Long Distance Moving Costs by Home Size
Moving costs vary by distance, home size, and season. Here are average costs for full-service interstate moves of 1,000 miles:
| Home Size | Weight (lbs) | Cost Range | Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 Bedroom | 2,000 - 3,000 | $1,500 - $3,000 | $2,250 |
| 2 Bedroom | 5,000 - 6,000 | $3,000 - $5,500 | $4,250 |
| 3 Bedroom | 7,000 - 9,000 | $4,500 - $7,500 | $6,000 |
| 4 Bedroom | 10,000 - 12,000 | $6,000 - $10,000 | $8,000 |
| 5+ Bedroom | 12,000+ | $8,000 - $14,000 | $11,000 |
These are all-inclusive prices. Full-service quotes cover packing materials, labor, transport, and basic insurance. No hidden fees.
Peak season (May-August) adds 15-25% to these costs. Book early or move during fall/winter for the best rates.
Why Full-Service Beats DIY for Long Distance
Truck rental companies advertise low base prices — but the receipt tells a different story. Here's what a 2-bedroom, 1,000-mile move actually costs:
🧾 DIY Truck Rental — The Real Receipt
- Truck rental base price: $1,400
- Fuel (1,000 mi @ $0.50/mi): $500
- Insurance ($30/day × 5 days): $150
- Dolly, blankets, straps rental: $80
- Packing materials (boxes, tape, wrap): $150
- Loading helpers (4 hrs): $300
- Unloading helpers (4 hrs): $300
- Hotels (2 nights): $250
- Food on the road (3 days): $120
- Tolls: $80
- Real total: $3,330
- + 30-40 hours of YOUR labor
- + Risk of damage (no professional packing)
✅ Full-Service Movers — One Price
- Professional packing & materials: included
- Furniture disassembly: included
- Loading by trained crew: included
- Licensed interstate transport: included
- Unloading & furniture reassembly: included
- Basic liability insurance: included
- All-inclusive total: $3,500-$5,500
- Your labor: 0 hours
- Your stress: minimal
The real savings from DIY? Just $500-$1,000 — in exchange for 30+ hours of packing, loading, driving a 26-foot truck across state lines, and unloading. For most families, full-service movers are the smarter investment.
What's Included in Your Full-Service Quote
When you get a quote through Interstates Mover, here's exactly what's covered — one price, zero add-ons:
- ✅ Professional packing — all materials included (boxes, bubble wrap, tape, paper)
- ✅ Furniture disassembly & reassembly — beds, tables, shelving, desks
- ✅ Loading — trained crew with proper equipment (dollies, ramps, straps)
- ✅ Interstate driving — licensed CDL drivers, no miles on your car
- ✅ Unloading & placement — furniture placed in your preferred rooms
- ✅ Basic liability insurance — included at no extra charge
- ✅ FMCSA-verified movers — every company in our network holds a valid USDOT number
Full-value protection insurance available as an upgrade for high-value items.
How Interstate Moving Works
Get Free Quotes
Enter your move details — from/to ZIP codes and home size. We match you with 3-5 licensed interstate movers who service your route. Every quote is all-inclusive.
Compare & Choose
Review detailed quotes, FMCSA verification status, customer reviews, and service options. All movers in our network hold valid USDOT numbers and carry full insurance.
Sit Back & Move
Your movers handle packing, loading, driving, and unloading. You get a binding estimate — the price you're quoted is the price you pay. No surprise fees on delivery day.
Popular Interstate Moving Routes
| Route | Distance | Transit Time | Full-Service (2BR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York to Florida | 1,280 mi | 3-5 days | $3,800-$5,200 |
| California to Texas | 1,400 mi | 4-6 days | $4,200-$5,800 |
| Illinois to Florida | 1,200 mi | 3-5 days | $3,500-$4,900 |
| New York to California | 2,800 mi | 7-10 days | $5,500-$8,500 |
| Texas to Colorado | 880 mi | 2-4 days | $2,800-$4,200 |
| Florida to North Carolina | 650 mi | 2-3 days | $2,500-$3,800 |
All prices are full-service all-inclusive (packing, loading, transport, unloading, insurance). One price. Zero surprises.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a long distance move cost?
Long distance moves typically cost between $2,500 and $7,500 for a 2-3 bedroom home with full-service movers. That price includes packing, loading, transport, unloading, and basic insurance. By contrast, a DIY truck rental advertises $1,200-$3,000 but after hidden costs (fuel, insurance, helpers, lodging, equipment) the real total is $2,200-$4,100 — saving you only $500-$1,000 for 30+ hours of hard labor.
How far is considered a long distance move?
A move is typically classified as long distance when it exceeds 400 miles or crosses state lines. Interstate moves are regulated by the FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) and require movers to hold valid operating authority.
How long does an interstate move take?
Transit times depend on distance: 500 miles takes 2-3 days, 1,000 miles takes 3-5 days, and cross-country moves (2,500+ miles) take 7-14 days. These are transit times only — add 1-2 days for loading and unloading. With full-service movers, you fly or drive your car while they handle everything.
Are long distance movers required to be licensed?
Yes. All interstate movers must be registered with the FMCSA and carry a valid USDOT number. They must also maintain minimum insurance coverage. Always verify your mover's license at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov before booking. Every mover in the Interstates Mover network is FMCSA-verified.
What's included in a full-service long distance move?
A full-service quote from Interstates Mover includes: professional packing and materials, furniture disassembly, loading, interstate transport by licensed drivers, unloading, furniture reassembly, and basic liability insurance. One price, everything included, zero surprises.
Does Interstates Mover provide the moving service directly?
Interstates Mover connects you with licensed, FMCSA-verified moving companies. We compare quotes from our network of trusted movers so you can choose the best option for your move. All movers in our network are licensed and insured.
Get matched with licensed movers in under 30 seconds.
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