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What a three-bedroom move costs, by distance
A typical three-bedroom home runs 6,500 to 9,000 pounds of belongings, give or take, depending on how much furniture and how many boxes you're bringing. Here's a realistic quote range by distance, based on estimates from four mid-size moving companies for a full-service move (loading, transport, and unloading, no packing included):
| Distance | Steadfast Moving Co. | Blue Oak Relocation | TrueNorth Van Lines |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local (under 50 mi) | $1,350 | $1,480 | $1,610 |
| Regional (250 mi) | $2,900 | $3,150 | $3,400 |
| Long-distance (1,000 mi) | $5,600 | $6,100 | $6,650 |
| Cross-country (2,500 mi) | $7,900 | $8,700 | $9,850 |
Local moves are usually priced hourly, by two or three movers and a truck, which is why the gap between companies is small. Long-distance and cross-country moves are priced by weight and distance together, which is why the spread widens, and why the same shipment can land at noticeably different totals depending on the carrier's network and current capacity.
What's driving the price beyond mileage
Distance explains a lot of the gap between a local and cross-country quote, but it isn't the whole story. A few line items consistently separate a low estimate from a high final bill:
- Weight and volume. A three-bedroom home with a finished basement or a home office full of books and files can easily run 2,000 pounds heavier than one without, and long-distance pricing is largely weight-based.
- Stairs and long carries. Most companies charge a flat fee per flight of stairs beyond the first, and an "extended carry" fee if the truck can't park close to your door.
- Packing services. Full-service packing, where the crew boxes everything, typically adds $600–$1,500 to a three-bedroom move depending on how much you have.
- Specialty items. Pianos, safes, pool tables, and large appliances usually carry their own line-item fee, often $100–$300 each.
- Timing. Moves scheduled on weekends, at month-end, or during peak summer months (late May through August) are reliably more expensive than a midweek move in a slower month.
Local moves vs. long-distance moves: different pricing logic
Local moves, usually defined as under 50–100 miles within the same state, are typically billed hourly: a crew size and a truck, times an hourly rate, plus a travel fee to and from the dispatch yard. There's no federal weight-based regulation involved, so pricing is simpler and quotes tend to cluster close together between companies.
Long-distance and interstate moves are regulated differently and are priced on a tariff basis: your shipment's weight (or cubic footage, if a company uses that method instead) multiplied by the distance, plus accessorial charges for stairs, packing, and specialty items. This is also why an accurate weight matters so much for a long-distance quote, and why a mover who only quotes you over the phone, without seeing your inventory, is guessing.
Binding vs. non-binding estimates
A binding estimate locks in a price based on a detailed inventory, either from an in-home walkthrough or a video survey. You'll pay that price even if the shipment weighs slightly more than estimated (within reason), which makes budgeting easier. A non-binding estimate is just that, an estimate, and you pay based on the actual weight and services at delivery, which can come in higher or lower than the quote. For a three-bedroom home with a reasonably accurate inventory, a binding estimate is usually worth asking for.
A typical move-day timeline
- 8:00 a.m. — Crew arrives.
The lead walks the home with you, confirms the inventory, and protects floors and doorways.
- 8:30 a.m. — Loading begins.
For a three-bedroom home, loading a truck typically takes 2.5–4 hours depending on crew size and stairs.
- 12:30 p.m. — Final walkthrough.
You and the lead confirm nothing is left behind, and you sign the bill of lading.
- Transit.
Local moves deliver the same day; long-distance shipments typically arrive within 3–10 business days depending on distance.
- Delivery & unloading.
The crew places furniture by room per your instructions, and you inspect items against the inventory before final payment.
Frequently asked questions
How far in advance should I book movers for a three-bedroom move?
For a local move, two to three weeks is usually enough. For a long-distance or cross-country move, especially during the busy summer season, book six to eight weeks ahead if you can, since the best crews and trucks get reserved first.
Do movers charge extra for stairs or a long carry?
Often, yes. Many companies add a flat fee per flight of stairs beyond the first, or an extended-carry fee if the truck can't park within a set distance of your door, commonly 75 to 100 feet. Ask about both before you book, not on move day.
Should I tip movers, and how much?
Tipping isn't required but is customary for good service. A common range is $20 to $40 per mover for a half-day local move, or more for a physically demanding full-day job, split evenly or given to the crew lead to distribute.
Does a mover's estimate include insurance for broken items?
Basic "released value" coverage is included by law but only pays around 60 cents per pound per item, which is minimal. Full-value protection, which reimburses current replacement cost, is usually offered as an add-on and is worth it for anything valuable or fragile.