Rough cost ranges for a long distance move
These are rough planning ranges for a full-service interstate move of roughly 1,000 miles, such as New York to Florida, including loading, transport and unloading. Your actual price depends on your inventory, distance, dates and services, so treat these as a starting point, not a quote.
| Home size | Typical range | What usually pushes it higher |
|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $2,000 – $5,000 | Heavy furniture, high-rise access, peak dates |
| 2–3 bedrooms | $4,000 – $9,000 | Full packing, storage, longer distance |
| 4+ bedrooms | $7,000 – $15,000+ | Large inventories, specialty items, vehicle transport |
Moves within Florida, for example Miami to Orlando, usually cost less because of the shorter distance, but large homes and full packing can still add up quickly.
What actually determines your price
- Weight or volume of your shipment. Interstate moves are typically priced by weight or cubic feet, so the more you bring, the more you pay.
- Distance. Longer routes cost more, though the price per mile usually drops as distance grows.
- Moving dates. Summer, weekends and the last days of the month are the busiest and often the most expensive.
- Access at both homes. Stairs, elevators, long walks from the truck and tight streets add labor time.
- Packing. Full professional packing can add a significant amount but saves days of work and reduces damage risk.
- Extras. Storage, furniture disassembly, crating, piano moving and car shipping are priced separately.
- Valuation coverage. Basic coverage is included, and full value protection costs more (see below).
Florida-specific costs to plan for
Snowbird season
From roughly October through April, demand for moves into Florida climbs as seasonal residents and retirees head south. Expect tighter availability and less pricing flexibility on southbound routes during these months.
Condo and HOA requirements
Many Florida condos and HOAs require movers to provide a certificate of insurance (COI), reserve the service elevator, and move only during set hours. Some charge a move-in or move-out fee or a refundable deposit. Ask your building management for their rules early and share them with your mover.
Heat and hurricane season
Summer heat slows crews down on long days, and hurricane season (June 1 to November 30) can force schedule changes. Flexible dates and a mover with a clear weather-delay policy help avoid extra costs. See our hurricane-season moving checklist.
Understand the three types of estimates
- Non-binding estimate: your final price is based on the actual weight and services. For interstate moves, federal rules generally limit what the mover can require you to pay at delivery to 110% of a non-binding estimate, with any balance billed later.
- Binding estimate: a fixed price for the inventory and services listed.
- Binding not-to-exceed: a price cap that can come in lower if your shipment weighs less. This is often the most customer-friendly option.
7 ways to lower your moving cost
- Declutter first. Sell or donate what you won't use, since every item you skip saves weight and time.
- Choose flexible dates. Mid-month and midweek moves are often cheaper.
- Book early. Four to eight weeks ahead gives you the best options.
- Pack non-fragile items yourself and leave the kitchen and fragile items to professionals.
- Get an accurate inventory-based quote. Our inventory form or a video walk-through prevents costly surprises.
- Compare written estimates on the same inventory, so you're comparing like for like.
- Ask what's included: fuel, stairs, long carries, shrink wrap and disassembly.
Red flags to watch for
- A very low quote given over the phone without anyone seeing your inventory
- A large cash deposit required before the move
- No USDOT number for an interstate move (you can look it up on the FMCSA website)
- No written estimate, or blank spaces left on paperwork you're asked to sign
- For interstate moves, the mover doesn't provide the federal "Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move" information
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it cheaper to move to Florida or out of Florida?
It depends on the season. Demand for moves into Florida rises in fall and winter as snowbirds and retirees head south, while moves out of Florida are often in higher demand in late spring and summer. Booking against the busy direction for your route can lower your price.
How far in advance should I book a long distance move?
Four to eight weeks ahead is a good target. For summer, month-end dates or the snowbird season, book even earlier, since the best crews and dates fill up first.
What is a binding moving estimate?
A binding estimate is a written price the mover agrees to honor as long as your inventory and services don't change. A binding not-to-exceed estimate caps your price but can come in lower if your shipment weighs less than estimated.
Does a video walk-through really make my quote more accurate?
Yes. Most surprise charges come from items or access issues that weren't counted. Seeing your home on video lets the estimator account for furniture, closets, stairs and long carries before moving day.
Get Your Free Moving Quote
Three easy ways, with no obligation: request a quote online, send us your inventory, or book a free video walk-through.