Official moving guidance
- FMCSA Protect Your Move — federal information about interstate household-goods movers, brokers, registration, and consumer protections.
- FMCSA Moving Checklist — planning, pickup, paperwork, inventory, and delivery reminders for interstate moves.
- FMCSA: How can I avoid unexpected moving costs? — written estimate, inspection, and estimate-type information.
- FMCSA Red Flags — examples of warning signs when choosing an interstate mover or broker.
- Federal Trade Commission: Avoid scams when you hire a moving company — consumer steps for checking companies, getting written estimates, and recognizing warning signs. It notes state rules may apply for intrastate moves.
- FMCSA Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move (PDF) — detailed interstate-move consumer booklet.
Calculator assumptions
Move volume planner
Room volumes are illustrative averages only: bedroom 450 cubic feet, living room 350, dining room 250, and office or extra room 250. Add these estimates to the box count multiplied by the average box size you enter and any extra bulky-item volume. The default 3 cubic feet per box and 20% planning buffer are editable starting values, not industry standards. The tool does not recommend a truck size because usable capacity, packing density, access, and provider ratings differ.
Repair or replace
The calculator divides the repair quote by the expected additional years entered, then compares that with replacement cost divided by the replacement years entered. It is a simple arithmetic comparison, not a prediction or recommendation. Energy use, repeat repairs, financing, downtime, safety, warranty, and disposal are excluded.
Update policy
Guides were prepared in November 2026 using the official sources linked above. We review source links and material claims periodically, but cannot guarantee every linked page or rule remains unchanged. Check the current agency guidance and your written contract before making decisions.