How Much Does It Cost to Move a 2,000 Sq. Ft. House?

Moving a 2,000-square-foot house is no small feat. With multiple bedrooms, bathrooms, a kitchen full of appliances, furniture, and years of belongings, the process requires careful planning — and, of course, a realistic budget. Whether you’re moving locally or across the country, knowing how much does it costs to move a 2,000 sq. ft. house helps you prepare financially and avoid unpleasant surprises.

In this guide, we’ll break down average moving costs, what factors influence them, DIY vs. professional moving costs, and tips to save money — so you can make your next big move with confidence.

Understanding the Basics of Moving Costs

Before we get into specific numbers, it’s important to understand what moving costs typically include. When movers calculate the cost of moving a 2,000 sq. ft. home, they consider several main components:

• Distance of the move (local vs. long-distance)
• Volume or weight of your belongings
• Labor costs for packing, loading, and unloading
• Packing supplies such as boxes, tape, and wrapping
• Additional services (e.g., furniture disassembly, storage, or specialty items)
• Moving insurance and fuel surcharges

Each of these factors contributes to your final price — and depending on your location and the time of year, the price can vary significantly.

How Much Does It Cost to Move a 2,000 Sq. Ft. House? (Average Cost)

Let’s look at some ballpark figures to help you estimate your moving budget.

Local Move (Under 100 Miles)

For moves within the same city or nearby areas, movers usually charge by the hour.

• Average cost range: $1,500 – $4,500
• Hourly rate: $100 – $250 per hour (for 3–5 movers and a truck)
• Time estimate: 6–10 hours depending on accessibility and home layout

Example: If you live in a 2,000 sq. ft. 3-bedroom home, moving across Austin might cost around $2,800, including packing, truck, and labor.

Long-Distance Move (Over 100 Miles)

For cross-country or interstate moves, costs are typically based on weight and distance.

• Average cost range: $5,000 – $12,000
• Per-pound rate: $0.50 – $0.80 per mile
• Distance: 500–2,500+ miles

Example: Moving a 2,000 sq. ft. home from Austin, TX to Seattle, WA (around 2,000 miles) might cost about $9,000 – $11,000 depending on weight and services.

Cost Breakdown by Service Type

Different types of moving services come with different price tags. Here’s a breakdown of the most common options:

a. Full-Service Movers

These professionals handle everything — packing, loading, transportation, unloading, and even unpacking if you want.

• Cost range: $7,000 – $12,000 (for long-distance)
• Best for: Busy families, large homes, or anyone wanting a stress-free move.

b. Self-Pack, Professional Transport

You pack everything yourself, and movers only handle transportation.

• Cost range: $4,000 – $8,000
• Best for: Budget-conscious moves where you can manage packing time.

c. Moving Container Services

Companies like PODS or U-Pack drop off a container, you load it, and they transport it.

• Cost range: $3,000 – $7,000
• Best for: Flexible schedules and partial DIY movers.

d. DIY Move (Truck Rental)

Renting a moving truck from U-Haul, Penske, or Budget can drastically cut costs — but expect to do the heavy lifting.

• Cost range: $2,000 – $4,500 (including gas, tolls, and supplies)
• Best for: Short-distance moves or small households.

Key Factors That Influence the Cost

Several variables can increase or decrease the total cost of moving a 2,000 sq. ft. home.

a. Distance

The farther you move, the higher the fuel, labor, and time costs. Long-distance moves can double or triple your budget.

b. Weight and Volume

The more items you have, the heavier and bulkier the load. Downsizing before moving can cut costs significantly.

c. Packing Services

Hiring professionals to pack your home can add $500 – $1,500 depending on how much needs to be packed.

d. Specialty Items

If you have pianos, antiques, gym equipment, or artwork, expect extra fees ranging from $150 to $1,000 per item.

e. Accessibility

Stairs, narrow hallways, elevators, or long carry distances can increase labor charges by 10–20%.

f. Time of Year

Summer is the peak moving season — prices are typically 20–30% higher compared to winter or early spring.

g. Insurance and Liability Coverage

Full-value protection costs extra but is worth it for long-distance or high-value moves.

Real-World Moving Examples

Hidden or Overlooked Moving Expenses

Moving involves many “extra” costs that people often forget about. Be sure to account for:

• Packing supplies: $200 – $500
• Moving insurance: $100 – $500
• Storage (if needed): $150 – $400/month
• Utility setup fees: $50 – $300
• Cleaning services: $150 – $400
• Tips for movers: 10–20% of total moving labor cost

Even minor add-ons like wardrobe boxes, floor protection, or parking permits can make a difference.

How to Save Money When Moving a 2,000 Sq. Ft. House?

Moving doesn’t have to break the bank. Try these strategies to cut costs without cutting corners:

1. Declutter Before You Move

Sell, donate, or recycle items you don’t use. The fewer things you move, the lower the cost.

2. Compare Multiple Moving Quotes

Get at least 3–5 quotes from reputable movers to ensure you’re getting the best deal.

3. Move During Off-Peak Season

If possible, plan your move between October and April to take advantage of lower rates.

4. Do Some Packing Yourself

Even partial DIY packing (like clothing or books) can save hundreds.

5. Use Free or Discounted Boxes

Check local stores, Facebook Marketplace, or recycling centers for free boxes.

6. Claim Moving Expenses

If your move is job-related, check if your employer offers reimbursement or if certain costs are tax-deductible.

Mistakes to Avoid When Estimating Moving Costs

To prevent budget surprises, watch out for these common pitfalls:

• Ignoring extra fees: Always ask movers for a full cost breakdown.
• Underestimating packing time: A 2,000 sq. ft. home takes more time to pack than expected.
• Skipping insurance: Damage can happen even with professional movers.
• Not reading contracts carefully: Watch for hidden clauses or cancellation fees.
• Waiting too long to book: Prices go up closer to your move date.

When to Hire Professional Movers?

Hiring professionals makes sense if:

• You have limited time or a tight moving schedule
• Your move is interstate or cross-country
• You have fragile, heavy, or expensive items
• You want insurance protection and peace of mind

Even though professionals cost more, the reduced stress and risk often make it worthwhile — especially for a large 2,000 sq. ft. move.

Final Tips for a Smooth Move

Here are a few final tips to make your move as efficient and stress-free as possible:

• Start planning at least 6–8 weeks in advance.
• Create a moving checklist and timeline.
• Label boxes clearly by room and contents.
• Take photos of electronics before disconnecting.
• Keep a “moving day essentials box” with toiletries, chargers, and important documents.
• Confirm all details (address, date, contact info) with your moving company 48 hours before the move.

Conclusion

So, how much does it cost to move a 2,000 sq. ft. house?

Expect anywhere from $1,500 for a local move to $12,000 or more for a cross-country relocation, depending on your location, services, and season.

While moving can be expensive, careful planning and smart choices can help you save thousands. Whether you choose a full-service mover or a semi-DIY approach, understanding the breakdown of costs ensures that your move is smooth, organized, and within budget.

If you’re ready to plan your next move, Van Lines Move can help you compare licensed movers, get accurate quotes, and move your 2,000 sq. ft. home safely — anywhere in the U.S.

FAQ

Q1. What’s the cheapest way to move a house?

The cheapest way to move a house is by doing part of the work yourself—packing, loading small items, and renting a truck. However, hiring a professional mover like VanLinesMove can save time and prevent damage in the long run.

Q2. How to calculate moving costs?

You can calculate moving costs based on distance, shipment weight, and services used. Use VanLinesMove’s free moving cost calculator to get an accurate estimate tailored to your home size and location.

Q3. How much to pay for moving a house?

Moving a 2,000 sq. ft. house typically costs between $3,000 and $8,000 for long-distance moves, and $1,000 to $3,000 for local relocations, depending on distance, packing, and additional services.

Q4. What is the cheapest way to move a house?

The most affordable method is booking movers during the off-season, decluttering before moving, and comparing quotes from licensed movers like VanLinesMove to get the best deal.