Understanding What You’ll Pay for Your Long-Distance Relocation

The average cost to move a 3 bedroom house long-distance ranges from $2,500 to $9,600, with most families paying around $5,000. Here’s what determines your final bill:

Key Cost Factors:

• Distance: Moves 500 miles cost $3,150–$5,800; 1,000+ miles run $3,850–$6,700
• Weight: A typical 3-bedroom home weighs 5,000–7,500 lbs
• Services: Full-service packing adds $1,000+; DIY packing saves significantly
• Timing: Peak season (May–September) costs 20–30% more than off-season

Moving a family from Chicago to another state is expensive—and the price tag can catch you off guard if you don’t understand what goes into the quote. As one homeowner shared in recent research, oversized furniture and specialty items can add thousands to your bill if you’re not prepared. The distance between your old and new home, the total weight of your belongings, and the services you choose all play a critical role in determining what you’ll actually pay.

I’m Mina Georgalas, owner and president of Bernard Movers, and over nearly 30 years in the moving industry, I’ve helped thousands of families budget for their relocations, including many average cost to move a 3 bedroom house long-distance scenarios from Chicago and throughout Illinois. Let me walk you through exactly what you need to know to plan your budget and avoid surprises on moving day.

The Average Cost to Move a 3 Bedroom House Long-Distance and Key Factors

When you’re planning a long-distance move for your 3-bedroom home from Chicago or elsewhere in Illinois, understanding the factors that influence the final cost is crucial. Unlike local moves, which are typically charged by the hour, long-distance relocations are primarily determined by the weight of your shipment and the distance it travels. This means every item you pack, every mile your belongings travel, and every service you request contributes to the overall price.

Understanding the Price Range for a 3-Bedroom Move

The average cost to move a 3 bedroom house long-distance typically falls between $2,300 and $9,600, with most families budgeting around $5,000. For larger homes (1,200-2,000 sq. ft.), costs can range from $7,000 to $10,000. These national averages provide a solid starting point for your budget.

Why such a wide range? It boils down to the weight of your belongings. A typical 3-bedroom home’s contents can weigh between 5,000 and 7,500 pounds. The amount of “stuff” you have directly impacts the cost—the more you move, the heavier the shipment, and the higher the price. For a deeper dive into out-of-state moving costs, you can explore our guide on average cost for movers out-of-state.

How Distance and Weight Determine Your Quote

For long-distance moves originating from Illinois, the two biggest drivers of your moving quote are distance and weight. Moving companies classify a long-distance move as generally anything over 400 miles, with many considering 1,000 miles or more to be truly long-distance. So, whether you’re moving from Chicago to a neighboring state or starting on a cross-country adventure, these calculations are key.

Weight (or Volume): This is the primary factor. Moving companies typically weigh your shipment, and the cost is calculated per pound. For instance, some research suggests an additional $0.50 per pound can be added to the base cost for interstate moves. This is why decluttering before your move is one of our top tips – less weight equals less cost!

Distance (or Mileage): The further your belongings travel, the higher the cost. This isn’t just about the miles; it also includes associated expenses like fuel surcharges and tolls. A “line-haul fee” is often a significant component of your long-distance quote, covering the actual transportation of your goods from origin to destination. For example, a 3-bedroom move spanning 500 miles might cost $3,150–$5,800, while a journey of 1,000 miles or more could push that to $3,850–$6,700. If you’re considering a move from Chicago to Florida, we have specific insights on moving from Chicago to Florida that can help you plan.

The Impact of Services and Timing on Your Final Bill

Beyond distance and weight, the services you opt for and the timing of your move can significantly sway your final bill.

Packing Services: While packing yourself can save you money, many families moving a 3-bedroom house long-distance find professional packing services invaluable. This can add an average of $1,000 or more to your total, but it saves you countless hours and ensures your items are packed securely. Full-service movers will provide all the necessary packing supplies and expertly prepare your belongings for the journey. For a comprehensive overview, check out our guide on full-service moving.

Specialty Items: Got a grand piano? A vintage pool table? These items require special handling, equipment, and expertise, and they come with additional fees. Specialty items can add anywhere from $100 to $4,000+ to your bill. For example, moving a piano can cost between $100 and $2,000, while a pool table might range from $50 to over $4,000. Even large exercise equipment or a heavy safe can incur extra charges. We specialize in handling such items; learn more about our services for moving companies that move pianos.

Accessibility: The ease of access at both your origin (e.g., your home in Melrose Park) and destination (your new home across the country) can affect the price. If movers face narrow streets, multiple flights of stairs, long carries from the truck to the door, or need to use an elevator, these “accessorial charges” can increase your cost.

Time of Year or Week: This is a big one for your budget!

• Peak Season (May-September): This is when most people move, especially families with children starting new schools. Demand is high, and so are the prices—expect to pay 20-30% more during these months.
• Off-Season (October-April): If you have flexibility, moving during these months can lead to significant savings.
• Mid-week vs. Weekend: Moving on a weekday (Monday-Thursday) is generally less expensive than a weekend move.

By understanding these factors, you can start to see why the average cost to move a 3 bedroom house long-distance can vary so much. It’s not just about the size of your house; it’s about every detail of your relocation.

Smart Budgeting: Comparing Options and Saving Money

Now that we’ve unpacked the factors influencing the cost, let’s talk about smart budgeting. Moving a 3-bedroom house long-distance from Illinois is a significant undertaking, but with careful planning and an understanding of your options, you can manage your expenses effectively. We’re here to help you steer the choices, from comparing professional services to finding clever ways to save.

Comparing Professional Moving Services and Their Benefits

When planning a long-distance move, your options include full-service movers, moving containers, or a DIY truck rental. For a 3-bedroom house, the volume of belongings often makes full-service movers the most practical choice, despite the upfront cost.

Full-Service Movers: As our specialty at Bernard Movers, we handle everything from packing and loading to transport and unloading. The benefits are immense:

• Convenience: Save time and energy to focus on other aspects of your move.
• Efficiency: Our experienced teams handle belongings safely and quickly.
• Expertise: We properly pack fragile items and manage furniture disassembly/reassembly.
• Reduced Risk: Our trained, licensed, and insured teams minimize damage or injury risk. While DIY moves seem cheaper, hidden costs like fuel, potential damages, and physical strain add up. You might be surprised at how little cost difference there is between DIY and professional services.

While full-service moving has a higher price tag, the peace of mind and labor savings are often worth it for a 3-bedroom house. To explore more affordable long-distance moving options, you can visit our page on the most affordable way to move long-distance.

Decoding Your Estimate: Insurance, Add-ons, and Tipping

Understanding your moving estimate is critical to avoiding surprises. It’s more than just the base cost; it includes important considerations like insurance, potential add-on fees, and even tipping.

Moving Insurance (Valuation Coverage): This is a crucial aspect of protecting your belongings. Movers typically offer two main types:

1. Released Value Protection: This is usually included in your quote at no additional cost. However, it offers minimal protection, typically reimbursing you $0.60 per pound per article for lost or damaged items. For instance, a 10-pound laptop valued at $1,000 would only be covered for $6.
2. Full Value Protection: This is an additional service and costs more (often around 1% of your shipment’s declared value). It’s highly recommended, as it holds the mover responsible for the full replacement value of any lost or damaged items, or repairing them to their original condition. This offers significantly greater peace of mind for your valuable 3-bedroom household goods.

Common Add-on Services and Fees:

• Packing/Unpacking Services: As mentioned, professional packing can add to the cost, but it ensures proper protection.
• Storage: If your new home isn’t ready, temporary storage can be arranged for an additional monthly fee.
• Accessibility Fees (Shuttle, Long Carry, Stairs): If a large truck cannot access your home, or if there are long carries or multiple flights of stairs, extra charges for shuttle trucks or additional labor may apply.
• Disassembly/Assembly: While some basic furniture disassembly/assembly might be included, complex items could incur additional charges.
• Changing Your Moving Date: Be aware that changing your scheduled moving date can result in penalties of $500 or more with some companies.

Tipping Movers: Tipping is customary and a great way to show appreciation for hard work. For long-distance moves, a common guideline is to tip each mover between $10 and $40 per day, or 10-20% of the total move cost, depending on the complexity and satisfaction with the service.

Verifying Your Movers: Before signing any contract, especially for a long-distance move from Illinois, verify the legitimacy of your chosen moving company. For out-of-state moves, you need to confirm their USDOT number. You can do this by visiting the SAFER website and entering the mover’s name or DOT number. This ensures you’re dealing with a reputable and properly licensed company. For more details on what to look for in an estimate, review our guide on moving estimate.

Top Strategies to Lower the Average Cost to Move a 3 Bedroom House Long-Distance

We understand that moving can be expensive, and we’re committed to helping our Illinois customers find ways to save. Here are our top strategies to reduce your average cost to move a 3 bedroom house long-distance:

• Declutter Ruthlessly: This is perhaps the single most impactful way to save. The less you move, the less it weighs, and the lower your cost. Go through every room in your 3-bedroom house and decide what truly needs to come with you. Sell, donate, or discard items you no longer use. We’ve all been there, staring at a mountain of boxes and wondering how we accumulated so much!
• Pack Your Own Belongings: While full-service packing is convenient, doing it yourself can save you a significant amount on labor costs. Start early, create a system, and label everything clearly.
• Source Your Own Packing Supplies: Instead of buying all new boxes, look for free or recycled options. Local grocery stores, hardware stores, and even friends who have recently moved might have boxes to spare. Use suitcases, laundry baskets, and storage bins you already own to pack items.
• Be Flexible with Your Moving Date: If possible, schedule your move during the off-season (October to April) and on a weekday (Monday to Thursday). These times generally have lower demand, which can translate to lower rates.
• Get Multiple Quotes: Don’t settle for the first estimate you receive. Contact at least three reputable moving companies for detailed quotes. Compare not just the price, but also the services included, insurance options, and their reputation.
• Ensure Easy Accessibility: Clear pathways, ensure parking for the moving truck, and communicate any potential access challenges (like stairs or long carries) to your movers beforehand. This can help prevent unexpected fees on moving day.
• Leverage Special Discounts: Always ask your moving consultant if there are any available promotions or discounts. For instance, Bernard Movers is currently offering a 20% additional discount on moves to Georgia and Florida booked for delivery by March 15, 2025. This is a great opportunity for our Illinois customers planning a long-distance relocation to these states. For more ways to save, check out our insights on budget long-distance movers.

By implementing these strategies, you can significantly impact the average cost to move a 3 bedroom house long-distance and ensure your relocation from Illinois is as smooth and budget-friendly as possible. Ready to start planning your move? Get a moving estimate for your relocation from Bernard Movers today!