MOVING COSTS
What does a moving company cost?
How much does a moving company cost? The three illustrative routes below provide an initial budget guide using illustrative starting-price calculations. We then explain the details that determine the actual work and how to compare quotes. These examples are not flat rates for every household.
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Starting prices for example moving routes
These starting-price examples give an initial indication for one-, two- and three-person households. All amounts are rounded gross prices including VAT for the package with transport, loading, unloading and carrying. They are illustrative calculations, not completed customer jobs.
Household size and rounded road distance are guides. Your actual inventory, addresses, access, dates and requested services are checked for your personal offer. A one-person household may have more belongings than a two-person household. Requirements such as packing, assembly or special items must be expressly described in the offer.
Distance sources describe general routes between cities, not a confirmed truck itinerary. Exact addresses, vehicle and route can change the distance. The sources support the distances; Smoover supplies the starting prices. As of 29 September 2026.
- Berlin – Vienna, about 680 km: 1-person household from €480 · 2-person household from €680 · 3-person household from €820.
- Berlin – London, about 1,100 km: 1-person household from €770 · 2-person household from €1,100 · 3-person household from €1,320.
- Berlin – Lisbon, about 2,860 km: 1-person household from €2,000 · 2-person household from €2,860 · 3-person household from €3,430.
Why floor area alone cannot determine the price
Two homes of the same size can contain very different amounts of furniture. One has a few pieces; the other also has many books, large wardrobes and a full cellar. Planning therefore starts with the belongings that will actually move.
The work at each property matters alongside transport. Carrying a sofa from a fourth-floor apartment without a suitable lift takes different work from collecting the same sofa on the ground floor. Requested packing and assembly also need to appear in the quote.
The details that influence your quote
Describe these factors together. A large item, for example, may need extra preparation because of restricted access.
- Inventory and volume: furniture, boxes, appliances and special items determine space and handling needs.
- Route: pickup, destination and additional stops affect transport planning.
- Access: floors, suitable lifts, stairs, carrying distances and vehicle position affect the work on site.
- Packing and assembly: requested extra work belongs in the agreed scope.
- Timing: explain fixed deadlines and any flexibility so the schedule can be planned.
- International requirements: clarify documents and special conditions before transport.
A planning example without a price promise
Consider two possible arrangements for the same household. In the first, boxes are packed, furniture is ready and suitable lifts are available. In the second, packing help is needed, a large cabinet must be dismantled and the destination has a long carrying route.
The belongings can be identical while the work differs. This is an explanatory example, not a Smoover customer case or calculation. Use it to check your own details before requesting a quote.
Compare offers on the same basis
Place the same inventory and requirements next to each quote. Ask about unclear items before comparing totals.
- Scope: are all items and addresses covered?
- Work: who packs, dismantles and completes agreed assembly?
- Access: are the actual floors, lifts and carrying distances included?
- Amount: are tax treatment, separate charges and payment terms clear?
- Price basis: is it an estimate or a fixed price under specified conditions?
- Changes: how are extra items, new dates or altered access handled?
Reduce avoidable work with clear preparation
Decide what will move before requesting the quote, then list the remaining items fully. Leaving items out of the description does not remove the work and can lead to later questions.
Agree any packing or furniture preparation you plan to do yourself. Confirm access and keys and mention scheduling flexibility. These steps support planning without implying a guaranteed saving.
Get a personal moving quote
Have your inventory, both addresses, access information, dates and requested services ready. Highlight special items and open questions. Photos or a video can explain dimensions and carrying routes.
Start your Smoover enquiry. The agreed scope forms the basis of the offer. Read the amount and conditions together, and report changes before the move.
Frequently asked questions
Do the starting prices include VAT and carrying?
Yes. The examples are gross prices for the package with transport, loading, unloading and carrying. The individual offer records the exact scope and any special requirements.
Is floor area enough for a moving price?
No. It does not describe the actual inventory, large items or access. An inventory supplies the missing details.
Is a per-kilometre price useful?
It describes only part of the job. Packing, carrying, assembly, volume and building conditions may also matter.
How can I identify possible extra charges?
Check the included services, assumptions and separate items. Ask when requested work or access conditions are unclear.
Is the cheapest quote always the best choice?
First compare the same scope and conditions. A lower total may cover fewer services or different assumptions.
Can I enquire before every detail is settled?
You can start with locations. Inventory, access, dates and services then need clarification for an accurate offer.
Plan your next step
Request your moving quote
Tell us about your move in the existing questionnaire.