How much does a move cost?
The cost of a move mostly comes down to working time: how much you have, how far and up how many floors it is carried, and how long the drive is. On this page you can see cost estimates and how you can influence the price.
Moving costs by home type
The estimates are for a local move with no extra services. Floors without a lift, long carrying distances, a packing service and heavy items raise the price, while a short carrying distance and belongings that are already packed lower it.
| Home | Size | Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Studio | about 30 m² | 340–530 € |
| One-bedroom flat | about 50 m² | 450–700 € |
| Two-bedroom flat | about 75 m² | 580–910 € |
| Detached house | about 120 m² | 820–1 280 € |
Estimate: local move of about 10 km, no packing and no heavy items. Calculated with the same formula as our moving price calculator. Quotes from companies are always more accurate.
What determines the cost of a move?
1. Amount of belongings and size of the home
The floor area is a good starting point, but what really matters is how much stuff you have. A fully furnished one-bedroom flat can take more work than a sparsely furnished two-bedroom flat. Also remember basement and attic storage, sheds and the balcony.
2. Floor and lift
Carrying things up and down stairs is the heaviest and slowest part of a move. In a building without a lift, every floor adds working time, and large furniture does not fit in a small lift. Give the floor and lift situation at both addresses.
3. Carrying distance
If the van cannot get close to the door, for example in a cramped courtyard or on a pedestrian street, the carrying distance grows and the move slows down. Find out in advance where the van can park.
4. Driving distance
Within the same city, the driving distance has little effect on the price. When moving to another town, driving time and fuel increase the price, and on long trips it is worth asking whether the company can combine your move with a return load.
5. Timing
The turn of the month, weekends and summer are the busiest times. A weekday in the middle of the month is usually the easiest to book, and a flexible date can also be reflected in the price.
6. Extra services
A packing service, box rental, dismantling and assembling furniture and taking unwanted items to recycling are charged separately. They do save you time and effort, though.
7. Heavy and special items
A piano, safe, large aquarium or exercise machine needs extra people and equipment. Always mention them in your quote request. Read more about moving a piano on our piano moving page.
Example calculations
One-bedroom flat, local move
About 50 m², 10 km, no extra services.
One-bedroom flat with packing service
The same move, but the movers pack and bring the boxes.
Two-bedroom flat and a piano
About 75 m², 10 km, including one heavy special item.
One-bedroom flat to another town
About 50 m², 180 km, for example from Helsinki to Tampere.
The examples are calculated with our price calculator formula. Real quotes depend on the details of your move.
Fixed price or hourly rate?
Moving companies charge either a fixed total price or an hourly rate. A fixed price is easier to compare and protects you from surprises if the move takes longer. With an hourly rate, the final amount depends on how smoothly the move goes.
When comparing quotes, check at least the following: how many movers and what size of van are coming, whether driving and waiting time are included, what extra charges may apply (for example no lift, heavy items or weekends) and how any damage is compensated.
7 ways to move for less
- Declutter before you move. Every piece of furniture you sell, give away or recycle makes the move shorter.
- Pack yourself. Boxes that are packed and labelled in advance speed up the work considerably.
- Choose a flexible date. A weekday in the middle of the month is quieter than the turn of the month or a weekend.
- Book early. Two to three weeks in advance you can still choose between several quotes.
- Send a detailed quote request. When the floors, lifts and carrying distances are known, companies don't need to add a safety margin.
- Compare several quotes. Prices for the same move can differ significantly between companies.
- Prepare the carrying route. Book the lift, arrange parking and dismantle large furniture in advance if you can.
Frequently asked questions about moving costs
How much does a move cost on average?
Using our price calculator formula, a local move from a one-bedroom flat costs about 450–700 € and from a detached house about 820–1 280 €. The price depends most on how much you have, floors and lifts, carrying distances, driving distance and extra services.
Why do moving companies' quotes differ?
Companies estimate working time differently, and some add a safety margin if the details are vague. If your quote request gives the floors, lifts, carrying distances and heavy items accurately, the quotes will be closer to each other and easier to compare.
Is VAT included in the price?
Prices quoted to consumers must include VAT. Still check what the quote includes, such as driving and waiting time and any extra charges.
Which is better, a fixed price or an hourly rate?
A fixed price is easier to compare and protects you from surprises. With an hourly rate, the final amount depends on how smoothly the move goes. If you choose an hourly rate, ask for an estimate of the total hours and how any extra hours are charged.
Is the calculator's estimate binding?
No. The estimate is an indicative rule of thumb. You get a binding price from a moving company's quote, and by comparing quotes you see several companies' prices side by side.
Find out the real price of your move
Send one quote request and compare quotes from moving companies. The service is free and you are not committed to anything.
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