How Much Does It Cost to Relocate After Selling Your House?

Relocating after selling a home involves more than packing boxes and booking a truck. Moving costs can vary widely based on distance, home size, timing, and how much help you hire along the way. Understanding the true costs of moving helps with budgeting and makes estimating moving costs more accurate, especially when planning a tight timeline.

Below is a clear breakdown of average moving costs, typical moving expenses, and how the way you sell your home can influence what you ultimately pay to move.

How Much Does It Cost to Move?

Moving distance is the biggest factor when estimating moving costs. National data provides a helpful baseline for understanding how much it costs to move in different scenarios.

Local moves under 100 miles typically fall between $800 and $2,500 for a professional moving company handling a two- to three-bedroom home.¹ These figures represent average moving costs for short-distance relocations.

Long-distance or interstate moves often range from $2,500 to $7,000 or more, depending on mileage, home size, and shipment weight.¹ These are common costs to move across state lines.

Cross-country moves can exceed $10,000 for large households or full-service relocations, making them some of the highest typical moving costs homeowners face.³

These estimates generally include labor and transportation but may not reflect every moving expense.

Professional Movers vs. DIY Moves

Before choosing how to relocate, it helps to compare total moving costs between professional services and do-it-yourself options.

Professional moving companies

Hiring movers offers convenience but increases overall moving expenses. Hourly rates for local movers often range from $80 to $150 per hour for two movers.² Long-distance services are usually priced based on shipment weight and distance rather than time.

DIY truck rentals

Renting a moving truck can cost around $150 for a local move, depending on truck size, rental duration, and distance traveled.¹ The cost of one-way moving truck rentals for long-distance moves can go up considerably depending on distance.

Packing, Supplies, and Labor Costs

Packing is often underestimated when people calculate moving expenses, yet it can noticeably impact overall costs to move.

Basic packing supplies like boxes, tape, and protective padding typically represent a moderate out-of-pocket expense for most households, especially for larger homes or longer moves.

Hiring professional packers increases moving costs further, since labor time, home size, and the level of care required all influence the final price.

Specialty items such as pianos, safes, or large antiques usually require additional handling, which adds to moving expenses.

As the size of the home grows and the number of fragile or oversized items increases, these packing-related costs tend to rise as well.

Hidden Relocation Expenses Many Sellers Miss

The true costs of moving extend beyond trucks and labor. Common moving expenses that sellers often overlook include:

• Temporary housing or storage, which can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand if there is a gap between selling and moving in
• Utility setup and cancellation fees, including deposits for electricity, gas, water, or internet service
• Travel expenses, such as flights, hotels, and meals during long-distance relocations
• Additional insurance coverage, beyond basic mover liability, which may increase total moving costs depending on declared value

Planning for these expenses improves accuracy when estimating moving costs.

How Selling Speed Affects Relocation Costs

The way a home is sold can directly influence relocation expenses. Traditional listings often involve repairs, showings, negotiations, and uncertain closing dates. Delays can increase storage fees, temporary housing costs, and overlapping payments, all of which raise overall moving expenses.

Selling directly for cash shortens the timeline and provides a predictable closing date. A faster sale can reduce the need for interim housing, extended storage, and last-minute scheduling changes that inflate the costs to move.

Ways to Reduce Moving and Relocation Costs

There are several practical strategies for lowering moving expenses.

1. Moving during the off-season, typically fall or winter, often results in lower mover rates
2. Decluttering before packing reduces shipment weight and labor time, lowering total moving costs
3. Comparing multiple quotes helps identify pricing differences and avoid unnecessary add-ons

Each step can meaningfully reduce how much it costs to move.

Relocation Costs and a Simpler Way to Sell

Selling to 800CashToday removes much of the stress that comes with relocating. We buy houses as-is, so there are no repairs, cleanups, or last-minute prep slowing things down. Our clear timeline gives sellers certainty from the start, making it easier to plan moving expenses and coordinate next steps without surprises.

Beyond a fast and predictable sale, sellers can receive a moving credit of up to $1,500 to help cover relocation costs. We also offer flexible closing dates, so you can move on your schedule instead of rushing to meet a buyer’s demands. Professional movers handle the logistics, keeping your belongings safe whether you are moving nearby or across the country. 

With no fees, no showings, and fewer out-of-pocket costs, selling to 800CashToday turns a complicated move into a much simpler transition.

Sources:

1. NerdWallet. How Much Does It Cost to Move?
2. Moving.com. Moving Cost Calculator for Moving Estimates