Moving services, explained

1) Start with the kind of move you need

The biggest choice is distance. A local move usually means staying in the same city or nearby area. Long-distance means going farther within a state or across several states. Interstate means crossing a state line, and movers carrying household goods across state lines must be registered with the FMCSA and have a USDOT number.

If you are unsure which category fits, start with your from and to ZIP codes or cities. That helps you compare movers that actually handle your route. MoveLantern can help match you with licensed, vetted movers, and matching is free.

1. Local moving: best for short-distance moves, apartment changes, and small home moves.
2. Long-distance moving: best when you are going farther, even if you stay in the same state.
3. Interstate moving: best when your move crosses a state line and must follow federal rules.

For a typical local move, a 1-2 bedroom home often runs about $400-$1,500. A 3-4 bedroom local move is often about $1,000-$3,500. Long-distance and interstate moves are often about $2,000-$8,000+ depending on weight, distance, and the city and season. These are planning ranges only; the real price depends on how much you have, how far you’re going, and the mover’s written estimate.