How Much Will Your Move Cost? A Friendly Guide to Moving Expenses

Moving to a new home is an exciting adventure, but understanding the costs involved can feel overwhelming. At Illinois Movers Inc, we believe in transparency and helping you plan your move with confidence. Here’s everything you need to know about moving costs, including average prices, cubic feet pricing, and tips to save money.
What’s the Average Cost of Moving?
The cost of your move depends on several factors, including the size of your home, the distance of your move, and the services you choose. Here’s a breakdown of average costs based on data from Moving.com:
At Illinois Movers Inc, we specialize in long-distance moves from Illinois or Florida to anywhere in the U.S. That’s why this guide focuses primarily on long-distance moving costs.
Long-Distance Moves
Long-distance moves have higher moving costs due to factors like fuel, tolls, and driver compensation. The cost for a long-distance move can range from $1,123 to over $14,107, depending on the distance and the size of your move. Here’s a detailed breakdown:
# of Miles | Studio/1-Bedroom | 2-3 Bedroom | 4-5 Bedroom |
---|---|---|---|
250 Miles | 1,123−2,260 | 2,272−4,343 | 4,137−5,553 |
1,000+ Miles | 1,442−3,024 | 3,145−5,958 | 6,378−10,002 |
2,500+ Miles | 1,920−4,272 | 4,236−8,546 | 9,546−14,107 |
How We Calculate Moving Costs: Cubic Feet Pricing
At Illinois Movers Inc, we use cubic feet pricing to ensure fairness and transparency. Here’s how it works:
1. What is Cubic Feet Pricing?
Cubic feet pricing means you only pay for the space your items occupy in the moving truck. This is calculated based on the total volume of your belongings, not their weight.
2. Why Cubic Feet?
Fair Pricing: Heavy items like furniture won’t cost extra.
Transparency: You know exactly what you’re paying for.
Affordability: We offer the most competitive rates per cubic foot in the industry.
3. How to Estimate Your Cubic Feet
Studio/1-Bedroom: ~400-600 cubic feet
2-3 Bedroom: ~800-1,200 cubic feet
4-5 Bedroom: ~1,200-1,800 cubic feet
When you contact us, our representative will ask for a complete list of items you’re moving to provide an accurate quote.
Factors That Affect Your Moving Cost
When calculating moving costs, don’t forget to factor in all necessary expenses and additional fees. Here’s what to consider:
1. Travel Fees
Long-distance moves include fuel costs, tolls, and labor for the time it takes to travel from your old home to your new one.
2. Size of Your Move
The more belongings you have, the more space they’ll take up in the truck, which increases the cost.
3. Packing Services
While convenient, hiring movers to pack your belongings can add a few hundred dollars or more to your total cost.
4. Moving Add-Ons
Additional services like furniture disassembly, specialty item moving, or moving supplies (e.g., stretch wrap, mattress bags) can increase the price.
5. Storage
If you need to store your belongings before, during, or after your move, expect to pay extra for short-term or long-term storage.
6. Moving Date
Moving during peak season (summer) or on weekends can cost more. Consider moving during off-peak months (October to April) for better rates.
7. Liability and Valuation Coverage
Most moving companies offer basic liability coverage, but you may want to purchase additional insurance for extra protection.
Additional Moving Costs and Fees
Depending on your moving needs, you may have to pay extra for these services:
1. Specialty Moving
Moving items like pianos, hot tubs, or valuable artwork requires special skills and materials, which can increase the cost.
2. Long Carry Fee
If movers have to carry items a long distance from the truck to your home, you may be charged a long carry fee.
3. Stair Carry Fee
Moving items up and down multiple flights of stairs can result in a stair carry fee.
4. Elevator Fee
If your move requires an elevator (e.g., in a high-rise apartment), you may be charged an elevator fee.
5. Unpacking Service
Need help unpacking? This time-consuming service may come with an additional fee.
6. Shuttle Fee
If the moving truck can’t park near your home, a shuttle service may be needed to transport your belongings.
7. Extra Stops
If the movers need to make extra stops (e.g., at a storage unit), expect to pay more.
8. Expedited Delivery
Need your items delivered quickly? Expedited delivery services can speed up the process but will cost extra.
9. Tipping
While not required, tipping your movers is a great way to show appreciation for their hard work.
How to Save on Your Move
Moving doesn’t have to break the bank. Here are some tips to help you save:
1. Move During Off-Peak Season
Moving costs are typically lower between October and April when demand is lower.
2. Declutter Before You Move
The less you move, the less you pay. Before packing, take the time to declutter:
Host a Yard Sale: Turn unwanted items into extra cash.
Donate: Give gently used items to local charities.
Recycle: Dispose of items you no longer need responsibly.
3. Get Multiple Quotes
At Illinois Movers Inc, we’re proud to offer price matching. If you find a better quote, we’ll match it while maintaining the same high-quality service you expect from us.
Why Choose Illinois Movers Inc?
✅ Affordable Rates
We offer competitive pricing based on cubic feet, ensuring you only pay for the space you use.
✅ Transparent Pricing
No hidden fees or surprises—just honest, upfront pricing.
✅ Discounts and Price Matching
Discounts: We frequently offer discounts to make your move even more affordable.
Price Matching: Found a better quote? We’ll match it without compromising on quality.
✅ Licensed and Insured
With our USDOT #2628513 and MC#914433 credentials, you can trust that your move is in safe hands.
✅ Customer-Focused Service
Your satisfaction is our top priority. From start to finish, we’re here to make your move as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Ready to Get a Quote?
At Illinois Movers Inc, we make it easy to get an accurate and affordable quote. Simply provide us with a complete list of items you’re moving, and we’ll take care of the rest.
📞 Call us today at (888) 315-9335 or visit our website to request a free, no-obligation quote.
Seamless Coast-to-Coast Relocation with Illinois Movers INC
Unparalleled Expertise for Illinois to California Moves: Extensive knowledge of logistics for seamless coast-to-coast transitions, meticulously planning routes and navigating challenges.
Comprehensive Packing and Moving Services: Professional packing crew, high-quality materials, crating for fragile/oversized items like antiques and artwork.
State-of-the-Art Equipment and Vehicles: Modern climate-controlled trucks, advanced tracking systems to monitor shipments.
Uncompromising Safety and Security: Licensed and insured, comprehensive coverage, experienced drivers trained in safe practices.
Personalized Customer Service: Friendly staff, personalized attention from initial consultation to final California delivery.