3-bedroom regional move (100-400 miles).
$3,036-$7,000 typical cost. Long-distance pricing kicks in.
The shape of the move.
$3,036-$7,000 typical, 3-4 mover crew, 2-day move. Long-distance pricing model kicks in at this size + distance. Common scenario: family relocation across state lines for job + better cost-of-living.
What you're actually paying for.
Per-pound rates dominate ($0.40-$0.70/lb at this distance). 3BR household typically 7,000-10,000 lb shipping weight = $2,800-$7,000 just for line-haul. Packing services + materials $400-$900. Insurance $500-$3,500 depending on declared value.
What competitors won't tell you upfront.
Per-pound estimate overruns are real risk. Cross-state regulatory differences: some states (NY, CA, IL) require additional consumer disclosures even for moves originating in-state but ending elsewhere. Full-value insurance at this size is essentially mandatory — releasing for $0.60/lb on a $80,000 household value is $4,800 maximum recovery, less than typical damage from a poor crew.
Anti-pattern detection.
Reasonable: binding or binding-not-to-exceed quote, written delivery window, named driver / crew leader. Suspicious: anyone quoting without an in-home survey, deposit over 25%, willingness to lock a delivery date without buffer.