A move costs more than the truck. Add packing, fuel, lodging, deposits, overlapping rent and time off work, and check what a mover can legally charge you. For moves across state lines, federal rules (49 CFR 375) limit what an interstate mover can collect at delivery and set how damage claims work (FMCSA). Moving costs aren't tax-deductible for most people in 2026; the exception is military and intelligence-community moves.
Checked Oct. 25, 2026
Runs on your phone; nothing you type is sent anywhere. Put in your own quotes and prices; leave a line at 0 if it doesn't apply.
Defaults are only an example, not typical prices.
For moves across state lines with a licensed interstate mover. Use the numbers on your written estimate and the final bill.
Example with the defaults: about $4,993 in total, including $93.00 of fuel (30 gallons) and $1,500 of deposits you may get back. Non-binding $4,000 estimate, $5,000 actual bill: the mover can require $4,400 at delivery; the other $600 is billed later.
| Non-binding estimate | Binding estimate | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | The mover's reasonably accurate guess. Final charges follow the actual weight, services and the mover's tariff | A guaranteed price for the quantities and services listed on it |
| Cost to get one | Free: the mover can't charge for it | The mover may charge for it |
| Most you can be made to pay at delivery | 110% of the estimate (or the actual charges if lower) | The estimate amount |
| Plus, if needed | Impracticable operations (for example, a smaller shuttle truck), capped at 15% of the other charges due at delivery; added services you ask for after the bill of lading | |
| The rest | Billed to you after 30 days from delivery; you still owe it | Only charges outside the estimate (added services, impracticable operations not collected at delivery) |
| More stuff on moving day? | Before loading, the mover must reaffirm the estimate or write a new one. After loading, an estimate can't be changed. If a binding estimate isn't redone in writing before loading, the original binding estimate stands | |
Every estimate must be in writing and based on a physical survey of your things, done on-site or by live or recorded video, unless you waive it in writing before loading (49 CFR 375.401). Movers must give you the Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move booklet and the Ready to Move brochure. A broker only arranges the move; it must use the actual mover's tariff for any estimate and have that mover do the survey.
| Full Value Protection | Released Value | |
|---|---|---|
| What the mover owes | Repair the item, replace it with one of like kind and quality, or pay you for either, up to the declared value of the shipment | No more than 60 cents per pound per article |
| Example | A broken TV is repaired or replaced | A 25-pound TV gets $15 (FMCSA) |
| Cost | Adds to the price; varies by mover and deductible | No extra charge |
| How you get it | The default | Only if you sign a specific statement on the bill of lading |
Items worth more than $100 a pound (jewelry, china, furs) must be listed in writing or the mover's liability can be limited. Packing boxes yourself can make damage claims harder to prove (FMCSA). Third-party moving insurance is separate from these options; your renters or homeowners policy may cover some losses in transit, so check it.
Sources: FMCSA red flags, FTC. Interstate problem? File an FMCSA complaint (FMCSA can't resolve your claim, but uses complaints to pick companies to investigate). In-state move: your state consumer protection office. Paid a scammer? See scam check.
More for service members: military money hub, BAH by ZIP.
Facts, not legal advice. We republish federal rules with dates and do the arithmetic. Federal mover rules cover interstate household goods moves; in-state moves follow state law. We don't rate movers or show quotes (no free official price data). No partner links on this page.
It depends on distance, how much you own and whether you hire movers. There is no free official dataset of moving prices, so we don't publish averages or quotes. Get at least three written estimates, then add packing, fuel, lodging, deposits, overlap rent and time off in the budget calculator on this page.
For an interstate move, a binding estimate is the price for the services it lists; the mover can charge for a written binding estimate. A non-binding estimate is free and is the mover's best guess; the final bill is based on the actual weight and services, but at delivery the mover can require no more than 110% of the estimate (plus up to 15% for impracticable operations). The rest is billed after 30 days from delivery (49 CFR 375).
Not past the federal limits on an interstate move. The mover must deliver when you pay the binding estimate, or 110% of a non-binding estimate, plus allowed impracticable operations charges (up to 15% of the other charges due at delivery) and any added services you asked for. Holding goods hostage for more is a red flag; report it to FMCSA.
Interstate movers must offer Full Value Protection, which is the default: the mover repairs or replaces the item or pays for that, up to the declared value of the shipment. If you sign it away for Released Value, the mover owes no more than 60 cents per pound per article, so a 25-pound TV gets $15 (FMCSA).
9 months from delivery for an interstate move. The mover must acknowledge the claim within 30 days and pay or deny it within 120 days (it can extend in 60-day steps with written notice). For claims of $10,000 or less, the mover must accept binding arbitration if you ask for it.
Only if you're an active-duty member of the Armed Forces moving under a permanent change of station order, or (for moves in 2026 or later) an employee or new appointee of the intelligence community moving for a change in assignment. You use Form 3903 and can't deduct meals. Everyone else can't deduct moving costs, and an employer's moving reimbursement is taxable wages (IRS Topic 455, Pub. 15-B).
$1.25 online, a one-time identity verification fee charged to a card with a billing address at your old or new address. It's free in person at a Post Office with PS Form 3575 and photo ID. Allow 7-10 business days; forwarding lasts 12 months.
Estimates, not financial advice. Taxes, insurance, PMI and fees vary by lender, county and city; confirm with your lender, dealer and state agency before acting.