If you're planning a long-distance move out of Nebraska—or into the state—you're probably wondering what this whole thing is going to cost you. I get it. Moving is expensive, and long-distance moves can really add up fast. After helping thousands of families and businesses relocate, I've got some solid numbers and real-world experience to share with you.
The truth is, there's no one-size-fits-all price tag for long-distance moving. Your costs depend on several factors: how far you're going, how much stuff you have, what time of year you move, and which moving company you hire. But I can give you realistic ranges based on what we're seeing in 2025 here in Nebraska.
Let me break this down by some of Nebraska's major cities since costs can vary depending on where you're starting from.
From Omaha: If you're moving from Omaha (our largest city) to a destination 500-1,000 miles away—say, to Colorado or Kansas City—expect to pay between $4,500 and $8,500 for a full-service move with a professional moving company. If you're going even farther, like to the West Coast, you're looking at $7,000 to $12,000 or more for a standard 3-4 bedroom home.
From Lincoln: Lincoln moves tend to run slightly less than Omaha since the city's a bit smaller, but not by much. A long-distance move from Lincoln to a mid-range destination typically costs between $4,000 and $8,000. The difference usually comes down to access and logistics for the moving trucks.
From Bellevue and Grand Island: Both of these cities fall somewhere in the middle. Bellevue, being near Omaha, often has similar pricing. Grand Island moves might run $3,800 to $7,500 depending on your destination and load size.
These prices assume you're moving a typical household with 3-4 bedrooms of furniture and belongings. If you've got more stuff—or less—adjust accordingly.
Here's what really matters when a moving company quotes you:
Weight of Your Belongings: Most long-distance movers charge by weight (in pounds) or by the cubic footage your stuff takes up. A typical household weighs anywhere from 7,000 to 12,000 pounds. At current rates of roughly $0.50 to $1.00 per pound, that's a major chunk of your bill. If you've got a house full of antique furniture or a basement stacked with boxes, you're paying more.
Distance: Obviously, moving from Omaha to Denver costs less than moving from Omaha to Los Angeles. The further you go, the more fuel and labor costs the moving company absorbs, and they pass that along to you.
Time of Year: Summer is peak moving season, and prices reflect that. If you move in June, July, or August, expect to pay 10-20% more than if you move in the off-season. Winter moves (November through February) are your cheapest option, though weather can be a factor in Nebraska.
Packing Services: If you do your own packing, you save money—usually $1,000 to $2,500 depending on the size of your move. If you want the professionals to pack everything, add that cost on top. Full-service packing can add 30-40% to your total bill.
Moving Company Reputation: Established, reputable movers with insurance and proper licensing will cost more than fly-by-night operations. That's money well spent. You get what you pay for, and damaged belongings aren't worth the savings.
Some people think renting a truck and doing it themselves saves money. Sometimes it does, sometimes it doesn't.
A 26-foot rental truck might cost $1,500 to $3,000 for a one-way trip from Omaha to, say, Kansas City. Add in fuel ($300-500), equipment rental, and your own labor, and you're at $2,000 to $4,000. But here's the catch: if anything gets damaged, if you get injured, or if that truck breaks down, you're eating those costs. Professional movers carry insurance and have the experience to pack safely.
For most people moving from Nebraska long-distance, hiring professionals costs only $1,000 to $2,000 more than going the DIY route—and you get peace of mind and protection. That's usually worth it.
Don't just call one moving company and accept their first number. Get at least three quotes. Many companies offer free in-home or virtual estimates where they actually see what you're moving. These estimates are way more accurate than ballpark figures over the phone.
When you're comparing quotes, make sure you're comparing apples to apples. Same services, same insurance coverage, same timeline. A cheaper quote sometimes means fewer services or less protection.
Q: Can I negotiate long-distance moving prices?
A: Absolutely. If you've got multiple quotes and flexibility on your moving date, movers will work with you. Moving companies would rather book you at a slightly lower rate than have an empty truck. Weekday moves and off-season moves give you more leverage.
Q: What's included in a "full-service" move?
A: Full-service typically means the company packs everything, loads it, transports it, unloads it, and unpacks it at your new home. Some companies charge extra for unpacking. Always ask what's included in the quote.
Q: Do I have to pay the entire bill upfront?
A: No. Reputable movers usually require a deposit (10-50% of the estimate) to hold your moving date, with the balance due when the job is complete. Never pay the entire amount upfront to an unfamiliar company.
Ready to get started with your long-distance move? Call us today at (888) 712-7514 for a free, no-obligation quote. We've moved thousands of Nebraska families, and we'd love to help you with yours.
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