Shipping Rates for Household Goods

Finding the best rate for shipping household goods 

Your shipping costs can vary when you need to move items from one household to another, especially long distance. Prices are based on how much you ship and your chosen service. Luckily, there are options to fit different needs, and it helps to know the best way to ship household goods and stay within your budget. 

How do movers figure prices to move belongings? 

Most movers will charge based on the weight of your things or the amount of space the items take up inside the moving equipment. Some companies make it easier than others to determine what your moving price will be since instant online quotes aren’t standard practice for many movers. 

Cost of shipping household goods with full-service movers

With full-service movers, you’ll pay a premium price for loading, transportation and unloading of your things (and some movers also charge for packing and unpacking services). This is typically the most expensive way to ship household goods and can cost upwards of $20,000 to move a 3-bedroom home across the country. Most full-service movers require an in-home visit to estimate the weight of your things and estimate the rate. It’s important to note that the rate can change if the actual weight is higher than the estimate.

Rates for shipping household goods with a self-move service 

A more economical option for shipping your things is a self-move service like U-Pack®. With U-Pack, you pack, load and unload, and we take care of the transportation. That way, you can get the benefits and savings of a DIY move without the hassle (and extra fuel costs) of driving a rental truck long distance.  

Our online quoting process is easy, or you can speak to a moving consultant at 844-362-5303844-594-3077. Prices are based on the space you use in the moving trailer (down to a minimum of 5 linear feet] or the number of ReloCube® moving containers you use. 

Let’s look at some cost examples for shipping with U-Pack. These prices were accurate at the time of posting for moves in August 2023, but keep in mind that rates will vary based on the date of the move, origin, destination, equipment type and availability. The prices included equipment, delivery, fuel and transportation. Taxes do not apply.  

U-Pack trailer shipping quote examples 

• Quote 1: Moving household goods from a 3-bedroom home from Albany, NY, to Chicago, IL, in August 2023. U-Pack recommended 17 linear feet of space in a moving trailer for $1,744.  
• Quote 2: Moving household goods from a studio apartment from Denver, CO, to Indianapolis, ID, in August 2023. U-Pack recommended 5 linear feet in a moving trailer for $1,198. 

Note: If you use less space in the trailer, your rate decreases (and the rate will increase if you use more space).

U-Pack ReloCube shipping quote examples

• Quote 1: Moving household goods from a 3-bedroom home from Springfield, MO, to Biloxi, MS, in August 2023. U-Pack recommended 3 ReloCubes for $2,392 (or 4 Cubes for $2,925). Any unused Cubes are picked up for free.
• Quote 2: Moving household goods from a studio apartment from Columbus, OH, to Orlando, FL, in August 2023. U-Pack recommended 1 ReloCube for $1,687. 

Read more about ReloCube costs. 

What will your cost be for shipping household goods? 

Still wondering about shipping costs for your belongings? There’s no mystery with U-Pack. With over 25 years of experience in long-distance moves, we’re equipped to handle your move through one of our 239 service centers throughout the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico. Request your free, no-obligation quote online today or call 844-362-5303844-594-3077 to speak to a moving consultant. Let us know in the comments if you have questions about U-Pack services. We’re always happy to help!