costs based on the weight of their goods as well as the costs associated with using a full service mover and how much a DIY move will cost. By breaking down the contents of a house into its various rooms, families can walk through their current home, adding up the number of chairs, bookcases, televisions and other things they may have overlooked when originally planning out their move. This will allow them to get an accurate picture of how many things they actually have – making it easier to understand how moving costs are determined.

Through Relocation.com's Smart Calculators consumers can also budget for their move in order to plan for their move accordingly. Within the moving budget calculator, consumers will not only be able to estimate the cost of their move but they can also figure out the costs associated with packing and storage and even budget for meals, time spent in hotels and how much it will cost for gas. As the final step, the moving budget calculator can help families determine how much they need to set aside for utilities, various home improvement projects and what to tip your movers. Using Relocation.com's Smart Calculators is the perfect way to account for these costs.

The Smart Calculators also include other services pertaining to moving such as storage, rentals, mortgages and insurance. Although moving is a big expense to plan for there are other facets of moving that also require budgeting. Through our Smart Calculators consumers can figure out storage costs, determine if buying or renting is better for you, estimate their mortgage payments and learn more about costs related to life insurance.

As a complete and comprehensive guide, Relocation.com's Smart Calculators make it easier to plan and organize your upcoming move as well as budget for any situations that come up after your move. That's why Relocation.com's easy-to-use Smart Calculators are a great tool for any consumer before, during and after the moving process.

How Much Will My Move Cost?

Living Room
Bedroom
Kitchen
Dining Room
Nursery/Kids Room
Porch/Outdoors
Appliances
Boxes
Miscellaneous
TOTALS

The moving company estimates your move costs by figuring the size of your possessions. They do that with a Table of Measurements, or 'Cube' Sheet, a copy of which should we be provided to you when you get your estimate. Below, estimate the items you will need moved. When you're done, your estimated move weight will be generated. You will then use that to determine what you might pay a moving company. Beware: different companies have different methods for their estimates, so be sure to ask. This is merely intended as a starting point in your research; the actual cost you will pay will be different depending on the moving company and your individual circumstances.

Living Room

Item	Weight	Cu.Ft.
Bookcase	140	20
Bookshelves/Sections	35	5
Cabinet, Curio/Utility	70	10
CD Rack	35	5
Chair - Straight	35	5
Chair - Arm	70	10
Chair - Rocker	84	12
Chair - Occasional	105	15
Chair - Overstuffed	175	25
Cedar Chest	105	15
Grandfather Clock	140	20
Day Bed	210	30
Secretary	245	35
Entertainment Center - Small	210	30
Entertainment Center - Medium	280	40
Entertainment Center - Large	350	50
Fireplace Equipment	35	5
Footstool	14	2
Lamp - Floor	21	3
Lamp - Pole	21	3
Magazine Rack	14	2
Ottoman - Small	35	5
Ottoman - Large	70	10
Computer Desk - Small	105	15
Computer Desk - Large	210	30
Computer	35	5
Piano - Baby Gr/Upright	490	70
Piano - Parlor Grand	560	80
Piano - Spinet/Console	420	60
Rug Runner - 4x6	21	3
Rug Runner - 9x12	70	10
Sofa - Rattan/Wicker	140	20
Sofa - Sec., Per Section	140	20
Sofa - Futon	210	30
Sofa - Loveseat	245	35
Sofa - 3 Cushion	350	50
Sofa - Hide, 4 Cushion	420	60
Stereo Speaker	56	8
Stereo Console	105	15
Tables - Drop/Occas	84	12
Tables - Coffee	35	5
Tables - End	35	5
Telephone Stand	35	5
Trunk/Footlocker	70	10
TV - Portable	35	5
TV - Console	140	20
TV - Table Model	70	10
TV - Big Screen, 40'' - 60''	280	40
TV - 60'' Over	420	60
TV - 19''-25''	49	7
TV - 26''-35''	70	10
TV - Plasma	70	10

Item	Weight	Cu.Ft.
Bed Incl Springboard, Mattress
Bed - Daybed	210	30
Bed - Waterbed base	70	10
Bed - Rollaway	140	20
Bed - Single/Hollywood	280	40
Bed - Std/Dbl.	350	50
Bed - Queen	455	65
Bed - King	490	70
Bed - Bunk (Set of 2)	490	70
Bookshelves	35	5
Chair, Boudoir	70	10
Chair, Str/Rocker	84	12
Chaise Longe	175	25
Chest	84	12
Chest - Cedar	105	15
Chest - Armoire	210	30
Desk	140	20
Dresser Vanity	140	20
Dresser Single	140	20
Dresser Double	280	40
Dresser Triple	350	50
Floor Lamp	21	3
Night Table	70	10
Rug. Runner	14	2
Rug - 4x6	21	3
Rug - 9x12	70	10
Wardrobe Boxes - Small	140	20
Wardrobe Boxes - Large	280	40

Item	Weight	Cu.Ft.
Breakfast Suite, Chairs	35	5
Breakfast Table	70	10
Highchair	35	5
Ironing Board	14	2
Kitchen Cabinet	210	30
Microwave Oven	70	10
Serving Cart	70	10
Stool	14	2
Table	35	5
Utility Cabinet	70	10

Item	Weight	Cu.Ft.
Bench, Harvest	70	10
Buffet (Base)	210	30
Corner/China Cabinet	175	25
Dining Table	210	30
Dining Chair	35	5
Dining Table Leaf	14	2
Hutch (Top)	140	20
Rug Runner	14	2
Rug 4x6	21	3
Rug 9x12	70	10
Tea Cart	70	10

Item	Weight	Cu.Ft.
Bassinette	105	15
Bunk (set of 2)	490	70
Twin Bed	280	40
Carseat	28	4
Chair/Childs	21	3
Changing Table	105	15
Chest	84	12
Toy Chest	35	5
Crib	70	10
Playpen	70	10
Rug, Large or Pad	70	10
Swing	35	5
Child's Table	35	5
Toy, Plastic, Small	21	3
Toy, Plastic, Large	35	5

Item	Weight	Cu.Ft.
BBQ Grill - Small	14	2
BBQ Crill - Large	70	10
Aluminum Chairs	7	1
Resin/Plastic Chairs	21	3
Wood Chairs	35	5
Exercise Bike	70	10
Exercise Bench	140	20
Treadmill	210	30
Rowing Machine	210	30
Garden Hose and Tools	70	10
Glider or Settee	140	20
Ladder, Stepstool	14	2
Ladder, 6' Step	21	3
Ladder, 8' Step	35	5
Ladder, Extension	70	10
Lawn Edger	21	3
Lawn Mower - Hand	35	5
Lawn Mower - Power	105	15
Lawn Mower - Riding	490	70
Leaf Sweeper/Blower	35	5
Outdoor Child Slide	70	10
Child Gym	210	30
Drying Racks	35	5
Swing Set	210	30
Picnic Table	140	20
Picnic Bench	35	5
Pools - Small Round	35	5
Pools - Inflatable	70	10
Pools - Above ground	210	30
Sandbox	70	10
Satellite Dish - Small	35	5
Satellite Dish - Large	70	10
Snowblower	210	30
Spreader	14	2
Table - Small	14	2
Table - Large	28	4
Toy - Small	35	5
Toy - Large	70	10
Patio Umbrella	35	5
Wheelbarrow	56	8

Appliances

Item	Weight	Cu.Ft.
Air Compressor	70	10
Air Condition - Window small	105	15
Air Condition - Window large	140	20
Dehumidifier	70	10
Dishwasher	140	20
Dryer	175	25
Range - 30'' wide	105	15
Range - 36'' wide	210	30
Refrigerator - 6 cu ft or less
Refrigerator - 7 to 10 cu ft.	315	45
Refrigerator - 11 cu ft. or more	420	60
Trash Compactor	105	15
Vacuum Cleaner	35	5
Washing Machine	175	25

Item	Weight	Cu.Ft.
Book box (small)	10.5	1.5
Medium	21	3
Large	31.5	4.5
Extra Large	42	6
Dish	45.5	6.5
Wardrobe	105	15
Mirror/Picture	28	4

Item	Weight	Cu.Ft.
Artificial Plant - Small	35	5
Artificial Plant - Large	70	10
Baby Carriage/Stroller	28	4
Bicycle	35	5
Bowling Ball/Bag	21	3
Card Table	14	2
Clothes Hamper/Basket	35	5
Copier Small/Fax	35	5
Copier Large	210	30
Office Desk	210	30
Fan	21	3
Filing Cabinet - Cardboard	21	3
Filing Cabinet - 2-door	70	10
Filing Cabinet - 4-door	140	20
Folding Chairs	7	1
Game Table	105	15
Golf Bag	28	4
Metal Shelves	35	5
Motorcycle	490	70
Personal Computer	35	5
Ping Pong Table	140	20
Hand Power Tool	21	3
Tool Stand	105	15
Sewing Machine - Portable	35	5
Sewing Machine - w/Cabinet	140	20
Sled	14	2
Snowmobile	700	100
Suitcase	35	5
Surfboard	35	5
Utility Table	35	5
Tackle Box	7	1
Tire	21	3
Toolchest - Small/Fax	35	5
Toolchest - Medium	70	10
Toolchest - Large	140	20
Plastic Tote - Empty	21	3
Plastic Tote - Packed	35	5
Trash Can	49	7
Tricycle	14	2
Video Game Console	14	2
Wastepaper Basket	14	2
Workbench	140	20

Reference - Truck size
Truck Size	10'	14'	17'	24'	26'
Capacity (Weight)	2,700 lbs	3,100 lbs	5,780 lbs	6,500 lbs	7,395 lbs
Capacity (Volume)	400 cu.ft	669 cu.ft	855 cu.ft	1,401 cu.ft	1,592 cu.ft
Recommended For	Studio or small one bedroom	1 - 2 bedrooms	2 - 3 bedrooms	3 - 4 bedrooms	4+ bedrooms

Reference - Trailer size
Trailer Size	4'x 8'	5' x 8'	5' x 10'	6' x 12'
Capacity (Weight)	1,550 lbs	1,650 lbs	1,800 lbs	2,600 lbs
Capacity (Volume)	142 cu.ft	208 cu.ft	230 cu.ft	396 cu.ft
Recommended For	Studio apartment	small one bedroom	One bedroom	1 - 2 bedrooms

Reference - Storage Size
Box Size	5' x 5'	7' x 7'	10' x 10'	15' x 10'	20' x 10'
Capacity (Volume)	150 cu.ft	300 cu.ft	500 cu.ft	750 cu.ft	1000 cu.ft
Comparable To A	Coat Closet	Wallk-In Closet	Jr.Bedroom	Dining Room	Master Bedroom

Disclaimer:

* This is ONLY an estimate. The moving weight that your moving company figures will be different from this, and some companies have different methods for computing move size; this is merely intended as a starting point of your planning. To get an accurate quote for your moving expenses, have at least 3 professional moving companies come to your home and give you an estimate based on the objects you need moved.

Moving Information
TOTAL

This calculator is intended to provide a range of moving estimates that you might receive from moving companies. It’s JUST an estimated range. There are many factors that go into how much a moving company will charge for your move, including labor costs in your origin and destination cities, time of the year, and pricing differences among moving companies, so your actual cost might vary – the only way to get a true cost is to have moving companies survey your items to be moved and give you a quote.

This calculator only gives estimates for moves greater than 500 miles and 3000 pounds; moves smaller than this have too many variables to provide useful estimates. We base our estimates on a sample of actual moving costs charged by moving companies and update it periodically throughout the year to capture pricing changes as they happen in the industry. These moving estimates do not cover packing services or charges you might pay for bulky items, shuttles, extra stairs, etc.

Estimated Weight:		Don't know this? Click here to estimate your move weight, or use our 'Weight Rules of Thumb' below
Start Zip Code:
End Zip Code:
Or
Estimated Mileage:

Weight Rules of Thumb
studio, small 1-brm: 2,500 pounds
1-2 bdrm: 3000lbs to 4500 lbs
2-3 bdrm: 5000lbs to 8000 lbs
3-4 bdrm: 8000 to 12000 lbs
4+ bdrm: 12000 lbs and up

Moving, Packing & Storage
Getting There
Moving In
TOTAL

Keep your moving budget on track by tallying up your estimated moving costs.

Moving
Full Service Mover Cost:		* Don't know this? Click here to estimate your full-service mover costs. ** Be sure to get in-house quotes from several movers, and whichever one you choose, add 5% – things don’t always go as planned, build a cushion.
Insurance:		You might be covered by homeowners insurance but if not, add this in. For planning purposes, assume 5% of the moving fee.
Extra Fees:		There could be charges for bulky items, estimate $200 for this
Total for Move

Packing
Full Service Packing Service:		If you're having the moving company do it, include the charge here. If not, complete the packing questions below. 25% of moving cost

Do It Yourself Packing
Tape/Labels/Markers:		(it might bet cheaper to buy these items separately, but easier if you buy a special moving package. Check out these at the Home Depot)
Boxes:
Bubblewrap:
Mattress Covers/Padding		Ask your moving company; you usually don’t have to pay for this.
Total:

Storage
Storage Cost:		Will you be using storage before, during or after your move? Throw in that cost here. Include the amount to transport items to storage. (Click here for our storage calculator.)

Getting There
Miles to new destination
(20 MPG vehicle, $4/gallon)
Total Gas

Hotels		If a long move, figure out how much you’ll spend on lodging.
# nights
per night cost
Total hotels

Meals		Figure out an average cost per meal, and also include beverages and snacks along the way.
# meals
cost per meal
Total meals
Child/Pet Care		If you have pets or kids or both, you won’t want them underfoot during the move – it can be dangerous. Budget in caregivers.
Total:

Moving-In
Utility hookup fees and deposits
Cable
Phone
Internet
Gas/Water/Electricity
Pre-Move Cleaning		You might want to hire professionals to give your new place a scrub-down before you move in

Home-Improvement.		Some projects, like carpet cleaning, floor cleaning, and painting, are best done before your stuff gets there. Add in those costs here
Carpet cleaning
Floor cleaning
Painting
Misc. hardware for hanging photos and such.
Fees for renters:		Damage deposits, first month’s rent, etc. (You'll get it back eventually, but it's best to account for all expenses here.)
Tips for your movers		Budget 10% of the total moving cost, although tipping is optional.
Total Moving In
Total

Rental Costs
Labor, Packing & Storage
Getting There
Moving In
TOTAL

Wondering how much it will cost to move yourself? Fill out our handy Do It Yourself calculator to estimate your costs and keep you on budget. Be honest -- you might find hiring a moving company helps your wallet -- not to mention your back.

Base Truck Rental Cost Per Day:
# Of Days:
Extra Days:		(budget one just in case)
Estimate Mileage:
Gas:		assume 10 miles/gallon for truck, $4/gallon
Trailer Rental:
Toll Costs:
Hitch:
Installation:
Wiring:
Other:
2 Wheel Dollies:
4 Wheel Dollies:
Appliance Dollies:
Furniture Pads:
Rope and Tie Downs:
TOTAL FOR RENTAL COSTS:

1 Week Before Your Move

Apartment Decorating Tips: Cheap Ways to Spruce Up Your Pad

10 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Cleaning Service

Auto Insurance: What You Need to Know

After the Offer: What You Should Ask Yourself

Pre-Move
How to pick the best mover
Budget your move
Do-it-yourself?
Packing
The Relocation

Number of Laborers		(Include time for packing, loading, pickup and delivery of equipment, unloading and unpacking).
Hours:
Rate:
Tips/Food:		If you’re counting on the kindness of friends and family, a small gift – money at the most, pizza and beer at the least – should be included.
Payments/Gifts To Helpers:
Tape/Labels/Markers:		(It might bet cheaper to buy these items separately, but easier if you buy a special moving package. Check out these at the Home Depot)
Boxes:
Bubble Wrap:
Mattress Covers/Padding:		Ask your moving company; you usually don’t have to pay for this.
Storage Costs:		Include the amount to transport items to storage, and don’t forget insurance to cover your goods. (Click here for our storage calculator.)
TOTAL LABOR, PACKING & STORAGE:

Miles To New Destination:
Cost:		(Assume 20 miles/gallon, at $4/gallon)
Hotel, Number Of Nights		If a long move, figure out how much you’ll spend on lodging.
Hotel, Cost Per Night:
Number of Meals:
Cost of Meals:		Figure out an average cost per meal, and also include beverages and snacks along the way.
Child/Pet Care:		If you have pets or kids or both, you won’t want them underfoot during the move – it can be dangerous. Budget in caregivers.
TOTAL FOR GETTING THERE:

Cable TV Costs:
Phone Costs:
Internet Costs:
Gas/Water/Electricity:
Pre-Move Cleaning:		You might want to hire professionals give your new place a scrub-down before you move in.
Carpet Cleaning:		Some projects, like carpet cleaning, floor cleaning, and painting, are best done before your stuff gets there. Add in those costs here.
Floor Cleaning:
Painting:
Misc. Hardware/Supplies:
Fees For Renters:		Damage deposits, first month’s rent, etc. (You'll get it back eventually, but it's best to account for all expenses here.)

Unplanned Stuff:		Parking tickets, move-out damage, ice packs for your sore knees. It happens. Add 5% to the total above for the grand total. (Higher than you thought? Get an estimate for a full-service move to see how much that will cost you.)
TOTAL FOR MOVING IN:

Your Move Weight: This is an estimate of how much you move will weigh.		You didn’t fill this out. Do you want to now? CLICK HERE.
Your Mover Costs: This is an estimate, based on your move weight and move distance, of how much you will pay for a full-service mover. (Again, it's just an estimate, to get a real figure, get a moving quote from Relocation.com).		You didn’t fill this out. Do you want to now? CLICK HERE.
Your Total Moving Cost: This is how much you will roughly pay for your move.		You didn’t fill this out. Do you want to now? CLICK HERE.
Your Do-It-Yourself Moving Costs: This is how much you will roughly pay to move yourself. Higher than you thought? Find out much it will cost to have someone else do it for you.		You didn’t fill this out. Do you want to now? CLICK HERE.

How Much Will My Move Cost?

Do-It-Yourself: TOTAL

Moving Summary

Relocation.com Resources