The cost of hiring movers is a moving target. If you’re just moving local, you can move around San Diego County for as little as $200 per hour. But if you’re moving a 5-bedroom home all the way to Maine or Miami, expect to pay in the $12,000 neighborhood.
Fortunately, there are a couple ways you can cut down on moving costs. Getting rid of your unwanted items before you shop for quotes is a good start. So’s booking a move in literally any season but the summer. But the best way to save big is to book with Pricing Van Lines. We’re committed to high-quality moves, without breaking the bank.
Your professional movers – whether it’s us or the other guys – will send you a quote detailing how much you’ll pay, and what you’ll be getting for your money. Keep an eye out for any additional charges and add-ons, such as…
- Packing and unpacking services
- Access fees
- Shuttle services
- Full-value insurance coverage
- Monthly storage
Cost to Hire Local Movers in San Diego
Local moving in San Diego means anything within 100 miles and within the same state. These moves can be done in as little as $200 per hour – or as expensive as $500 per hour if you’ve got a huge house.
Local moving companies charge per hour, per mover. General rule of thumb: You’ll need two movers per bedroom. A studio apartment’s going to be cheaper (and easier) to move than a 5-bedroom home.
Fortunately, you can do plenty to save money on the big day. Since local moving is all about hourly wages, try to keep the process as streamlined as possible.
We recommend putting all your belongings in one easy-to-access bedroom or corner, so your movers don’t waste time going through your whole house to pick everything up. It’s also a good idea to schedule your move to avoid rush hour, so you don’t get billed extra while your movers are stuck in traffic.
| Home Size | No. of Movers | # Hours | Ave Cost / Hr | Average Cost |
| Studio + 1 Bedroom | 2 movers | 2 hours | $200 | $400 |
| 2 Bedroom | 3 movers | 4 hours | $300 | $1,200 |
| 3 Bedroom | 4 movers | 6 hours | $400 | $2,400 |
| 4 Bedroom | 4 movers | 7 hours | $400 | $2,800 |
| 5 Bedroom+ | 5 movers | 9 hours | $500 | $4,500 |
Cost to Hire Long Distance Movers in San Diego
Long-distance moves from San Diego can range from $2,800 to $8,350, but it all depends on how far you have to travel and how much your movers need to transport. We ran these numbers based on a 1,000-mile relocation, but if you’re moving less than 1,000 miles, you’re in luck: You’ll probably pay much less.
Long distance moving companies charge per mile, and per pound. We’ve seen a few companies who use cubic feet, but for the most part, these guys’ll make an inventory list of all your items, and assign a weight in pounds for everything that’s going in the truck.
Want to save money on long distance moving? Get rid of your unwanted stuff before you shop for quotes, and make sure you’re moving during the off-season (fall, winter, and spring are your best bets).
- 1-Bedroom Apartment (1,000 miles): $2,800–$4,500
- 2-Bedroom Home (1,000 miles): $3,100–$6,900
- 3-Bedroom Home (1,000 miles): $4,500–$7,550
- 4-Bedroom Home (1,000 miles): $5,100–$8,350
Additional Long-Distance Moving Costs
- Storage: $150–$500/month
- Full-value insurance: $100–$300
- Packing and unpacking: $500–$1,000
Your Cross Country Moving Cost
Expect to pay between $3,000 and $5,000 for a cross country move. Nationwide movers charge per pound and per mile, but they also throw in additional fees for fuel and all the extra legwork that comes with coast to coast moving. All that coordination and preparation can hit your wallet pretty hard.
- Studio or 1-Bedroom Apartment: $3,000–$5,000
- 2-Bedroom Home: $5,500–$7,500
- 3-Bedroom Home: $7,000–$10,000
- 4-Bedroom Home: $9,000–$12,000
Key Cost Factors
- Distance: More miles means more money – and cross country moving means somewhere in the neighborhood of 2,800 miles.
- Fuel Surcharges: Cross country movers may charge an extra $300–$800 depending on truck size.
- Specialty Services: Packing, storage, vehicle transport… the list goes on. This can range from a few hundred to a few thousand, depending on your must-have add-ons.
Make Your Move Effortless – Get a Quote Today!
- 15% off seasonal discount
- 10% off for early reservations
- 10% off for flexible pickup windows
Call us now at 305-504-2383 or quickly get your free moving quote using our online cost calculator – it only takes seconds!
How Much Does it Cost to Move if it’s DIY?
You can theoretically DIY a move for less than $200. But that’s just a best-case scenario. You’ll have to pay for a truck rental and gas, and if you’re going long distance, you’ll have to pay for food and lodging as well.
DIY moving can be cost-effective, but only if you’re super disciplined about it. Otherwise, you may as well shell out a little more and let the pros handle the whole process.
Truck Rental Costs
- Small truck: $20–$30/day
- Medium truck: $40–$70/day
- Large truck: $80–$120/day
Gas Expenses
- Local move: $30–$60
- Long-distance move: $200–$500 (depending on the mileage)
Packing Supplies
- Boxes, tape, and other materials: $100–$250
Labor Costs (if hiring helpers)
- $40–$60/hour per person
How Long Does Moving Take?
Moving takes between 1 and 21 days. Obviously, if you’re just moving local, it can be done in just a few days. But if you’re moving over 100 miles, or across the country? Plan for something that’s closer to 21 days.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) established rules for how many hours a driver can log in one day. If your mover clocks a suspiciously high number of miles in one 11-hour shift, the FMCSA may investigate them for potential speed and safety violations.
Moving companies also bundle smaller moves together in the same trailer. This cuts down on wasted space, and it’s great for fuel efficiency. Your move will be safely partitioned and secured, but you may have to wait a few extra days while your movers offload the other stuff in their truck.
Hire the Best with Pricing Van Lines
Moving from San Diego can cost as little as $200, and as much as $12,000. It all depends on the type of move you’re looking for. Fortunately, with Pricing Van Lines, you can get a free quote, custom-tailored to your exact needs. Tell us more about your big move, and let’s get you on the road!
