Average Cost to Move a 3 Bedroom House Long-Distance

Relocating to a new home is one of the biggest financial and logistical decisions families make. In the U.S., millions of people move every year—some locally, but a growing number are relocating long-distance due to career opportunities, lifestyle changes, or simply the pursuit of better living conditions.

According to recent U.S. Census data, nearly 8.4% of Americans moved in 2024, with a significant portion choosing moves of 500+ miles. Long-distance moves are not only more complex than local ones, but they’re also far more expensive.

A key question for families planning such a relocation is:

“How much does it cost to move a 3-bedroom house long-distance?”

Here’s the quick answer:

• The average cost starts at around $2,400 for budget-friendly options like DIY or partial-service moves.
• For a professional, full-service long-distance move, costs can easily exceed $8,000+.

These costs depend on factors like distance, household weight, moving method, and additional services (packing, storage, specialty items).

This guide provides a complete breakdown of long-distance moving costs for a 3-bedroom house in 2025, so you can budget realistically, compare options, and save where possible.

Average Cost to Move a 3-Bedroom House Long-Distance

The average 3-bedroom home typically contains 9,000–12,000 pounds of belongings. Moving such a household requires careful planning, multiple movers, and a large truck.

Here’s a breakdown of estimated costs:

• Base cost: $2,400–$8,000+
• What’s included:
  • Labor (packing, loading, unloading)
  • Truck & equipment rental
  • Fuel & mileage charges
  • Insurance (basic liability)
  • Transportation fees (permits, tolls)

Sample cost ranges by distance:

• 500 miles: $2,400–$4,000
• 1,500 miles: $4,500–$7,500
• 2,500+ miles (cross-country): $6,500–$10,000+

Key takeaway: The farther you go, the heavier your shipment, and the more services you add—the higher the bill climbs.

Types of Long-Distance Moves

Not all long-distance moves are the same. Your cost will depend on which type applies to you:

Intrastate Moves

• Moves 50+ miles within the same state
• Typically priced by weight and mileage
• Example: Dallas to El Paso, TX (600 miles)

Interstate Moves

• Moves between two different states
• Governed by federal regulations (FMCSA licensing)
• Example: Illinois to Florida

Cross-Country Moves

• 1,000+ miles across multiple states
• Require specialized planning, often multiple days of travel
• Example: New York to California

International Moves (briefly)

• Shipping belongings overseas by sea or air freight
• Costs can exceed $15,000+ for large homes
• Requires customs paperwork, container shipping, and storage

Most 3-bedroom house moves fall under interstate or cross-country categories.

Packing Costs for a 3-Bedroom House

Professional packing services can make moving much easier, but they add significant costs.

• Average packing cost: $750 – $1,800
• Factors affecting cost:
  • Volume & weight: More belongings = higher cost
  • Fragility: Antiques, glassware, artwork require special packing
  • Material costs: Boxes, padding, bubble wrap, specialty crates

Labor time estimates:

• 3-bedroom home = 6–12 hours of packing with 2–3 movers

Special items:

• Piano: $250–$650 extra
• Pool table: $300–$800
• Artwork/antiques: $200+ each

Tip: To save, pack general items yourself (clothes, books, kitchenware) and leave fragile/heavy items for professionals.

Transportation, Delivery & Unloading Costs

Transportation makes up the largest portion of long-distance moving expenses.

• Estimated trucking costs: $1,500–$4,500
• Charges depend on:
  • Mileage (fuel, tolls, driver wages)
  • Truck size (26-ft+ for 3-bedroom homes)
  • Delivery timeline (expedited delivery costs more)

Unloading labor costs:

• Hourly: $40–$80 per mover
• By weight: $0.50–$0.80 per pound

Examples by mileage (3-bedroom home):

• 500 miles: ~$3,000
• 1,500 miles: ~$5,500
• 2,500 miles: ~$8,000+

Tip: Flexible delivery windows can lower costs. Guaranteed delivery dates usually cost extra.

Key Factors That Influence Moving Costs

Several elements can significantly impact the final cost of moving a 3-bedroom house long-distance. Understanding these can help you budget more accurately and find areas to cut costs.

1. Distance of the Move

The farther your belongings need to travel, the more you’ll pay in fuel, driver wages, and highway tolls. Cross-country relocations of 2,000+ miles can nearly double the cost compared to shorter interstate moves under 500 miles.

2. Weight of Household Goods

Movers typically price long-distance jobs by weight, and a 3-bedroom home averages 9,000–12,000 pounds of furniture and personal items. The more you bring, the more you’ll pay—downsizing beforehand can save hundreds to thousands.

3. Time of Year

Summer is the busiest moving season, with demand driving prices up by 20–30% compared to off-peak months. Choosing a fall or winter move not only saves money but also makes it easier to secure your preferred moving dates.

4. Accessibility of the Homes

Homes with narrow staircases, limited parking, or no elevator access require extra labor and equipment. Movers may charge additional fees if they need to carry items long distances from your home to the truck or use shuttle services.

5. Specialty Items

Large or delicate belongings—like pianos, pool tables, safes, or hot tubs—require specialized handling. These can add $200–$800 per item depending on size and complexity. If you own multiple specialty items, expect your moving bill to rise significantly.

👉 Pro Tip: Declutter and sell items you no longer use before moving. Reducing your shipment weight by just 1,000 pounds can save $500–$700 on a long-distance relocation.

What to Look for When Getting Long-Distance Moving Quotes

When comparing quotes, pay attention to more than just price.

• Request quotes early: 6–8 weeks before moving date
• Ask about:
  • Binding estimates (price won’t increase)
  • Binding-not-to-exceed (best protection for weight estimates)
  • Discounts (military, student, senior)
  • Delivery timelines

Check credibility:

• Read reviews (Google, BBB, Yelp)
• Verify FMCSA licensing (USDOT number)

👉 Avoid movers that only provide quotes over the phone without a virtual or in-home survey.

Tips to Save on Long-Distance Moving Costs

Moving a 3-bedroom home long-distance is expensive, but smart planning helps reduce costs.

1. Declutter before packing – Sell or donate unused items
2. Find free supplies – Grocery stores, Facebook Marketplace
3. Use a moving cost estimator – Get realistic budget expectations
4. Book off-peak – Fall/Winter moves can save 20%+
5. Don’t just pick the cheapest mover – Look for reliability + value

👉 Example: Downsizing 1,000 lbs of belongings can save $500–$700 on long-distance quotes.

DIY vs. Professional Movers for Long-Distance

Choosing between DIY and long distance movers depends on your budget, time, and tolerance for heavy lifting.

DIY Move (Truck Rental)

• Cost: $1,500–$3,500
• Pros: Cheapest, flexible schedule
• Cons: Driving a large truck, extra costs (fuel, lodging, tolls)

Professional Movers

• Cost: $5,000–$8,500+
• Pros: Convenience, liability coverage, professional handling
• Cons: Expensive, less flexible

Comparison Table (3-Bedroom Home, 1,500 Miles):

Move Your 3-Bedroom House with a Trusted Provider

Relocating a 3-bedroom house long-distance is a major project. Choosing the right provider can make or break your experience.

Look for movers who:

• Offer free quotes & consultations
• Provide binding or not-to-exceed estimates
• Customize move planning (packing, storage, insurance)
• Have positive verified reviews

Van Lines Move offers tailored relocation packages to fit your budget and schedule.

Conclusion

Moving a 3-bedroom house long-distance in 2025 is a serious financial investment—ranging from $2,400 for budget options to $8,000+ for full-service moves.

The key to staying on budget is:

• Planning early
• Getting multiple quotes
• Downsizing before packing
• Choosing a mover that balances cost and reliability

With smart preparation, you can reduce expenses, avoid hidden fees, and ensure your family transitions smoothly into your new home.

FAQs

1. How much do movers cost for a 3-bedroom house?

On average, $2,400–$8,500 depending on distance, weight, and services chosen.

2. How much does it cost to move from a 2,000 sq ft house?

A 2,000 sq ft house usually costs $4,000–$7,500 to move long-distance.

3. How much should I budget for a long-distance move?

Budget at least $4,000–$6,000 for a 3-bedroom house, plus a 10–15% cushion for unexpected expenses.

4. What is a reasonable amount for moving expenses?

For a long-distance 3-bedroom home, a reasonable budget is $5,000–$7,000, depending on the level of service.