Price factors for the move This is how the moving costs are calculated
Moving house is an exciting but often costly undertaking. Many people wonder how best to calculate the costs of moving and what factors influence the price. In this article, we take a close look at the various cost factors that are important when planning a move. We also give you tips on how to better estimate and optimize your moving costs.
Distance: Distance as a significant cost factor
One of the most important factors affecting moving costs is the distance between your old and new homes. The greater the distance, the higher the costs for fuel, vehicle wear and tear, and the working hours of the movers. Long distances in particular incur additional costs for breaks and any necessary overnight stays.
Tip: Compare the prices of different moving companies for short and long distances. Also plan alternatives, such as the option of carrying out smaller moves yourself to reduce the moving price.
What you need to bear in mind
Expenses for the journey
The costs of a move add up, especially when moving long distances. This is due to increased fuel consumption, but also to the additional time required. That is why it is essential to specify the distance when calculating the moving costs accurately.
Household size
If you have a lot of furniture to move, you should expect to spend more time and money on the move. There is a difference between moving as a single person and moving with a family of four—unless you live alone in a large apartment (and like to collect furniture...). In short, the more furniture you have, the more expensive your move will be.
Packing moving boxes
One of the most unpopular tasks when moving house is probably packing the moving boxes. No problem: as moving professionals, we are happy to take care of this for you! Depending on the size of your household, additional costs may apply—but you don't need to worry about a thing!
Additional moving services
Assembly and disassembly: We take care of your move—from start to finish. This means that, if you wish, we not only pack your boxes, but also dismantle and reassemble your furniture. Special treasures are securely packed in plastic wrap, felt blankets, or special covers. We are also happy to take care of registering and deregistering your place of residence, including telephone connections, mail forwarding, and much more. The final price will vary depending on which additional moving services you require.
Storage
Sometimes, when moving house, it is not possible to take all your furniture with you—or the furnishings need to be stored temporarily. Or perhaps your new home is already furnished and you will not need the furniture until you return from a stay abroad, for example. Whatever the reason, we will be happy to give you a good quote so that you can save money on your move.
moving supplies
Who has enough moving boxes, cardboard boxes, bubble wrap, or packing paper at home when it comes to moving their own household? No problem, we are happy to help. The more detailed your information about your household, the better we can calculate the required quantity.
liability insurance
We transport your belongings with the utmost care and caution! However, just in case, your goods are of course insured against transport damage during every move with us. The costs for this are already included in our quote. We calculate special requests or more demanding transports individually by arrangement.
FAQs about moving costs—how can you calculate your costs correctly?
How much does a move cost?
It is not possible to provide a general answer to this question. When relocating, there are always several factors that influence the price. The distance and the volume of the move play a significant role. With DACHSER & KOLB, you have the option of booking additional moving services. Please use our moving cost calculator to determine the costs for your move.
What factors influence moving costs?
The cost of a move depends on several factors: apartment size, volume of belongings, distance between the old and new apartments, desired additional services (e.g., furniture assembly, packing service), and the effort required for loading and unloading. No-parking zones or floors without elevators can also influence the price.
What is the average cost of moving?
A regional move for a two-room apartment costs between $600 and $1,200 on average with professional help. For larger apartments or long-distance moves, the price can be significantly higher. Self-organized moves are usually cheaper, but also more time-consuming.
How can I save on moving costs?
Planning ahead can save you money: ask friends to help you move, reuse packing materials, and compare quotes from different moving companies. Decluttering before you move will also reduce the amount you need to move—and therefore the cost.
Can I deduct moving expenses from my taxes?
Yes, moving costs can be deducted from your taxes under certain conditions—e.g., if you are moving for work or for household-related services. It is worth keeping all receipts and seeking tax advice.
What additional costs may arise during the move?
Additional costs may arise from: no parking signs, renovation of the old apartment, cosmetic repairs, new furniture, double rent if the leases overlap, or moving insurance. A deposit and brokerage fees should also be taken into account.
Are there any subsidies or grants available to help with moving costs?
In certain cases, authorities (e.g., job centers, social welfare offices) cover some or all of the moving costs—for example, if the move is necessary for health or professional reasons. In most cases, a corresponding application must be submitted before the move.
