๐ŸššProfessional Moving Template

Free Moving Estimate Template

A moving estimate template is a pre-formatted document that itemizes labor, transportation, packing materials, and insurance costs for residential and commercial relocations.

Create accurate moving estimates for any local or long-distance relocation. Track crew labor hours, packing materials, truck fees, mileage, access surcharges, and insurance options. This professional template helps you price moves competitively while maintaining healthy profit margins and reducing disputes.

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Labor cost calculator by crew size
Packing materials tracking
Distance & mileage pricing
Access fee calculator (stairs/elevators)
Insurance valuation options
Customizable for any move type
100% Free Template

Free Moving Estimate Template Download

Professional moving estimate template designed for residential and commercial relocations. Calculate labor costs by crew size, track packing materials, factor in distance and access fees, and include insurance options. Create detailed, client-ready estimates that win more jobs and protect your profit margins.

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Auto-calculate costs instantly

  • Built-in cost formulas
  • Crew size calculator
  • Distance and time tracking
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  • Client-ready format
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  • Clean layout
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Fully customizable template

  • Easy editing
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  • Custom line items

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Industry Data 2025

Moving Industry Insights

Key statistics and trends that help moving professionals price their services competitively and run profitable businesses.

U.S. Moving Industry Report

Market data and professional benchmarks

26M
Americans Move Annually
16,851
Moving Companies (U.S.)
7%
Industry Profit Margin
1

Average Moving Costs

Local moves (within 100 miles) average $850-1,600 for 2-3 bedroom homes. Long-distance moves (over 400 miles) typically cost $3,200-6,000 depending on volume and services. Labor rates run $50-100 per mover per hour in most U.S. markets.

2

Cost Breakdown by Home Size

Studio/1-bedroom moves average $500-1,000 with 2 movers for 3-4 hours. 2-bedroom homes cost around $1,250 with 3 movers for 5-6 hours. 3-bedroom homes average $1,800-2,500 with 4 movers for 7-8 hours.

3

Pricing Factors

Move costs vary by distance, shipment weight/volume, timing (peak season May-September costs 20-30% more), access challenges (stairs, elevators, parking), packing services, and insurance coverage selected.

4

Estimate Accuracy Challenge

Federal regulations require in-person or virtual inspections for accurate estimates. Non-binding estimates can increase up to 110% of quoted price at delivery for interstate moves, making thorough assessments critical.

Data current as of: February 2026

Sources: ConsumerAffairs, MoveBuddha, FMCSA, Moving Place

Everything You Need in a Estimate Template

Our templates include all the essential elements for professional estimates

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Labor Cost Calculator

Calculate crew costs based on number of movers and estimated hours. Separate rates for loading, transport time, and unloading. Factor in crew size appropriate for home size and volume.

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Distance & Mileage Tracking

Track mileage between origin and destination for accurate fuel charges. Include travel time for crew. Calculate per-mile rates for long-distance moves or flat fees for local relocations.

๐Ÿ“ฆ

Packing Materials Inventory

Itemize boxes (small, medium, large, specialty), packing paper, bubble wrap, tape, furniture pads, and shrink wrap. Calculate quantities based on home size and inventory volume.

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Professional Presentation

Client-ready estimates that look polished and professional. Add your logo, license numbers, insurance details, and payment terms. Include estimate validity period and binding status.

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Access Fee Calculator

Add surcharges for stairs (per flight), elevator wait time, long carries (over 75 feet), parking distance, and narrow hallways. These factors significantly impact labor time and should be priced accordingly.

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Insurance & Valuation

Offer Full Value Protection or Released Value (60ยข per pound) options. Clearly explain coverage differences. Price specialty items requiring extra insurance separately to protect high-value belongings.

Must-Have Components

7 Essential Elements Every Moving Estimate Must Include

Professional moving estimates must include client details, inventory list, itemized costs, payment terms, timeline, insurance options, and company credentials to ensure clarity and enforceability.

Client & Property Information

  • Client name, phone, email, and billing address
  • Origin address with access details (stairs, elevator, parking)
  • Destination address with access notes
  • Preferred move date and time window

Detailed Inventory List

  • Room-by-room inventory of items to be moved
  • Approximate volume in cubic feet or weight estimate
  • Specialty items requiring extra care (piano, antiques, artwork)
  • Items requiring disassembly/reassembly

Itemized Cost Breakdown

  • Labor costs (crew size, hourly rate, estimated hours)
  • Transportation fees (truck, fuel, mileage)
  • Packing materials and supplies
  • Access fees (stairs, elevators, long carries)

Payment Terms & Schedule

  • Deposit amount (typically 10-25% for long-distance)
  • Payment due at delivery (balance for binding estimates)
  • Accepted payment methods (cash, card, check)
  • Cancellation and rescheduling policy

Move Timeline & Logistics

  • Estimated loading time at origin
  • Travel time between locations
  • Estimated unloading time at destination
  • Total estimated move duration

Insurance & Liability

  • Valuation coverage options (Full Value vs Released Value)
  • Cost of each insurance option
  • Claims process and timeframe (9 months for interstate)
  • Company license and insurance information

Pro Tip: Document Everything

Take photos and video of property access, parking, and high-value items before the move. This protects you from disputes and helps justify access fees when clients see the actual challenges.

How to Create a Moving Estimate Step by Step

Creating a moving estimate involves conducting an in-person survey, calculating volume and weight, estimating labor hours, adding materials and fees, and presenting the quote professionally.

Follow these simple steps to create your first estimate

1

Conduct In-Person or Virtual Survey

Visit the property or conduct a video walkthrough to assess the full scope. Walk through every room, closet, garage, and storage area. Document access challenges: stairs, elevators, parking distance, narrow doorways, and tight turns. Take photos of specialty items and note any disassembly needs.

2

Calculate Volume & Weight

Estimate total volume in cubic feet or weight in pounds based on inventory. Use industry standards: 1-bedroom = 1,800-2,500 cu ft, 2-bedroom = 2,500-3,500 cu ft, 3-bedroom = 3,500-5,000 cu ft. Add 10-15% buffer for items clients forget to mention.

3

Estimate Labor Hours

Calculate crew size and hours needed based on volume and access. Factor in loading time, travel time, and unloading time separately. Add time for stairs (15-30 min per flight), long carries (10-20 min per 50 feet), and furniture disassembly/reassembly.

4

Price Packing Materials & Services

Calculate boxes needed by home size: 1-bedroom needs 15-25 boxes, 2-bedroom needs 25-40, 3-bedroom needs 40-60. Add specialty boxes for dishes, wardrobes, TVs. Include packing paper, bubble wrap, tape, furniture pads, and shrink wrap. Offer full-service packing as optional add-on.

5

Add Transportation & Fees

Include truck rental or company truck fee, fuel costs, mileage charges (typically $0.50-1.50 per mile for long-distance), tolls, and parking permits if needed. Add access surcharges for stairs, elevators, and long carries. Include storage fees if applicable.

6

Present Estimate Professionally

Review all calculations, specify binding or non-binding estimate type, include insurance options with clear explanations, add estimate validity period (30-60 days), and send to client within 24 hours. Follow up within 48 hours to answer questions and close the sale.

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Binding vs. Non-Binding vs. Not-to-Exceed: Complete Comparison

Binding estimates guarantee fixed pricing, non-binding estimates can increase up to 110% at delivery, and binding-not-to-exceed protects customers if actual weight is lower than estimated.

Understanding estimate types helps you set proper client expectations and comply with federal regulations for interstate moves.

Price Guarantee

๐Ÿ”’Binding Estimate
Fixed price, cannot increase
๐Ÿ“ŠNon-Binding
Can increase at delivery
โœ…Not-to-Exceed
Cannot exceed estimate

Payment at Delivery

๐Ÿ”’Binding Estimate
100% of estimate due
๐Ÿ“ŠNon-Binding
Up to 110% of estimate
โœ…Not-to-Exceed
Actual weight or estimate (lower)

Best For

๐Ÿ”’Binding Estimate
Customers wanting certainty
๐Ÿ“ŠNon-Binding
Flexible scope moves
โœ…Not-to-Exceed
Customer protection priority

Accuracy Required

๐Ÿ”’Binding Estimate
Very high (detailed inventory)
๐Ÿ“ŠNon-Binding
Moderate (rough estimate)
โœ…Not-to-Exceed
High (detailed inventory)

Scope Changes

๐Ÿ”’Binding Estimate
Requires new estimate
๐Ÿ“ŠNon-Binding
Adjusted at delivery
โœ…Not-to-Exceed
Adjusted downward only

Federal Regulation

๐Ÿ”’Binding Estimate
FMCSA 49 CFR 375.403
๐Ÿ“ŠNon-Binding
FMCSA 49 CFR 375.405
โœ…Not-to-Exceed
Hybrid of both

Risk to Customer

๐Ÿ”’Binding Estimate
Low (price locked)
๐Ÿ“ŠNon-Binding
Moderate (can increase 10%)
โœ…Not-to-Exceed
Very low (only decreases)

For local moves, hourly estimates with time ranges work well. For interstate moves, binding or not-to-exceed estimates based on detailed inventories protect both parties and comply with FMCSA regulations.

Sample Moving Estimate: 3-Bedroom Home Local Move

A typical 3-bedroom local move estimate includes labor for loading and unloading, truck rental, packing materials, access fees, travel time, and insurance coverage options.

See how a professional moving estimate breaks down costs for a residential local relocation with moderate access challenges.

3-Bedroom House Local Move

1,800 sq ft home - 15 miles distance - 2nd floor walkup

ItemQtyRateAmount
Moving Labor

4 movers ร— 7 hours (loading, travel, unloading)

28 hours$75/hour$2,100
Truck Rental

26-foot moving truck with lift gate

1 day$350$350
Fuel & Mileage

15 miles ร— 2 trips (origin to destination)

30 miles$1/mile$38
Packing Materials

50 boxes (assorted), tape, bubble wrap, packing paper

1 lot$275$275
Furniture Pads & Straps

Protective blankets and securing equipment

1 lot$125$125
Stairs Surcharge

2nd floor walkup at origin (2 flights)

2 flights$75/flight$150
Furniture Disassembly/Assembly

Bed frames, dining table, entertainment center

1 lot$200$200
Full Value Protection Insurance

Comprehensive coverage for household goods

1 policy$150$150
Subtotal:$3,388
0
Total:$3,388

Payment Terms

Payment due at completion of move. We accept cash, credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, AmEx), and certified checks. This is a non-binding estimate; final charges based on actual time and services provided.

Key Takeaways from This Estimate

  • 1Labor is the largest cost component - accurate time estimates are critical
  • 2Access fees (stairs) add 4-5% to total cost and must be assessed on-site
  • 3Packing materials priced as a package based on home size
  • 4Insurance options clearly presented with cost breakdown
  • 5Non-binding estimate allows adjustment if move takes longer than expected

Common Moving Project Types

Common items and services you might bill for

Local Residential Move

  • Labor costs (crew size ร— hourly rate ร— hours)
  • Truck rental or company truck fee
  • Fuel and mileage charges
  • Packing materials (boxes, tape, bubble wrap)
  • Furniture pads and protective equipment
  • Stairs or elevator surcharge
  • Long carry fee (over 75 feet)
  • Furniture disassembly and reassembly
  • Specialty item handling (piano, pool table)
  • Insurance/valuation coverage

Long-Distance Interstate Move

  • Loading labor at origin location
  • Long-haul transportation (per pound or cubic foot)
  • Unloading labor at destination
  • Full-service packing option
  • Custom crating for fragile valuables
  • Temporary storage fees (if needed)
  • Fuel surcharge for distance
  • Overnight expenses for multi-day moves
  • Comprehensive moving insurance
  • Shuttle service for large trucks

Commercial Office Move

  • After-hours or weekend labor premium
  • IT equipment disconnection and setup
  • File box rental and delivery
  • Modular furniture system disassembly
  • Secure document and file transport
  • Office equipment moving (copiers, servers)
  • Floor and wall protection installation
  • E-waste and recycling removal
  • Project management and coordination
  • Phased move execution over multiple days

Moving Estimating Best Practices

Best practices for moving estimates include conducting in-person surveys, documenting access challenges, using realistic time estimates, and clearly communicating estimate type to clients.

๐Ÿ“

Always Conduct On-Site Surveys

Federal regulations require in-person or virtual inspections for interstate moves. Photos and phone estimates miss critical details: access challenges, parking restrictions, specialty items, and volume accuracy. Walk-throughs prevent disputes and underpricing.

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Document Access Challenges

Stairs, elevators, parking distance, narrow doorways, and tight turns dramatically impact labor time. Charge appropriately: $50-100 per flight of stairs, $25-50 for long carries over 75 feet. Take photos to justify fees.

โฑ๏ธ

Use Realistic Time Estimates

Base labor hours on your crew's actual performance, not theoretical maximums. Track past moves to build accurate benchmarks. Add 10-20% buffer for unexpected delays. Underestimating time on non-binding estimates erodes trust and profits.

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Clearly Explain Estimate Type

Customers must understand binding vs. non-binding differences. Binding estimates lock the price but require detailed inventories. Non-binding can increase up to 110% at delivery. Put estimate type in bold at the top of your quote.

๐ŸŽน

Price Specialty Items Separately

Pianos ($200-500), pool tables ($300-600), safes, gun safes, hot tubs, and fragile antiques require extra labor, equipment, and insurance. List these as separate line items with specific pricing to set proper expectations.

๐Ÿ“…

Include Estimate Validity Period

Moving costs fluctuate with fuel prices and seasonal demand. Estimates should be valid for 30-60 days maximum. Clearly state expiration date. For long-distance moves, include fuel surcharge language if prices increase significantly.

Moving Calculation Reference Guide

Essential formulas and industry benchmarks for accurate moving estimates.

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Volume & Weight Calculations

Accurate volume estimates are the foundation of profitable moving quotes. Use these industry-standard calculations.

Volume by Home Size

Cubic Feet = Rooms ร— Average Room Volume
  1. 1Studio/1-bedroom: 1,800-2,500 cubic feet
  2. 22-bedroom: 2,500-3,500 cubic feet
  3. 33-bedroom: 3,500-5,000 cubic feet
  4. 44-bedroom: 5,000-7,000 cubic feet
  5. 5Add 10-15% buffer for items clients forget

Weight Estimation

Weight (lbs) = Cubic Feet รท 7
  1. 1Industry standard: 7 cubic feet = 1 pound
  2. 2Example: 3,500 cu ft รท 7 = 500 lbs approximate weight
  3. 3Adjust for heavy items (books, tools, appliances)
  4. 4Use for long-distance pricing (often per-pound)
  5. 5Weigh truck before and after for accurate billing

Packing Materials by Home Size

Boxes = Bedrooms ร— 15-20 boxes per bedroom
  1. 11-bedroom: 15-25 boxes total
  2. 22-bedroom: 25-40 boxes total
  3. 33-bedroom: 40-60 boxes total
  4. 44+ bedroom: 60-80+ boxes total
  5. 5Add specialty boxes: wardrobe (3-5), dish pack (2-4), TV boxes
๐Ÿ’ต

Pricing & Labor Guidelines

Industry-standard pricing rates ensure your moving business remains profitable while staying competitive.

Labor Rates

$50-100/hr

Per mover, per hour. Rates vary by market, experience level, and equipment provided. Your billing rate should be 2.5-3x crew wages to cover payroll taxes, insurance, equipment, overhead, and profit.

  • โ€ขEntry-level movers: $50-65/hour billing rate
  • โ€ขExperienced movers: $65-85/hour billing rate
  • โ€ขSpecialty movers (piano, antiques): $85-100/hour
  • โ€ขAfter-hours/weekend premium: Add 25-50%

Crew Size by Home

2-5 movers

Proper crew sizing ensures efficient moves and accurate time estimates. Understaffing extends labor hours; overstaffing wastes money.

  • โ€ขStudio/1-bedroom: 2 movers, 3-4 hours
  • โ€ข2-bedroom: 3 movers, 5-6 hours
  • โ€ข3-bedroom: 4 movers, 7-8 hours
  • โ€ข4+ bedroom: 4-5 movers, 10-12 hours

Material Markup

50-100%

Mark up packing materials to cover sourcing, storage, and handling. Boxes, tape, and bubble wrap are consumables with carrying costs.

  • โ€ขBoxes: 50-75% markup (buy bulk, sell retail)
  • โ€ขSpecialty boxes (wardrobe, dish): 75-100% markup
  • โ€ขBubble wrap, packing paper: 60-80% markup
  • โ€ขFurniture pads and straps: 40-60% markup
๐Ÿ“Š

Common Surcharges & Fees

Access challenges and specialty services require additional charges to maintain profitability.

Standard Surcharge Rates

Stairs (per flight)

$50-100 per flight of stairs (10-15 steps)

Charge both origin and destination if applicable

Elevator Wait Time

$25-50 per 30 minutes if elevator causes delays

High-rise buildings often require elevator reservations

Long Carry Fee

$25-50 per 50 feet beyond 75 feet from truck to door

Measure parking distance to entrance accurately

Piano Moving

Upright: $200-400, Grand: $400-600

Requires specialty equipment and extra labor

Storage Fees

$50-150 per month per 100 cubic feet

Climate-controlled storage costs 20-30% more

๐Ÿ“ Remember

These are industry guidelines. Track your actual costs, labor productivity, and market rates to build estimates specific to your business and local market. Successful movers achieve 20%+ profit margins through accurate estimating and operational efficiency.

Why Use This Moving Estimate Template

Move beyond templates and transform your invoicing workflow

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Win More Jobs

Professional estimates with clear breakdowns build client confidence and trust. Detailed line items show prospects you understand the complexity of their move and have accounted for every cost.

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Protect Your Margins

Stop losing money because you forgot to charge for stairs, long carries, or specialty items. The template prompts you to capture every cost component and maintain the 7-20% profit margins successful movers achieve.

โšก

Save Hours Each Week

Create estimates in 15-20 minutes instead of hours. Reuse your pricing for similar moves. Spend more time selling and completing profitable jobs instead of doing paperwork.

๐Ÿค

Reduce Disputes

Detailed line items and clear estimate type (binding vs. non-binding) set proper expectations. Clients know exactly what they get and what they pay. Documented access fees prevent arguments at delivery.

โœ…

Comply with Regulations

Federal regulations (FMCSA 49 CFR 375) require specific estimate formats for interstate moves. This template includes all required elements: estimate type, valuation options, and customer rights information.

๐Ÿ“ˆ

Improve Accuracy Over Time

Track estimated vs. actual time and costs for each move. Identify patterns: which home sizes take longer, which access challenges add the most time. Use data to refine your estimates and increase profitability.

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Everything you need to know about moving & relocation invoices

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