Smart Calculators
One of the major concerns consumers face when they decide to move is to figure out how much money to set aside for the entire moving process. While every moving company has their own system for determining how much a specific move will cost, Relocation.com's Smart Calculators are a great starting point for those trying to get a handle on their moving situation, no matter where they may be moving to.

Within the moving calculator section families can determine their estimated moving costs based on the weight of their goods as well as the costs associated with using a full service mover and how much a DIY move will cost. By breaking down the contents of a house into its various rooms, families can walk through their current home, adding up the number of chairs, bookcases, televisions and other things they may have overlooked when originally planning out their move. This will allow them to get an accurate picture of how many things they actually have – making it easier to understand how moving costs are determined.

Through Relocation.com's Smart Calculators consumers can also budget for their move in order to plan for their move accordingly. Within the moving budget calculator, consumers will not only be able to estimate the cost of their move but they can also figure out the costs associated with packing and storage and even budget for meals, time spent in hotels and how much it will cost for gas. As the final step, the moving budget calculator can help families determine how much they need to set aside for utilities, various home improvement projects and what to tip your movers. Using Relocation.com's Smart Calculators is the perfect way to account for these costs.

The Smart Calculators also include other services pertaining to moving such as storage, rentals, mortgages and insurance. Although moving is a big expense to plan for there are other facets of moving that also require budgeting. Through our Smart Calculators consumers can figure out storage costs, determine if buying or renting is better for you, estimate their mortgage payments and learn more about costs related to life insurance.

As a complete and comprehensive guide, Relocation.com's Smart Calculators make it easier to plan and organize your upcoming move as well as budget for any situations that come up after your move. That's why Relocation.com's easy-to-use Smart Calculators are a great tool for any consumer before, during and after the moving process.

How Much Will My Move Cost?



The moving company estimates your move costs by figuring the size of your possessions. They do that with a Table of Measurements, or 'Cube' Sheet, a copy of which should we be provided to you when you get your estimate. Below, estimate the items you will need moved. When you're done, your estimated move weight will be generated. You will then use that to determine what you might pay a moving company. Beware: different companies have different methods for their estimates, so be sure to ask. This is merely intended as a starting point in your research; the actual cost you will pay will be different depending on the moving company and your individual circumstances.

Living Room

Item Weight Cu.Ft. Quantity
Bookcase 140 20
Bookshelves/Sections 35 5
Cabinet, Curio/Utility 70 10
CD Rack 35 5
Chair - Straight 35 5
Chair - Arm 70 10
Chair - Rocker 84 12
Chair - Occasional 105 15
Chair - Overstuffed 175 25
Cedar Chest 105 15
Grandfather Clock 140 20
Day Bed 210 30
Secretary 245 35
Entertainment Center - Small 210 30
Entertainment Center - Medium 280 40
Entertainment Center - Large 350 50
Fireplace Equipment 35 5
Footstool 14 2
Lamp - Floor 21 3
Lamp - Pole 21 3
Magazine Rack 14 2
Ottoman - Small 35 5
Ottoman - Large 70 10
Computer Desk - Small 105 15
Computer Desk - Large 210 30
Computer 35 5
Piano - Baby Gr/Upright 490 70
Piano - Parlor Grand 560 80
Piano - Spinet/Console 420 60
Rug Runner - 4x6 21 3
Rug Runner - 9x12 70 10
Sofa - Rattan/Wicker 140 20
Sofa - Sec., Per Section 140 20
Sofa - Futon 210 30
Sofa - Loveseat 245 35
Sofa - 3 Cushion 350 50
Sofa - Hide, 4 Cushion 420 60
Stereo Speaker 56 8
Stereo Console 105 15
Tables - Drop/Occas 84 12
Tables - Coffee 35 5
Tables - End 35 5
Telephone Stand 35 5
Trunk/Footlocker 70 10
TV - Portable 35 5
TV - Console 140 20
TV - Table Model 70 10
TV - Big Screen, 40'' - 60'' 280 40
TV - 60'' Over 420 60
TV - 19''-25'' 49 7
TV - 26''-35'' 70 10
TV - Plasma 70 10

Bed Room

Item Weight Cu.Ft. Quantity
Bed Incl Springboard, Mattress
Bed - Daybed 210 30
Bed - Waterbed base 70 10
Bed - Rollaway 140 20
Bed - Single/Hollywood 280 40
Bed - Std/Dbl. 350 50
Bed - Queen 455 65
Bed - King 490 70
Bed - Bunk (Set of 2) 490 70
Bookshelves 35 5
Chair, Boudoir 70 10
Chair, Str/Rocker 84 12
Chaise Longe 175 25
Chest 84 12
Chest - Cedar 105 15
Chest - Armoire 210 30
Desk 140 20
Dresser Vanity 140 20
Dresser Single 140 20
Dresser Double 280 40
Dresser Triple 350 50
Floor Lamp 21 3
Night Table 70 10
Rug. Runner 14 2
Rug - 4x6 21 3
Rug - 9x12 70 10
Wardrobe Boxes - Small 140 20
Wardrobe Boxes - Large 280 40

Kitchen

Item Weight Cu.Ft. Quantity
Breakfast Suite, Chairs 35 5
Breakfast Table 70 10
Highchair 35 5
Ironing Board 14 2
Kitchen Cabinet 210 30
Microwave Oven 70 10
Serving Cart 70 10
Stool 14 2
Table 35 5
Utility Cabinet 70 10

Dining Room

Item Weight Cu.Ft. Quantity
Bench, Harvest 70 10
Buffet (Base) 210 30
Corner/China Cabinet 175 25
Dining Table 210 30
Dining Chair 35 5
Dining Table Leaf 14 2
Hutch (Top) 140 20
Rug Runner 14 2
Rug 4x6 21 3
Rug 9x12 70 10
Tea Cart 70 10

Nursery/Kids Room

Item Weight Cu.Ft. Quantity
Bassinette 105 15
Bunk (set of 2) 490 70
Twin Bed 280 40
Carseat 28 4
Chair/Childs 21 3
Changing Table 105 15
Chest 84 12
Toy Chest 35 5
Crib 70 10
Playpen 70 10
Rug, Large or Pad 70 10
Swing 35 5
Child's Table 35 5
Toy, Plastic, Small 21 3
Toy, Plastic, Large 35 5

Porch/Outdoors

Item Weight Cu.Ft. Quantity
BBQ Grill - Small 14 2
BBQ Crill - Large 70 10
Aluminum Chairs 7 1
Resin/Plastic Chairs 21 3
Wood Chairs 35 5
Exercise Bike 70 10
Exercise Bench 140 20
Treadmill 210 30
Rowing Machine 210 30
Garden Hose and Tools 70 10
Glider or Settee 140 20
Ladder, Stepstool 14 2
Ladder, 6' Step 21 3
Ladder, 8' Step 35 5
Ladder, Extension 70 10
Lawn Edger 21 3
Lawn Mower - Hand 35 5
Lawn Mower - Power 105 15
Lawn Mower - Riding 490 70
Leaf Sweeper/Blower 35 5
Outdoor Child Slide 70 10
Child Gym 210 30
Drying Racks 35 5
Swing Set 210 30
Picnic Table 140 20
Picnic Bench 35 5
Pools - Small Round 35 5
Pools - Inflatable 70 10
Pools - Above ground 210 30
Sandbox 70 10
Satellite Dish - Small 35 5
Satellite Dish - Large 70 10
Snowblower 210 30
Spreader 14 2
Table - Small 14 2
Table - Large 28 4
Toy - Small 35 5
Toy - Large 70 10
Patio Umbrella 35 5
Wheelbarrow 56 8

Appliances

Item Weight Cu.Ft. Quantity
Air Compressor 70 10
Air Condition - Window small 105 15
Air Condition - Window large 140 20
Dehumidifier 70 10
Dishwasher 140 20
Dryer 175 25
Range - 30'' wide 105 15
Range - 36'' wide 210 30
Refrigerator - 6 cu ft or less
Refrigerator - 7 to 10 cu ft. 315 45
Refrigerator - 11 cu ft. or more 420 60
Trash Compactor 105 15
Vacuum Cleaner 35 5
Washing Machine 175 25

Boxes

Item Weight Cu.Ft. Quantity
Book box (small) 10.5 1.5
Medium 21 3
Large 31.5 4.5
Extra Large 42 6
Dish 45.5 6.5
Wardrobe 105 15
Mirror/Picture 28 4

Miscellaneous

Item Weight Cu.Ft. Quantity
Artificial Plant - Small 35 5
Artificial Plant - Large 70 10
Baby Carriage/Stroller 28 4
Bicycle 35 5
Bowling Ball/Bag 21 3
Card Table 14 2
Clothes Hamper/Basket 35 5
Copier Small/Fax 35 5
Copier Large 210 30
Office Desk 210 30
Fan 21 3
Filing Cabinet - Cardboard 21 3
Filing Cabinet - 2-door 70 10
Filing Cabinet - 4-door 140 20
Folding Chairs 7 1
Game Table 105 15
Golf Bag 28 4
Metal Shelves 35 5
Motorcycle 490 70
Personal Computer 35 5
Ping Pong Table 140 20
Hand Power Tool 21 3
Tool Stand 105 15
Sewing Machine - Portable 35 5
Sewing Machine - w/Cabinet 140 20
Sled 14 2
Snowmobile 700 100
Suitcase 35 5
Surfboard 35 5
Utility Table 35 5
Tackle Box 7 1
Tire 21 3
Toolchest - Small/Fax 35 5
Toolchest - Medium 70 10
Toolchest - Large 140 20
Plastic Tote - Empty 21 3
Plastic Tote - Packed 35 5
Trash Can 49 7
Tricycle 14 2
Video Game Console 14 2
Wastepaper Basket 14 2
Workbench 140 20

Reference - Truck size
Truck Size 10' 14' 17' 24' 26'
Capacity (Weight) 2,700 lbs 3,100 lbs 5,780 lbs 6,500 lbs 7,395 lbs
Capacity (Volume) 400 cu.ft 669 cu.ft 855 cu.ft 1,401 cu.ft 1,592 cu.ft
 Recommended For Studio or small one bedroom 1 - 2 bedrooms 2 - 3 bedrooms 3 - 4 bedrooms 4+ bedrooms

Reference - Trailer size
Trailer Size 4'x 8' 5' x 8' 5' x 10' 6' x 12'
Capacity (Weight) 1,550 lbs 1,650 lbs 1,800 lbs 2,600 lbs
Capacity (Volume) 142 cu.ft 208 cu.ft 230 cu.ft 396 cu.ft
Recommended For Studio apartment small one bedroom One bedroom 1 - 2 bedrooms

Reference - Storage Size
Box Size 5' x 5' 7' x 7' 10' x 10' 15' x 10' 20' x 10'
Capacity (Volume) 150 cu.ft 300 cu.ft 500 cu.ft 750 cu.ft 1000 cu.ft
Comparable To A Coat Closet Wallk-In Closet Jr.Bedroom Dining Room Master Bedroom

Disclaimer:

* This is ONLY an estimate. The moving weight that your moving company figures will be different from this, and some companies have different methods for computing move size; this is merely intended as a starting point of your planning. To get an accurate quote for your moving expenses, have at least 3 professional moving companies come to your home and give you an estimate based on the objects you need moved.

This calculator is intended to provide a range of moving estimates that you might receive from moving companies. It’s JUST an estimated range. There are many factors that go into how much a moving company will charge for your move, including labor costs in your origin and destination cities, time of the year, and pricing differences among moving companies, so your actual cost might vary – the only way to get a true cost is to have moving companies survey your items to be moved and give you a quote.

This calculator only gives estimates for moves greater than 500 miles and 3000 pounds; moves smaller than this have too many variables to provide useful estimates. We base our estimates on a sample of actual moving costs charged by moving companies and update it periodically throughout the year to capture pricing changes as they happen in the industry. These moving estimates do not cover packing services or charges you might pay for bulky items, shuttles, extra stairs, etc.

Don't know this? Click here to estimate your move weight, or use our 'Weight Rules of Thumb' below
Weight Rules of Thumb
studio, small 1-brm: 2,500 pounds
1-2 bdrm: 3000lbs to 4500 lbs
2-3 bdrm: 5000lbs to 8000 lbs
3-4 bdrm: 8000 to 12000 lbs
4+ bdrm: 12000 lbs and up
* This is an estimated cost only. Your actual move will likely vary. Get a real-life moving quote by clicking here.
 
** Now that you have an estimate for a mover, go to the next page to figure out your total move cost.

YOUR ESTIMATED MOVE COST:

Keep your moving budget on track by tallying up your estimated moving costs.

Moving
* Don't know this? Click here to estimate your full-service mover costs. ** Be sure to get in-house quotes from several movers, and whichever one you choose, add 5% – things don’t always go as planned, build a cushion.
You might be covered by homeowners insurance but if not, add this in. For planning purposes, assume 5% of the moving fee.
There could be charges for bulky items, estimate $200 for this
 
Packing
If you're having the moving company do it, include the charge here. If not, complete the packing questions below. 25% of moving cost
Do It Yourself Packing
(it might bet cheaper to buy these items separately, but easier if you buy a special moving package. Check out these at the Home Depot)
Ask your moving company; you usually don’t have to pay for this.
Storage
Will you be using storage before, during or after your move? Throw in that cost here. Include the amount to transport items to storage. (Click here for our storage calculator.)
Getting There
 
Hotels If a long move, figure out how much you’ll spend on lodging.
 
Meals   Figure out an average cost per meal, and also include beverages and snacks along the way.
If you have pets or kids or both, you won’t want them underfoot during the move – it can be dangerous. Budget in caregivers.
Moving-In
Utility hookup fees and deposits
 
You might want to hire professionals to give your new place a scrub-down before you move in
 
Home-Improvement. Some projects, like carpet cleaning, floor cleaning, and painting, are best done before your stuff gets there. Add in those costs here
Damage deposits, first month’s rent, etc. (You'll get it back eventually, but it's best to account for all expenses here.)
Budget 10% of the total moving cost, although tipping is optional.

Moving Budget: TOTAL

TOTAL MOVING IN:
TOTAL MOVING BUDGET:

Congrats on your upcoming move! Click here for stories on how to save money on your move, how to choose a mover, and what to ask movers when they come for the in-home assessment.

Wondering how much it will cost to move yourself? Fill out our handy Do It Yourself calculator to estimate your costs and keep you on budget. Be honest -- you might find hiring a moving company helps your wallet -- not to mention your back.

Base Truck Rental Cost Per Day:
# Of Days:
Extra Days: (budget one just in case)
Estimate Mileage:
Gas: assume 10 miles/gallon for truck, $4/gallon
Trailer Rental:
Toll Costs:
Hitch:
Installation:
Wiring:
Other:
2 Wheel Dollies:
4 Wheel Dollies:
Appliance Dollies:
Furniture Pads:
Rope and Tie Downs:
TOTAL FOR RENTAL COSTS:
Number of Laborers (Include time for packing, loading, pickup and delivery of equipment, unloading and unpacking).
Hours:
Rate:
Tips/Food: If you’re counting on the kindness of friends and family, a small gift – money at the most, pizza and beer at the least – should be included.
Payments/Gifts To Helpers:
Tape/Labels/Markers: (It might bet cheaper to buy these items separately, but easier if you buy a special moving package. Check out these at the Home Depot)
Boxes:
Bubble Wrap:
Mattress Covers/Padding: Ask your moving company; you usually don’t have to pay for this.
Storage Costs: Include the amount to transport items to storage, and don’t forget insurance to cover your goods. (Click here for our storage calculator.)
TOTAL LABOR, PACKING & STORAGE:
Miles To New Destination:
Cost: (Assume 20 miles/gallon, at $4/gallon)
Hotel, Number Of Nights If a long move, figure out how much you’ll spend on lodging.
Hotel, Cost Per Night:
Number of Meals:
Cost of Meals: Figure out an average cost per meal, and also include beverages and snacks along the way.
Child/Pet Care: If you have pets or kids or both, you won’t want them underfoot during the move – it can be dangerous. Budget in caregivers.
TOTAL FOR GETTING THERE:
Cable TV Costs:
Phone Costs:
Internet Costs:
Gas/Water/Electricity:
Pre-Move Cleaning: You might want to hire professionals give your new place a scrub-down before you move in.
Carpet Cleaning: Some projects, like carpet cleaning, floor cleaning, and painting, are best done before your stuff gets there. Add in those costs here.
Floor Cleaning:
Painting:
Misc. Hardware/Supplies:
Fees For Renters: Damage deposits, first month’s rent, etc. (You'll get it back eventually, but it's best to account for all expenses here.)
Unplanned Stuff: Parking tickets, move-out damage, ice packs for your sore knees. It happens. Add 5% to the total above for the grand total. (Higher than you thought? Get an estimate for a full-service move to see how much that will cost you.)
TOTAL FOR MOVING IN:

Do-It-Yourself: TOTAL

GRAND TOTAL:

Congrats on your upcoming move! Click here for stories on how to save money on your move, how to choose a mover, and what to ask movers when they come for the in-home assessment.

Thanks for filling out our moving calculator! Here's a summary of what you've learned:

Moving Summary

Your Move Weight:
This is an estimate of how much you move will weigh.
You didn’t fill this out. Do you want to now? CLICK HERE.
Your Mover Costs:
This is an estimate, based on your move weight and move distance, of how much you will pay for a full-service mover. (Again, it's just an estimate, to get a real figure, get a moving quote from Relocation.com).
You didn’t fill this out. Do you want to now? CLICK HERE.
Your Total Moving Cost:
This is how much you will roughly pay for your move.
You didn’t fill this out. Do you want to now? CLICK HERE.
Your Do-It-Yourself Moving Costs:
This is how much you will roughly pay to move yourself. Higher than you thought? Find out much it will cost to have someone else do it for you.
You didn’t fill this out. Do you want to now? CLICK HERE.