How Much Does Moving a 5-Bedroom House Cost?
Moving a 5-bedroom house requires meticulous planning, organization, and execution. It includes packing your belongings, disassembling furniture, transporting everything to your new home, and unpacking and reassembling everything. The cost of moving a 5-bedroom house varies depending on multiple factors. These include the distance between the two homes, your belongings, the size of the moving truck required, and additional services you may need. This guide explores the average cost of moving a 5-bedroom house and tips to help you prepare.
Packing Cost to Move a 5-bedroom House
When relocating, packing can be time-consuming and stressful, especially if you’re inexperienced. It’s best to seek a full-pack service from professional movers to ease the burden. A reputable service provider will send an expert team to your house with the appropriate supplies to pack everything you require, including clothing, shoes and books. Speak with a relocation coordinator to determine the exact services you need.
Packing charges are fixed and do not vary based on your zip code. The rates below are for a full-pack service; all furniture is always wrapped and protected at no additional cost. There will be an extra charge if you require special crating for items such as paintings or pianos.
The following is a breakdown of the packing costs, including labor and supplies. The total cost will depend on your belongings’ volume, measured in cubic feet as follows:
- For 1000-1150 cubic feet, the price ranges from $1500 to $1800
- For 1200-1400 cubic feet, the cost ranges from $1150 to $2000
- For 1500-1800 cubic feet, the price ranges from $1650 to $2200
Trucking, Delivery, and Off-Loading Costs
Moving a 5-bedroom house involves various factors that can affect the cost, such as your items’ volume or weight, the season of year and zip code. For accuracy, speak with a relocation coordinator to obtain final pricing, as estimates are subject to change due to multiple variables. You can use the following as a guide for your budgeting and planning.
For cross-country moves: For example, from California to New York or Florida to Washington State, the estimated cost during peak season (summer) is $5000-$6000, while off-season (winter) is $4000-$5000.
A move involving crossing state lines: This is considered a long-distance move, such as Texas to Illinois or New York to Georgia. The estimated cost during peak season is $4000-$5000, while off-season costs range from $3200-$4000.
A short-distance state move: This would cover examples such as moving from Florida to Georgia or New York to New Jersey. The estimated cost during peak season is $3000-$4000; during the off-season, it is $2500-$3500.
Factors that Influence Cost
If you understand the factors influencing cost when moving a 5-bedroom house, you can budget and plan your move appropriately. Here are insights to get you started:
Load Volume
The load is the space your items take up in the moving truck. The more things you have, the larger the truck you need to transport them and the higher the moving cost. For example, large furniture like sofas, beds, and wardrobes take up more space in the truck, and the same goes for household appliances like refrigerators, washing machines, and dryers. When planning your move, take your items’ inventory to choose an appropriate track size for a smooth and cost-effective relocation.
Relocation Distance
The farther you move, the more time, effort, and resources you require, increasing transportation costs. A long-distance move may take several days, depending on the distance and transport mode. Such a move may require additional arrangements, such as temporary accommodations, adding to the cost.
The Moving Job’s Complexity
The moving job will be more complex if you have many large, heavy items, such as furniture or appliances. You may need special equipment, such as a dolly or a crane, to move the items safely and efficiently. Moving large items may require an additional workforce, increasing your relocation cost.
The property’s accessibility affects your moving complexity. Moving large items is more challenging due to limited space and access if your new house is in a high-rise building. Special requirements such as moving delicate or valuable items increase the job’s complexity. You may need additional packing materials, specialized handling, and extra care to move your items safely and securely.
Your Move’s Timing
The time of year can impact your move in various ways. Summer is the busiest time for moving, which may result in higher moving costs and limited availability of relocation services. Winter months may be less busy, leading to lower prices and greater availability of moving services.
The day of the week and time of day can influence your relocation. Weekends and holidays are busier and may result in higher moving costs and limited availability for moving services. Traffic and congestion may increase during peak hours, making moving more challenging.
Cross Border and International Moving
Moving across borders means navigating different regulations, customs procedures, and documentation requirements. Cross-border moving involves longer distances, making your relocation more complicated.
The cost of an international move can be higher due to additional transportation costs, insurance, and other fees. When planning your move, consider this factor and choose a reputable company specializing in cross-border or international relocations.
Things to Look Out for When Getting Moving Quotes
Each moving company is different, and getting multiple quotes lets you choose a service matching your needs. Here are helpful tips:
Get Quotes in Early
The earlier you request quotes, the more options you have in choosing a service. You will have enough time to review each quote and determine the company offering the best value for your money. Early booking can lead to cost savings as some moving companies may offer early bird discounts or flexible rates for clients who book their move in advance.
Getting quotes earlier gives you time to research and verify the moving companies you are considering. Exercise due diligence and choose an appropriate company to save you headaches and avoid unexpected expenses.
Get as Many Quotes as You Can
Getting as many quotes as possible lets you compare prices and services and choose the best option for your needs and budget. Avoid settling for the first quote you receive, as you may be able to find a better deal elsewhere.
To get the most accurate quotes, provide each company with the same information about your move, including your items inventory, moving dates, and additional services you may require. This act lets you get comparable quotes and decide appropriately.
While price is vital, it's not the only factor to consider when choosing a moving company. To select wisely, view the company's reputation, experience, and customer reviews.
Study the Reviews
One effective way to gauge a prospective moving company’s reputation is by reading reviews from previous customers. These can provide valuable insights into the quality of service a certain service offers and potential issues or concerns other clients may have experienced.
When studying reviews, you should highlight patterns or trends. It can be a red flag if multiple customers have had similar experiences or concerns. Consider different positive and negative reviews to get a balanced view of the company and service. You can also ask for references to get unbiased opinions and make an informed decision.
Understand the Insurance
Moving companies provide different insurance options to cover your belongings during transportation. Some firms offer complete value protection, while others offer basic coverage at a lower cost. Evaluate the options to determine the right policy for your move, offering adequate protection in case of damage or loss during the move.
Review the policy's terms and conditions, including restrictions or exclusions that may limit your coverage or invalidate your claim. Understand the deductible or the amount you'll have to pay out of your pocket before your insurance coverage kicks in.
Some moving companies may offer additional insurance options, providing more extensive coverage for high-value items like jewelry, antiques, and artwork. If you have goods requiring extra protection, discuss this with your service provider and consider additional insurance options to protect your items.
Ways to Save on Your Move
Moving can be expensive, but there are ways to save money on your relocation, including:
Purge Unnecessary Items
Go through your possessions and make a pile of items you no longer need or use. Consider donating, selling, or giving away things that are in good condition but no longer serve a purpose in your life.
You can also evaluate duplicates and donate or give them to your friends. For example, if you have two sets of dishes or extra clothing, you haven’t worn for years, find an appropriate way to eliminate them. Besides helping you save on your move, this will also allow you to declutter your home, making unpacking and organizing your new place more straightforward.
Use a Relocation Checklist to Organize Your Move
- List the tasks you must complete before moving.
- Consider booking a moving company, canceling utilities, and updating your post office address.
- Cross each assignment you finish off your list to stay focused and organized.
Create a list of items you need to pack for your move, from clothing to furniture. During the relocation, use the checklist for a smooth transition. For example, utilize the list to track all your possessions during loading and unloading. Once you complete
the exercise, cross-check with your list to check if everything went well.
Set a Budget
With a budget, you can spend on moving expenses, including packing supplies, relocation services, and transportation costs. Determine how much you can afford on your move and set realistic expectations. As you plan your move, refer to your budget regularly to stay on track. Track your expenses, including receipts and invoices, to avoid overlooking costs.
Look Out for Moving Company Discounts and Deals
Many moving companies offer discounts or promotions to attract new customers or fill empty spots in their schedules. Start by researching moving companies in your area to find these discounts and check if they offer special promotions or deals for first-time customers.
Besides discounts and promotions, you can save money by being flexible with your move date. Moving companies may offer lower rates during off-peak times or on specific weekdays.
Pack Yourself
Packing yourself can save you money and allow you to arrange your belongings based on your preference. You can pack your possessions in stages, beginning with the items you don’t use daily.
Start by gathering the necessary materials, such as packing boxes, tape, bubble wrap, and paper. Pack the least essential items and work towards the most important goods. If you aren’t confident handling fragile belongings, let professionals help.
Work with Reputable Movers
Moving your items from a 5-bedroom house may seem daunting, but it isn’t if you plan and work with a reputable company. North American Van Lines has an extensive worldwide network to provide competitive and reliable services. Are you ready to get started? Get a free quote today.
