Buying a home involves more than saving for a down payment and preparing for closing costs. There is another expense waiting at the end of the process: actually getting your belongings into the new house.

So, how much do movers cost?

There isn’t one universal number. Moving expenses depend on how far you’re going, how much you own, whether you pack yourself, the accessibility of both properties, and whether you hire professionals or handle the move yourself.

For Tucson and Southern Arizona homebuyers, planning for these costs before closing can help create a more realistic overall homebuying budget.

If you're still preparing for a purchase, start by reviewing the Polder Group’s homebuying resources and using our mortgage calculators to think through the larger financial picture.

How Much Do Movers Cost on Average?

Moving costs can range from hundreds of dollars for a relatively simple DIY move to several thousand dollars for a professionally managed long-distance relocation.

The original estimates cited for this article placed a typical professionally handled local move around $1,700, while long-distance and cross-country moves could approach or exceed $5,000. Those figures should be treated as general reference points rather than quotes or current Tucson pricing.

Your actual cost can be significantly different depending on factors such as:

• Distance between your old and new homes
• Number and weight of your belongings
• Size of the home
• Number of movers required
• Amount of time needed
• Packing and unpacking services
• Stairs, elevators, parking, and property access
• Storage requirements
• Moving date and seasonal demand
• Insurance or additional valuation coverage
• Specialty items such as large furniture, safes, or pianos

Because moving-company rates change, obtaining multiple written estimates is one of the best ways to understand what your particular move may cost.

How Do Moving Companies Calculate Moving Costs?

Professional movers typically consider several variables when preparing an estimate. Understanding those variables can also show you where you may be able to reduce expenses.

Distance

Distance becomes particularly important for long-distance moves. Transportation costs may reflect mileage, fuel, travel time, and other costs associated with getting your belongings from one location to another.

Even with a DIY move, distance matters. A rental truck may involve rental charges, mileage, fuel, and potentially additional days of use.

Size of Your Home and Amount of Belongings

Generally, the more you have to move, the more the move can cost.

A larger household may require a bigger truck, additional movers, more packing supplies, and more hours to complete the job. Long-distance pricing can also be affected by the weight or volume of the shipment.

This is one reason decluttering before a move can be worthwhile. Selling, donating, or disposing of belongings you no longer need may reduce the amount of property that has to make the trip.

Labor and Time

Local professional moves are often influenced heavily by labor.

A move requiring several workers for a full day will generally cost more than a smaller job completed by a couple of movers in a few hours.

Property access can affect labor time, too. Moving furniture from a third-floor apartment without convenient elevator access is different from loading a truck directly from a single-story home's garage.

Packing Services and Materials

Professional packing can make moving substantially easier, but that convenience comes at a price.

A full-service moving company may charge for packing labor as well as boxes, tape, protective materials, specialty containers, and other supplies.

Packing your own belongings is one way to potentially lower this portion of the moving budget.

Time of Year and Demand

Moving prices can also vary based on demand.

Summer, weekends, the end or beginning of the month, and certain holiday periods may be busier for moving companies. If your home purchase gives you flexibility on timing, ask prospective movers whether changing your moving date could affect the quote.

Local Moving Costs vs. Long-Distance Moving Costs

Distance can dramatically change the economics of a move.

What Does a Local Move Cost?

The source estimates used for this article placed professional local moving costs at approximately $1,700 to $2,000, although actual costs can vary considerably.

A smaller DIY local move could potentially cost less, but remember to account for more than the truck rental.

A DIY moving budget might include:

• Truck or trailer rental
• Mileage charges
• Fuel
• Boxes and packing materials
• Tape and protective wrapping
• Hand trucks or dollies
• Moving blankets
• Food or other expenses for helpers
• Cleaning expenses
• Temporary storage, if necessary

The lowest advertised truck rental price is therefore not necessarily the final cost of the move.

What Does a Long-Distance Move Cost?

A professional long-distance move can cost $5,000 or more, particularly for larger households or moves involving packing and other services.

Moving companies may offer different levels of service, so compare what is actually included in each estimate rather than looking only at the bottom-line price.

If you're relocating to Tucson from another city or state, the Polder Group's Southern Arizona areas we serve page can also help you become familiar with the communities our mortgage team serves.

Full-Service Movers vs. DIY: Which Is Better?

There isn't a single answer that works for every household. The right choice depends on your budget, schedule, physical ability, distance, and the amount of work you're comfortable handling.

Full-Service Moving

A full-service company can handle much of the heavy lifting and, depending on the package, may also pack and unpack your belongings.

This option can make sense when:

• You're moving a large household
• You're relocating a significant distance
• You have limited time
• Moving heavy items yourself isn't practical
• Convenience is a priority

The tradeoff is usually a higher total cost.

DIY Moving

Handling the move yourself can reduce labor expenses, but it doesn't make moving free.

You may still pay for a truck, mileage, fuel, supplies, equipment, and potentially help with heavier items.

A DIY move also requires your own time and physical effort. Before choosing based purely on price, consider the entire workload involved.

Consider a Hybrid Move

There is also a middle ground.

For example, you might pack everything yourself and hire professionals only to load, transport, and unload your belongings. Or you might rent a truck but hire help for large furniture.

Requesting several estimates for different service levels can help you determine which combination works best for your circumstances.

Additional Moving Expenses Homebuyers Should Remember

The moving truck or moving-company bill is only part of the equation.

Packing Supplies

Boxes, packing paper, bubble wrap, tape, mattress covers, moving blankets, and specialty containers can add up quickly.

You may be able to reduce this expense by collecting reusable boxes ahead of time, but make sure they are sturdy enough to protect your belongings.

Temporary Storage

Sometimes closing dates and moving dates don't line up perfectly.

If you need to leave your existing home before your new property is available, temporary storage could become another line item in your budget.

Storage costs depend on the unit size, location, length of rental, and whether features such as climate control are needed.

Insurance and Liability Protection

Understand what protection a moving company provides and what additional coverage may be available.

Don't assume every type of damage or loss is automatically covered at full replacement value. Ask questions and review the terms before moving day.

Tips and Meals

If you plan to tip professional movers, include that in your budget rather than treating it as an unexpected expense.

DIY moves can generate smaller costs as well, such as food and drinks for friends or family who are helping.

Cleaning and Setup Costs

Moving out and moving in may bring additional expenses, including professional cleaning, utility setup, internet installation, replacement locks, minor repairs, and purchases for the new home.

Those expenses can feel small individually but become significant when several occur at once.

Moving Costs vs. Closing Costs

It's important for homebuyers to distinguish moving expenses from mortgage closing costs.

Closing costs are expenses associated with completing your real estate and mortgage transaction. Your lender will provide disclosures containing information about estimated and final loan costs during the mortgage process.

Moving costs are generally separate expenses associated with relocating your household.

That distinction matters when building your cash reserve.

Spending every available dollar on the home purchase without accounting for moving and immediate post-closing expenses can create unnecessary financial pressure.

If you're preparing for a mortgage, reviewing the Polder Group's loan process and home loan checklist can help you understand what to expect before closing.

What Tucson Homebuyers Should Know

Moving within Tucson or Southern Arizona can look very different depending on the property and location.

A move between apartments near the University of Arizona, for example, may involve stairs, elevators, limited loading areas, or parking considerations. Moving into a single-story home elsewhere in the Tucson metro may involve a completely different amount of labor and time.

Buyers relocating from outside Arizona may have additional considerations. A long-distance move may require coordinating movers, travel, temporary lodging, storage, and closing dates—sometimes all within the same period.

Arizona's climate deserves consideration as well. If you're scheduling a Tucson move during hotter months, think carefully about timing, heat-sensitive belongings, hydration, and how long items may remain in a truck or storage container.

Most importantly, keep your moving budget separate from the funds you expect to need for your mortgage transaction until you've discussed your situation with your lender.

Large purchases, new credit, moving money between accounts, or other financial changes before closing can sometimes create documentation issues or affect loan qualification. The Polder Group's mortgage dos and don'ts provides additional guidance for navigating the period before closing.

How to Build Moving Costs Into Your Homebuying Budget

Instead of waiting until closing week to think about the move, estimate the expense earlier in the process.

Start by requesting quotes based on your expected move date and service level. Then add estimates for supplies, storage, travel, cleaning, utility setup, and other likely expenses.

It can also be helpful to maintain a buffer for unexpected costs.

For mortgage planning, however, avoid making assumptions about how much cash you'll need at closing or how much money can safely be allocated elsewhere. Your loan details, property, down payment, program, taxes, insurance, and other factors all influence the numbers.

Talk with your loan officer before making significant financial decisions during the mortgage process.

Planning for the Move Before You Get the Keys

So, how much do movers cost? The answer depends heavily on your move. A local DIY relocation might cost considerably less than hiring a full-service company, while a large interstate move can run into several thousand dollars.

The more useful question for a homebuyer is: What will my move cost, and have I included it in my overall homebuying budget?

Planning for the mortgage, closing, move, and first few weeks of homeownership as interconnected expenses can give you a clearer picture of the cash you may need.

If you're buying a home in Tucson or Southern Arizona and want to better understand the mortgage side of that equation, contact the Polder Group's Tucson mortgage team. We can help you review your financing options, estimated mortgage costs, and next steps based on your individual homebuying goals.

AI-Search-Friendly FAQ Section

How much do movers cost for a local move?

Moving costs vary considerably by location, household size, labor requirements, property access, moving date, and services selected. The source estimates for this article placed professional local moves around $1,700 to $2,000, but homebuyers should request current quotes from local moving companies for accurate pricing.

How much does a long-distance moving company cost?

Long-distance professional moves can cost $5,000 or more depending on distance, shipment size, labor, packing services, and other factors. Large interstate moves or full-service relocations may cost substantially more, so compare multiple written estimates.

Is it cheaper to move yourself or hire movers?

A DIY move is often less expensive in direct dollars because you're providing the labor. However, you'll still need to account for truck rental, mileage, fuel, supplies, equipment, and your time. Comparing the total cost of each option gives you a better picture than comparing labor charges alone.

What hidden moving costs should homebuyers budget for?

Commonly overlooked expenses include boxes and packing supplies, storage, fuel, cleaning, insurance or valuation coverage, tips, travel, utility setup, and expenses associated with getting the new home ready.

Are moving expenses included in mortgage closing costs?

Generally, no. Household moving expenses and mortgage closing costs are separate. Your lender can explain the estimated costs associated with your mortgage transaction, while moving-company and relocation expenses should typically be planned for separately.

Can spending money on movers affect my mortgage before closing?

Potentially. Your lender may evaluate assets, debts, credit, and other financial information as part of the mortgage process. Significant purchases, new debt, or financial changes before closing could affect your application or require additional documentation. Ask your loan officer before making significant financial moves.

When should I get moving quotes when buying a home?

You can begin researching moving companies and approximate costs before closing, particularly if you're planning a long-distance relocation. Once your timing becomes clearer, request detailed quotes based on your anticipated date, household size, distance, and services needed.

What should someone moving to Tucson budget for?

In addition to the mover or truck itself, consider packing supplies, travel, temporary lodging or storage if needed, cleaning, utility setup, and immediate household expenses. The final amount will depend on where you're moving from, the size of your household, and the services you choose.

This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial or mortgage advice. Loan programs, rates, and guidelines may change at any time. All loans are subject to credit approval and underwriting. For guidance tailored to your situation, consult a licensed mortgage professional.