Knowing how much your move is likely to cost will help you plan your move and avoid any unpleasant surprises on moving day.
We understand how stressful a move can be, whether it’s around the block or across the country, but it doesn’t have to be. That’s why we’ve devised this easy-to-use long-distance moving cost calculator to help you factor in all of the variables that go into pricing this type of move.
What is the average long-distance moving cost? We’ll break down the typical cost range you can expect for different types of moves, based on distances.
| Type of Move | Average Cost | Cost Range | Factors Affecting Costs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local Move | $1,200 | $800 - $2,200 | Distance (<50 miles), number of items, time of year |
| Long-Distance Move | $4,000 | $2,000 - $9,000 | Distance (50 to 400 miles), moving company, services |
| Cross-Country Move | $6,900 | $4,200 - $14,900 | Distance (>400 miles), number of items, season |
MG Vanlines Moving Cost Information
Moving companies use a pricing system based on specific factors—most commonly called a tariff. This tariff is the starting point for long-distance moves. Because many details can influence the final price, it’s a good idea to request a personalized estimate.
The two biggest factors that affect your moving cost are the total weight of your items and the distance between your current location and your new home. The more you move and the farther you go, the more it will cost.
Once you request a quote and share the details of your move, a moving specialist will review any additional services you may need—such as storage unit rentals or vehicle transportation. These extra services will be added to your total cost.
The cost of moving a home can vary widely based on many factors. For example, moving a two- to three-bedroom home within the same city typically costs around $2,300.
MG Vanlines Long-Distance Moving Information
The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home 1,000 miles or more with MG Vanlines is around $6,300 on average. A smaller move, such as a one-bedroom apartment over the same distance, typically costs around $4,500.
When you choose MG Vanlines, you get more than just transportation. Your personal moving coordinator will help plan every detail of your move. Our professional movers will carefully load, transport, and unload your belongings and can also pack your items (for an additional charge), if you choose.
At your new home, we’ll place your furniture in the rooms you want and reassemble items like bed frames and tables, if needed. We can even unpack your boxes and remove the packing materials upon request. Plus, we’ll return within 30 days to pick up and recycle your boxes and packing materials at no additional cost.
Use our long-distance moving calculator to get a custom estimate based on your unique move.
For the most accurate estimate, provide as much detail as possible about your move—especially your home size and the number of items you’re moving.
At MG Vanlines, no two moves are the same. That’s why we create a personalized plan and estimate tailored to your specific needs.
If you have questions about your estimate or need help using the calculator, our relocation specialists are here to help.
The farther you move and the more items you have, the higher your cost will be. Here’s a general breakdown of average long-distance moving costs:
Up to 150 miles:
Over 400 miles:
If your estimate doesn’t look right, contact your moving coordinator. Many things can change during a long-distance move, such as adding an extra service, your shipment weighing more than expected, or updates to your move details. We’ll review everything with you and adjust the estimate if needed.
If you’re trying to save money with a DIY move, keep in mind the added costs. Renting a moving truck can run $100 or more per day, plus you’ll likely pay for fuel, tolls, packing supplies, and other expenses. One-way truck rentals often include hundreds of miles in fees. And if you don’t return the truck to the same location, one-way fees can be several hundred dollars.
DIY moves take more time and effort—and moving heavy furniture and boxes on your own can be risky. Let MG Vanlines handle the hard work so you can focus on settling into your new home.
MG Vanlines Moving FAQ
A DIY move may seem like the cheaper option at first, but hidden costs and a lot of hard work can add up quickly. You’ll be responsible for packing, loading, transporting, unloading, and unpacking everything yourself—including truck rentals, fuel, packing supplies, equipment, and the time and effort involved.
Getting an estimate from MG Vanlines gives you a clear picture of your options. You’ll also enjoy the convenience of our full-service team, which handles every detail from start to finish—saving you time, effort, and stress.
In many cases, yes. Most moving companies, including MG Vanlines, offer some flexibility in pricing. We provide regular discounts and special offers, and we’ll always match a written estimate from a competitor when possible.
We encourage you to speak with your moving consultant about ways to get the best value for your move. Even small adjustments, such as choosing a different moving date or consolidating items, can help you save.
Yes. Long-distance moving estimates from MG Vanlines are binding, not to exceed, which means the price we quote is the price you pay (unless you request additional services). This fixed rate is based on the details you provide and remains the same from pickup to delivery.
Once you receive your estimate and confirm your move, your dedicated move coordinator will collect any additional information needed to finalize the plan.
For safety reasons, there are certain items MG Vanlines cannot transport. These include perishable food, live plants, hazardous or flammable materials (such as paint or propane), fireworks, and other dangerous items.
We also recommend that you personally transport irreplaceable items such as cash, important documents, passports, jewelry, and other valuables.
Your move coordinator will provide you with a complete list of restricted items and help you plan ahead to ensure a smooth moving experience.
