Moving Cost Calculator

This is Howards Van Line complete Moving Cost Calculator! We’re committed to helping you understand and plan for the expenses of your upcoming long-distance move. Our calculator, combined with detailed explanations, walks you through various scenarios tailored to your needs, giving you honest and transparent pricing every step of the way.

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    Pricing with Howards Van Line

    At Howards Van Line, we calculate pricing carefully based on the volume of your items and the distance of your move. We offer detailed estimates through virtual surveys or in-home evaluations to ensure accuracy.

    Your price with Howards is guaranteed—once we quote you, it won’t change.

    Cost of Long-Distance Moves

    Long-distance moves are priced based on the amount of household goods and the miles traveled. You’ll be quoted a rate per cubic foot, but unlike other movers, your price won’t fluctuate depending on how the truck is packed. We don’t base your price on truck weight like old-school movers.

    For example, if you’re moving from Houston, Texas, to Orlando, Florida and have a 2-bedroom apartment with self-packed boxes, after reviewing your inventory, we estimate 900 cubic feet—you’d likely pay $5,500 for the move.

    A move with Howards includes disassembly of standard furniture, padded protection of your belongings, barcode scanning of inventoried items, loading, transportation, unloading, reassembly of anything we disassembled, and furniture staging. Plus, we believe kindness and courtesy are part of every move.

    Howards pricing is easy to understand. However, if you need extra services, additional factors might apply, as detailed below.

    Packing and Unpacking Services

    Our flexible packing services are designed to fit different needs, whether you need a full pack or just fragile items.

    Partial PackFull PackElite Pack/Unpack
    You pack your boxesWe pack everythingWe pack and unpack + extras

    Cost examples:

    • Partial Pack: $65–$200 per item, depending on materials and size.
    • Full Pack: $1.00–$1.50 per cubic foot added to your base price.
    • Elite Pack: $2.25–$2.75 per cubic foot added to labor and hauling costs.

    Moving Specialty Items

    We specialize in safely transporting pianos, antiques, laboratory equipment, gun safes, billiard tables, and more. These items may require special handling fees, which your Howards specialist will explain during your estimate.

    Shuttle and Stairs Services

    Some moves involve accessorial charges that may or may not apply depending on access.

    Shuttle Charge

    A shuttle charge applies if a full-size moving truck can’t access your pickup or delivery location directly. Reasons might include:

    • Low-hanging trees or power lines blocking the truck
    • Narrow streets or cul-de-sacs
    • Weight limits on bridges
    • Local regulations banning large trucks

    In these cases, we use a smaller shuttle vehicle to complete the move safely. This extra step requires more time and labor, so an additional fee applies.

    Shuttle Charge Rates:

    Estimated VolumeHowards CostCompetitor Cost
    0–1,000 cu. Ft.$0.75 per cu. Ft.$1.00–$2.00 per cu. Ft.
    1,001–3,000 cu. Ft.$0.65 per cu. Ft.$1.00–$2.00 per cu. Ft.
    3,001+ cu. Ft.$0.55 per cu. Ft.$1.00–$2.00 per cu. Ft.
    Long Carry Charge 1

    Long Carry Charge

    If we can’t park the truck close and have to carry items more than 75 feet, a long carry fee applies. The first 100 feet are free; for every additional 50 feet, a $70 one-time fee applies, which goes directly to the crew.

    Stairs Service Charge

    Moves involving stairs require extra labor and care. The first flight (12 steps) is free; each additional flight adds a $75 one-time fee.

    Elevator Service Charge

    A one-time $75 elevator service fee applies for moves requiring elevator access. Elevators often cause delays since buildings rarely reserve them for movers.

    These accessorial charges cover logistical challenges outside standard moving services, ensuring we safely and efficiently handle your move.

    Average Moving Costs by Mileage

    MileageStudio/1 Bedroom2–3 Bedrooms4+ Bedrooms
    250–500 miles$2,500–$3,200$3,200–$4,800$4,500–$6,800
    1,000 miles$3,200–$4,500$4,000–$6,000$5,500–$8,200
    2,500+ miles$3,800–$5,200$5,200–$7,800$7,000–$11,500

    Howards Van Line Average Cost by State

    StateLocal MovesInterstate Moves (500+ miles)
    Alabama$1,200–$1,700$4,200–$5,100
    Arizona$900–$1,200$4,300–$4,800
    Arkansas$900–$1,100$4,400–$4,800
    California$1,100–$1,500$4,300–$4,700
    Colorado$1,100–$1,500$4,400–$4,800
    Connecticut$1,200–$1,600$4,000–$4,400
    Delaware$1,300–$1,700$4,200–$4,500
    Florida$1,100–$1,400$3,800–$4,300
    Georgia$1,000–$1,300$4,300–$4,800
    Idaho$1,100–$1,300$4,900–$5,400
    Illinois$1,500–$1,800$4,100–$4,500
    Indiana$1,200–$1,600$4,300–$4,700
    Iowa$1,800–$2,200$4,300–$4,800
    Kansas$1,100–$1,400$4,500–$4,800
    Kentucky$900–$1,200$4,400–$4,800
    Louisiana$1,300–$1,700$4,300–$4,700
    Maine$1,300–$1,700$4,900–$5,400
    Maryland$1,100–$1,400$4,000–$4,400
    Massachusetts$1,200–$1,400$4,200–$4,600
    Michigan$1,300–$1,600$4,300–$4,700
    Minnesota$1,100–$1,300$4,400–$4,800
    Mississippi$1,100–$1,400$4,500–$4,900
    Missouri$1,200–$1,400$4,300–$4,700
    Montana$1,200–$1,500$4,900–$5,400
    Nebraska$1,100–$1,400$4,300–$4,800
    Nevada$1,000–$1,300$4,200–$4,600
    New Hampshire$1,600–$2,000$4,700–$5,300
    New Jersey$1,200–$1,600$4,000–$4,400
    New Mexico$900–$1,200$4,600–$5,100
    New York$1,200–$1,500$3,800–$4,300
    North Carolina$1,100–$1,300$4,100–$4,400
    North Dakota$1,100–$1,300$5,000–$5,500
    Ohio$1,100–$1,400$4,400–$4,800
    Oklahoma$1,000–$1,300$4,400–$4,800
    Oregon$1,200–$1,500$4,700–$5,300
    Pennsylvania$1,200–$1,500$4,200–$4,500
    Rhode Island$1,100–$1,300$4,000–$4,400
    South Carolina$1,300–$1,500$4,100–$4,400
    South Dakota$1,600–$2,000$4,900–$5,400
    Tennessee$1,200–$1,400$4,400–$4,800
    Texas$1,100–$1,300$4,300–$4,700
    Utah$1,400–$1,800$4,300–$4,800
    Vermont$1,900–$2,200$4,700–$5,300
    Virginia$1,100–$1,300$4,100–$4,400
    Washington$1,600–$1,900$4,700–$5,300
    West Virginia$1,400–$1,800$4,400–$4,800
    Wisconsin$1,300–$1,600$4,400–$4,800
    Wyoming$1,100–$1,300$4,900–$5,400

    Final Wording

    At Howards Van Line, we know moving is more than transporting boxes—it’s about moving your life. Our Moving Cost Calculator is built to provide a transparent, stress-free estimate for your long-distance relocation.

    With our fixed pricing guarantee, you can plan your move confidently without worrying about surprise charges. Whether you need basic moving or full-service packing and specialty care, we handle every aspect with precision and care.

    Choose Howards Van Line for a smooth, professional move that feels like coming home.