Moving Cost Estimator
Add up the cost of a move from your quotes: movers, van, fuel, packing, storage and insurance, with a buffer.
Your move
Filled in with example values. Replace them with your own.
Use quotes or price lists from movers and rental companies. Leave anything you will not need empty.
Movers
Van or truck
Other costs
Currency symbol
Results update as you type.
Result
Moving cost estimate: $1,138.50
Estimated moving cost
$1,138.50
- Movers3 × 5 h × $35.00
- $525.00
- Van or truck
- $280.00
- Fuel
- $60.00
- Packing materials
- $120.00
- Insurance
- $50.00
- Buffer10%
- $103.50
Where the money goes
- Movers
- $525.00
- Van or truck
- $280.00
- Fuel
- $60.00
- Packing materials
- $120.00
- Insurance
- $50.00
- Subtotal
- $1,035.00
How the moving cost estimator works
Enter the costs from your quotes: movers by the hour, a van or truck by the day and by distance, fuel, packing materials, storage, insurance and anything else. The estimator adds them up, with an optional buffer, and shows where the money goes.
The formula
Movers = People × Hours × Hourly rate
Vehicle = Days × Daily price + Distance × Price per km or mile
Storage = Months × Monthly price
Total = Sum of all parts × (1 + Buffer)
Worked example
With example quotes: 3 movers for 5 hours at 35 each; a van for 2 days at 80 plus 400 km at 0.30; fuel 60; packing 120; insurance 50; 2 months of storage at 90; 10% buffer.
- Movers 525; van 160 + 120 = 280; storage 180
- Subtotal 1,215; with the buffer, 1,336.50
Frequently asked questions
Why does the calculator not suggest prices?
Moving costs vary hugely with the city, the season, the distance and how much you own. Quotes from local movers and rental firms are the only reliable numbers, so the calculator adds up the ones you enter.
How many movers and hours will I need?
Movers usually estimate this when they quote, often after seeing or listing your belongings. Ask them, and note whether the price includes travel time to and from your home.
What should the buffer cover?
Things that are easy to forget or underestimate: extra hours, parking permits, cleaning, takeaway on moving day. How much to add is your call.
How do I estimate the fuel?
Use the Fuel Cost Calculator with the distance and the van’s fuel economy from the rental company, then enter the result here.