Moving is one of life’s biggest projects, and its cost can vary significantly depending on several factors. But what exactly determines the price of a move? How much does a move cost, and how can you keep the costs as low as possible? And why might paying for a professional moving service actually be a smart investment?
In this blog post, we’ll break down the components of moving costs, provide real-life examples, and explain why choosing a quality service is worth the expense.
How Much Does a Move Cost?
The cost of a move can vary greatly depending on a number of factors, and the final price depends on the scope of the project and any special requirements. Below, we’ll walk you through the key cost factors – and further down, you’ll find a few real-life price examples!
1. Volume of Items and Scope of the Move
The more items you have, the more time and manpower it takes to complete the move. Larger moves may require a bigger moving truck and additional movers, which increases the cost.
On the other hand, especially in long-distance or international moves, a bulk discount effect often comes into play – the more items you move, the cheaper the cost per cubic meter becomes.
If your move includes unusually heavy or bulky items – such as a piano or a solid wood dining table – that can also raise the cost. This is either due to the need for extra crew for safety reasons, or due to the increased labor required to handle such items.
2. Distance of Transportation
The longer the moving distance, the higher the cost – mainly due to fuel expenses and the number of hours the driver and movers need to be paid for. Naturally, moving from one city to another is more expensive than a move within the same city.
International moves involve even more variables, such as:
- Ferry or shipping charges
- Customs and import/export fees
- Daily allowances or accommodations for employees during overseas work
3. Additional Services
A full-service moving company offers a variety of add-ons to make your relocation smoother – but these also affect the final price.
- Packing services: Professional packing saves time and protects your belongings, though it adds to the total cost.
- Moving lift (external elevator): Essential for many urban apartment buildings, especially in countries like Belgium and France. While it adds to the cost, it often pays for itself in efficiency and time saved.
- Storage services: If you can’t move into your new home right away, short- or long-term storage is a useful option, but it comes at an additional cost.
4. Timing of the Move
Moving prices are seasonal and time-sensitive. The cost is typically higher:
- At the end of the month (when most leases end)
- During weekends and public holidays (due to higher labor rates per union agreements)
- During the summer months – especially June and July, which are peak moving season in many countries
To save money, opt for a weekday morning move during the off-season whenever possible. It’s also cheaper because evening moves usually include extra charges for after-hours work.
7 Tips – How to Save Money When Moving
Want to hire a professional moving service but still keep your move as affordable as possible? Here are our top tips to cut down on moving costs without sacrificing quality:
- Book your move outside of peak times
If possible, schedule your move for the middle of the month – even just a few days away from month’s end can make a difference in price and availability. - Check access and parking beforehand
Find out in advance whether the moving truck can park directly in front of your building. If a long carry is needed or if special parking permits are required, it can increase the time and cost of your move. - Empty all shelves and secure furniture
Before moving day, make sure shelves, drawers, and cupboards are empty. Tape doors and drawers shut so they stay in place during transport. - Pack efficiently
Pack all loose items in stackable moving boxes. This allows movers to transport several boxes at once using a dolly, saving time and reducing costs. - Protect your floors the smart way
Order our professional floor protection service – we use reusable rubber mats that are quick to place and remove. This saves your floors from scratches and is often faster (and more cost-effective) than taping cardboard on the floor yourself. - Check your insurance coverage
Especially if you have valuable items, review your home insurance to see if it covers damage during a professional move. If not, we offer an additional moving insurance that has a lower deductible and broader coverage than the standard carrier liability insurance included in every move. - Be ready when the movers arrive
Have all your belongings packed and ready to be carried when the moving team shows up. This ensures a smooth and time-efficient moving day.
How Much Does a Local Move Cost in Helsinki Metropolitan Area?
The cost of a home move usually depends on how much time the move takes. Here are a few examples of moving prices within the same city:
- Small move (e.g., studio or small one-bedroom): €390–€600
- Medium move (e.g., two- to three-bedroom apartment): €690–€1200
- Large move (e.g., family house): €1200 and up
Why Paying for a Professional Moving Service Is Worth It
Hiring a moving company isn’t just an expense – it’s an investment in a smooth, safe, and eco-friendly relocation. Here’s why choosing a professional service makes sense:
Save Time and Energy
- A full-service moving company handles everything from heavy lifting to transport and unloading, allowing you to focus on other important matters.
- Packing services can save you hours of time and significantly reduce moving stress.
- Sure, moving with a group of friends “paid in pizza and beer” might be fun – but if you’re short on time or want to avoid a chaotic moving weekend, a professional team is the fastest and most efficient option.
Expertise and Safety
- Experienced movers know how to handle furniture and delicate items without damage. They use proper protection materials and techniques to ensure everything arrives in perfect condition.
- Hiring professionals means insurance is in place, so if anything goes wrong, you’re covered.
- DIY moves often result in damaged furniture or even personal injury due to incorrect lifting or poor loading techniques.
- Renting or borrowing a van? Be sure to check the insurance and deductible! In case of damage, the total cost could easily surpass the price of a full-service move.
Eco-Friendly Choice
- At KunnonMuutto, we use biogas-powered vehicles to reduce emissions. One full trip in an eco-friendly truck is more sustainable than multiple trips in a private car.
- Our packing and protection materials are reusable or made from recycled materials, and we take them with us after the move – either for reuse or proper recycling.
- Our professional logistics planning ensures minimal driving distance and optimal efficiency, reducing your move’s environmental impact.
Ethical Working Conditions
- A quality moving company takes care of its team by providing fair wages, proper equipment, and safe working conditions.
- Some ultra-cheap movers – or DIY solutions – can involve questionable ethics or safety risks. Supporting a professional and responsible moving company ensures that everyone involved in your move is treated fairly.
Avoid Surprises – How to Keep Your Moving Costs Under Control
1. Request a Written Quote
Always ask your moving company for a written quote that clearly lists all the costs. Transparency prevents surprises later.
2. Inform About Special Requirements in Advance
If you need services like parking permit arrangements, packing or protection services, a moving lift, temporary storage, or transport in challenging conditions (such as narrow staircases or remote areas), make sure to mention these when requesting a quote.
3. Compare Multiple Offers
Get quotes from different moving companies – but remember, the cheapest offer isn’t always the best. Compare service quality and responsibility by checking reviews and recommendations.
Example Prices for Moving Packages
Below are some example scenarios to help you estimate the cost of your own move. Please note that every move is quoted individually, and prices vary based on the factors mentioned above.
Student Move Within the Same City – €390 / 3h (No Additional Services)
When everything is packed and ready before the truck arrives, the move can be completed quickly and efficiently. This is a no-frills, budget-friendly move – but if grandpa is paying, you can always add protection for your favorite furniture or request recycling of that old sofa.
Request a quote to get a personalized price.
70m² Apartment Move (3-room) Within the City – €755 / 4h incl. Floor & Furniture Protection
Our “M package” includes four hours of moving time with a light truck and three movers. If there are elevators in the buildings and the truck can park near the entrance, this time is sufficient for a small family home. Floor and furniture protection is typically included.
Request a quote to confirm your exact price.
Large Move + Packing Service (180m²) – €8,500 incl. Packing Materials, Recycling Fees, Parking Permits
Packing up a large home can take several days, even with a big team. This example includes packing, furniture assembly at the destination, recycling of unneeded items, and any additional requested services.
Always request a custom quote – pricing varies based on project scope.
Long-Distance Move: Helsinki – Kuopio (50m²) – €1,350 (No Extras)
For long-distance moves, it’s often most cost-effective to send just the driver. Local helpers are hired at the destination if needed. This example includes van transport, a driver, and two movers at both ends.
Request a quote – travel time and access may affect the price.
International Move: Helsinki – Bern (30m³) – €8,700 + Customs & Insurance
This sample move includes furniture protection. Customs fees and insurance are additional and depend on the shipment’s value. International moves are priced mainly based on volume, and they include many more variables than local moves.
Check out our Moving Abroad Checklist for useful tips!
Moving Companies in Finland – Why Comparison Matters
There are dozens of moving companies operating in Finland, and their prices and services vary widely. Some offer budget-friendly basic moves without any extras, while others specialize in full-service solutions that can include everything from packing and storage to final cleaning. When comparing moving companies, it’s essential to consider more than just the price – take into account the company’s responsibility, customer reviews, and the quality of materials they use.
Look for feedback on platforms like Google Reviews to see what previous clients say about the company’s customer service, punctuality, and work quality.
The cheapest moving company is not always the best – especially if you’re on a tight schedule or moving items of sentimental value. We recommend requesting quotes from several companies and comparing them carefully. You can also ask follow-up questions such as whether the company has experience with similar moves or whether the same team will handle both packing and moving. Check these 10 smart questions to ask a moving company before deciding!
With the right partner, your move will be a smooth and stress-free experience – not just another task on your to-do list.
A High-Quality Moving Service Is Worth Paying For
The cost of a move isn’t just a number – it’s an investment in efficiency, safety, and sustainability. By choosing a reliable and professional moving company, you’ll save time, avoid unnecessary stress, and ensure your relocation is handled smoothly from start to finish. In the long run, it’s often more cost-effective than trying to manage everything yourself.
Wondering how much a move would cost in your case? Request a quote from us today and make sure your next moving day is as easy and efficient as possible!
