How Much Does It Cost To Move a 2,000 Sq. Ft. House?
Quick answer: The average cost to move a 2,000 square foot house ranges from $1,500–$1,800 for a local move and anywhere from $5,000–$14,000 for long-distance relocations.
But every move is unique, and costs can vary based on a variety of factors, not just on how far you’re moving. We’ll fill you in on those factors, as well as how moving costs are determined, so you can hire the right moving company for your budget.
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In this article:
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Each year, 400,000+ people trust our moving recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:
- Founded in 2015
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Local moving costs for a 2,000 sq. ft. house
A local move usually means 50 miles or less (some companies consider it up to 100 miles). For a 2,000 square foot house, movers will charge you an hourly rate and base their estimate on how many crew members and hours it’ll take to get the job done.
Let’s say you’re moving a three-bedroom home. Most companies will send four movers to handle it all—loading, transporting, and unloading. Expect the whole process to take about seven to nine hours, but if you need help packing and unpacking, tack on extra time (and cost).
Here are some sample rates for different cities around the country:
| Location | Average costs |
|---|---|
| Atlanta | $1,608–$1,841 |
| Orlando, FL | $1,502–$1,772 |
| Phoenix | $1,534–$1,767 |
| Seattle | $2,574–$2,961 |
Long-distance moving costs for a 2,000 sq. ft. house
If your move is more than 50–100 miles, you’re looking at a long-distance move. Long-distance moves aren’t the same as interstate moves. A move to another city 400 miles away is still long-distance even if that city is in the same state.
Whether you’re crossing state lines or staying in-state but covering a lot of ground, the cost of a long-distance move depends largely on two things:
- How much stuff you have
- How far you’re going
There are, of course, other factors that can impact the final bill, like how far in advance you book and any additional services you need beyond the basic moving package.
For example, Adam used JK Moving to move his 2,000 square foot house approximately 1,880 miles from Texas to Massachusetts, and it cost him $15,960.
When Amy moved her three-bedroom, 2,000 square foot house from New York to Texas (about 1,500 miles) with United Van Lines, she paid $8,425.
Here are example costs for different long-distance moves for a 2,000 square foot home:
| Location | Average costs |
|---|---|
| Portland, OR, to Chicago | $7,468–$11,895 |
| Dallas to New York City | $5,227–$8,563 |
| Nashville, TN, to Los Angeles | $6,314–$11,246 |
| Richmond, VA, to New York City | $2,349–$5,242 |
How are long-distance moves calculated?
For long-distance moves, companies will either visit your home or do a virtual walkthrough to estimate the total weight or volume of your belongings. They’ll consider furniture, specialty items, and the number of boxes needed.
You’ll then get one of these three types of quotes:
- Binding: The price is locked, even if your stuff weighs more than expected
- Non-binding: The price adjusts based on the truck’s final weight after loading
- Binding not-to-exceed: The price won’t go up if your move weighs more than expected, but it could go down if it weighs less
Pro tip: Always get at least three quotes and compare them carefully. Look out for hidden fees, and ask if they’ll price-match.
Factors affecting the cost to move a 2,000 sq. ft. house
- The size of the move: Two homes with the same square footage can hold very different amounts of stuff. More stuff means more time, labor, and higher costs. Long-distance movers will use the weight of your items to generate your move estimate. Local movers will look at the size and quantity of your possessions to estimate how many movers are needed and how many hours it will take.
- The type of mover: DIY moves using truck rentals are the cheapest. Full-service movers are the most convenient but also the most expensive. Moving containers fall somewhere in the middle.
- Distance: The farther you go, the more you’ll pay for gas, tolls, and driver hours.
- Timing: You will want to try to avoid peak moving season. The moving off-season (mid-May to mid-October) will usually be cheaper than the peak spring and summer months. Midweek moves also tend to be cheaper than weekend ones due to lower demand.
- Accessibility: If your 2,000 square foot house has accessibility issues – such as parking restrictions in an urban area or multiple flights of stairs that the movers need to navigate – you will likely be charged an extra fee.
- Add-ons: Want the movers to pack your dishes or disassemble furniture? Those services come at an additional cost.
Best movers for 2,000 sq. ft. homes
Moving a 2,000 square foot home can be a lot of work, so you’ll want reliable movers who offer transparent pricing and high-quality service. We’ve reviewed the best options nationwide.
Here are a few top picks:
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FAQ
Is it cheaper to move a 2,000 sq. ft. house on my own?
Yes, choosing a DIY-style move for your 2,000 square foot house will be cheaper than using a full-service moving company. Truck rentals are especially cost-efficient for local moves, as long as you are willing to do all the loading and unloading and drive the moving truck yourself. If you want to save on a long-distance move but don’t feel comfortable driving, a moving container company will also usually be less expensive than using full-service movers.
Of course, while these moves will save you money, working with full-service movers is more convenient, since they do all the loading, driving, and unloading for you. Check out our list of the top cheap movers, which includes full-service movers, moving containers, and labor-only assistance.
How can I save money on my four-bedroom move?
The best way to save money on your four-bedroom move is to downsize. Getting rid of items you no longer want or need means fewer items to pack, load, and transport. This can help save money whether you are using a rental truck, moving container, or full-service mover.
You can also save by checking for available discounts and getting quotes from at least three movers. Many moving companies price match their competitors, which can be especially helpful for full-service moves.
Is it worth it to pay for professional packing services?
Paying for professional packing services can be worth it if you are short on time, want to take out some of the stress of moving, or ensure that fragile and valuable items are packed professionally. Many movers offer fragile-only packing, where they take care of specialty items while you handle the rest.
What should I do if I’m downsizing from a 2,000 sq. ft. house?
When downsizing from a 2,000 square foot house, start by evaluating which items you will keep and which you will get rid of. Selling, donating, or trashing unwanted or broken items can help save a lot of space in your new home.
If you are still worried about being tight on space, look into storage. Full-service movers like Safeway Moving offer short- and long-term storage solutions that can help as you get settled into your new space. PODS also offers options to use its storage containers for short- and long-term storage at your own property or at one of their facilities.
These or other local storage facilities can help you find a place for seasonal items or other essentials that you still need but don’t have space for in your smaller home.
What is the best month to move?
The best months to move a 2,000 square foot house are between October and April, as there tends to be less demand for movers during this time. As a result, you can expect better availability and lower prices. November and December can be even cheaper as most people try to avoid moving during the holidays.
Our rating methodology
At moveBuddha, we understand that all moving companies aren’t created equal. We undertake a rigorous review process to rate and review companies like Safeway Moving to ensure we provide accurate recommendations.
Here’s a breakdown of the methodology we use to rate movers:
- Customer satisfaction: In addition to looking at reviews with the BBB, Google, and other third-party sites, we rely heavily on interviews with Better Moves Project participants to understand the pros and cons of each mover.
- Standard services: We look at what services are included as part of a company’s standard offerings, and which ones you can only get for an additional fee.
- Reputation: We evaluate a company’s industry ratings, including aspects like carrying sufficient insurance coverage and compliance with applicable regulations.
- Add-on services: We look at any add-on services that can simplify a move, such as custom crating or storage options — services that aren’t offered by all moving companies.
- Availability: The areas a company serves — as well as whether they offer local, long-distance, or international services — is another important consideration. Widespread availability is most useful.
- Type of mover: A moving company’s capability (such as full-service vs. DIY) will directly impact its service offerings.
- Payment: Ease of making a payment (including submitting a deposit) with multiple options (credit card, check, cash, etc.) can also make moving easier.
- Scheduling: How easy is it to book a move? What kind of lead time is needed? Readily available booking services and streamlined scheduling will help get your move underway.
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