Moving Cost Calculator

Moving Cost Calculator – How Much Will It Cost Me To Move?

At Bay Area Movers, we specialize in moving services in San Jose, movers south San Francisco, Silicon Valley, Oakland and more. Whether you’re just moving in the Bay Area, or you need to move to a neighboring state or even across the country, our team is here to help.

Not sure how much you can expect to pay? The moving cost calculator on this page will help – and we’ll also give you some information on what factors affect the cost of your move, as well as some answers to FAQs about moving costs. Get all the details you need now.

What Is The Average Cost Of Moving In The Bay Area?

The average cost of hiring a moving company for a local move in San Francisco (3 bedroom, ~1,100 cubic feet of items) is about $1,400. On average, it will cost you about $5,000 for a long-distance move (1,000 miles) for a 2-3 bedroom home.

Note, however, that these cost estimates can change based on local demand, the size of your home, and a number of other factors. We encourage you to use our free moving calculator to see how much you’ll pay for your move in the Bay Area.

What Factors Affect My Moving Costs?

Wondering what factors may affect the overall cost of your move? Here is a quick overview of the various factors that are typically taken into account when providing you with an estimate for moving services in the Bay Area.

• Distance – Moving locally in the Bay Area – such as moving from San Francisco to Oakland – cheaper than moving to Los Angeles, to a different state, or across the entire country. Depending on how far you’re moving and how long it will take to get to your destination, the quote for your move can change quite a bit.
• Size of your move – The more stuff you have, the more you’ll pay to move it. Moving costs are often determined either by overall weight of your items or by volume in cubic feet.If you’re single and you’re moving from a studio apartment and don’t have much furniture, for example, you’ll pay a lot less than you would if you have a family and you’re moving out of a fully-furnished 3-bedroom house.Because the overall weight and volume of your items are such big factors when determining moving costs, it’s often a good idea to go through your stuff and sell, donate or throw away things that you don’t need. The less you move, the less you’ll pay!
• Unique, valuable, heavy or bulky items – Items that are very valuable, bulky or are antique will usually incur additional charges. Moving a grand piano, for example, may require special equipment – even a crane or a hoist, depending on its location. You may also be required to purchase additional insurance coverage for these items during the move, which will add to your moving costs.
• Packing and unloading services – Full packing service is the most expensive. This involves your moving company packing up your stuff, loading it, unloading it at your destination, and unpacking it.Partial service moving is quite a bit cheaper. It involves your moving company packing up valuable and fragile items – like grandfather clocks, pool tables and antiques – but leaving the rest up to you. Self-service moving is the cheapest, and requires you to pack up and protect all of your stuff on your own.
• Packing supplies & materials – If you’re choosing to pack up your stuff on your own, you’ll need to factor in the cost of packing supplies and other materials. If you don’t have enough boxes and packing supplies on-hand, you can purchase the items you need from companies like Uhaul. Looking to save a few bucks? You can often find used boxes and moving supplies on Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, Letgo, and other second-hand markets.
• Moving date – Moving is seasonal. In most parts of the United States, demand for moving companies peaks between April and September. During this time, the weather is good in most of America, the kids are typically out of school, and the longer days mean there’s more time and daylight in which to make your move.For all of these reasons, you can expect to pay the most for movers during this peak season – particularly during weekends. If you want to save, you can consider scheduling your move for the middle of the week or in the off-season, which is usually from October to March.
• Storage services – If your move is complicated or your new home doesn’t have enough space for your stuff, you may have to pay to have your moving company store some of your stuff before, during, or even after your move. These rates vary between each company.
• Insurance coverage – Certain types of insurance coverage are mandated for moving companies, but these policies don’t always provide 100% reimbursement for damaged or missing items. Adding additional insurance will cost you more money – but it’s usually worth it for the peace of mind.

Beyond those listed above, there are a few other factors that can affect the cost of your move, but they usually have a much more limited effect. Your moving cost will primarily be determined by a combination of these factors.

Do I Get Insurance When I Hire A Moving Company?

Yes. Most moving companies offer insurance when moving locally, and are required by law to offer it when moving between states. The two most common types of insurance are “Released Value Protection,” and “Full Value Protection.”

Released Value Protection is included in the price of your move. This type of insurance coverage will reimburse you for $0.60/lb for lost or damaged items. It’s nice that it’s included, but this type of coverage is not enough to protect valuable items.

If you have items like antiques, jewelry, electronics, heirlooms, and other such items that are very valuable, you should get “Full Value Protection.” This type of insurance is more expensive, and is not automatically included in the cost of your moving services. However, it will cover the entire market value of a damaged or lost item – ensuring you won’t lose any valuables during the move.

Do I Get Tax Breaks For Moving?

Unfortunately, new tax legislation passed in 2018 suspended tax deductions for moving, even for work. There are only a few exceptions – some military service members can deduct moving on their taxes, for example. You can follow the above link and click the section “Who Can Deduct Moving Expenses” to see if you qualify, but most taxpayers are no longer allowed to deduct moving costs from their taxes.

What Should I Think About When Hiring A Moving Company In The Bay Area?

First, make sure the company is reputable. Take a look at online reviews and testimonials from previous customers, and check to make sure they are licensed. All movers in California must have a California Household Goods Mover License.

Do not work with any moving company that cannot prove that they are properly licensed. It’s likely that they are operating illegally. Working with an illegal moving company puts your property at risk – and could lead to damaged, theft and loss of your stuff while you move.

We also recommend considering whether or not the moving company in the Bay Area offers full-service moving. If you have the budget for it, full-service moving – which includes packing, loading, unloading and unpacking your stuff – is a great option. It will save you a lot of time and money.

However, if you’re on more of a tight budget, a DIY move is probably a better option. You can pack your stuff up on your own, and your moving company will pick it up and help you move it to your new home.

Finally, make sure your moving company can help you get the proper permits for your move. For example, a San Francisco moving permit is required if you live in the city, as it allows you to reserve a space for a moving vehicle, and legally park there throughout the moving process. Your moving company can help you understand what permits may be required depending on your location in the Bay Area.

Find Out How Much Your Move Will Cost With Just One Click!

We hope all of the above information has been helpful as you plan your move. At Bay Area Movers, we want to make it easy for you to get a quote for your move in San Francisco. So don’t wait. If you need a quote for your move, you can use our online calculator. Need more information? Feel free to contact us online, or give us a call at (408) 659-2190.