What does a moving company cost in 2026?

In brief

• Two movers and a van usually cost 1,500-1,900 kr per hour.
• Three movers and a van often cost 2,000-2,700 kr per hour.
• A bedsit or one-room apartment typically costs 4,000-8,000 kr to move.
• A typical two- or three-room apartment costs around 7,000-15,000 kr.
• A large apartment often costs 12,000-25,000 kr.
• Moving a detached house typically costs 18,000-40,000 kr or more.
• Evenings and weekends can cost 40-100 percent extra.
• Packing, packing materials, disassembly and special items often come on top.
• Many moving companies have a minimum price or bill at least three hours.
• From 1 January 2026, new licence requirements apply to paid goods transport with vans between 2.5 and 3.5 tonnes.

Typical moving company prices in 2026

Prices vary between locations and moving companies. Some firms include the van, fuel and road tolls in the hourly rate, while others bill these separately.

Always ask for the total price or a complete overview of all surcharges.

What does a moving company cost by home size?

The table assumes that you pack ordinary belongings yourself. If the moving company is also going to pack, disassemble furniture, clear out or clean, the price will be higher.

The size of the home does not tell the whole story either. A small apartment with lots of books and heavy furniture can take longer to move than a larger, minimalist home.

What is usually included in the price?

A typical hourly rate can include:

This varies between firms. The following may come on top:

A moving company can advertise a low hourly rate and still end up expensive once all the surcharges are added.

So compare the expected total price, not just the price per hour.

How is the moving price calculated?

Moving companies usually use one of three pricing models.

Hourly rate

You pay for the time the moving company spends. Some start billing when the van arrives at your address. Others charge from the moment the van leaves the moving company's base until it is back.

An hourly rate works well when:

The downside is that the final price can be higher than expected if the move takes a long time.

Fixed price

The moving company assesses the load, the distance and the working conditions and gives one agreed price.

A fixed price works well when:

The fixed price only covers the agreed scope of work. If the load is larger than stated, the moving company can charge extra if the contract allows it.

Price estimate

A price estimate gives an expected price, but is not necessarily binding in the same way as a fixed price.

The Norwegian Consumer Council (Forbrukerrådet) points out that the Norwegian Craftsman Services Act (håndverkertjenesteloven) does not apply to moving. That makes the contract all the more important. So make sure it states clearly whether the price is fixed, indicative or hourly.

How many movers do you need?

One person and a van

This suits smaller transport jobs where you help with the carrying yourself.

Examples:

Heavy items should not be carried by one person.

Two people and a van

This is the most common choice for private home moves.

Two movers suit:

The price is usually between 1,500 and 1,900 kr per hour.

Three people and a van

Three movers cost more per hour, but can complete the move faster.

This can pay off when:

The price is often between 2,000 and 2,700 kr per hour.

So more people does not necessarily mean a higher total price. If three people do the job significantly faster than two, the final price can end up about the same.

How long does a move take?

The time estimate assumes that your belongings are packed and ready when the moving company arrives.

The move takes longer if:

Example 1: Moving out of a one-room apartment

One person moves from a 35 square metre one-room apartment to a new home five kilometres away. Everything is packed, and both homes have a lift.

Example 2: Moving a three-room apartment

A family moves out of a 75 square metre three-room apartment. There is a lift at the old address, but two floors without a lift at the new one.

Example 3: Moving a detached house

A family is moving the contents of a detached house. The moving company provides three people and a large van. The driving time between the homes is 45 minutes.

The examples are not quotes. The actual price must be calculated from the load, the distance and the access.

What affects the price most?

The amount being moved

Volume and weight matter a great deal. Many moving companies measure the load in cubic metres.

Books, tools, crockery and other heavy contents take extra time to carry even if they do not take up much space.

The distance between the homes

For a local move, labour time is often the biggest cost. For a long-distance move, driving, fuel, road tolls, ferries and possibly overnight stays matter more.

Floor and lift

Moving out of a fourth-floor home without a lift takes significantly longer than moving out at ground level.

State:

Parking

If the van has to park far away, the carrying distance and the time spent increase.

Check whether you need to reserve a space or apply to the municipality for a temporary parking permit.

Packing

Poorly packed contents take longer to move and carry a higher risk of damage.

All boxes should be closed, labelled and light enough for one person to carry.

Disassembly and reassembly

Beds, wardrobes, dining tables and large sofas may need to be disassembled. Clarify in advance whether this is included.

Timing

Fridays, weekends, the turn of the month and the summer months are popular moving days. Prices and availability can therefore be worse.

Evenings and weekends often carry their own surcharges.

Special items

Pianos, grand pianos, safes, gun cabinets, art, aquariums and large stone tables require more staff and special equipment.

These items must be declared before the move.

What does a long-distance move cost?

A long-distance move often costs between 15,000 and 60,000 kr or more.

The price can be calculated from:

Some moving companies charge a per-kilometre price, while others give a fixed price for the whole route. Published prices show that per-kilometre fees can vary a lot, depending among other things on the size of the van and whether labour time is billed at the same time.

So ask for a single fixed price that covers the entire journey.

Can shared transport be cheaper?

With shared transport (samlasting), your load is combined with other jobs on the same route.

This can reduce the price because the transport costs are shared between several customers. The downside is that you often have to be more flexible about pick-up time and delivery.

Shared transport works best when you do not need your belongings delivered on a specific day.

What does packing help cost?

Packing with two people often costs between 1,200 and 2,000 kr per hour. Packing materials usually come on top.

The moving company can help with:

For a typical apartment, professional packing can take one or two working days, depending on how much you own.

Ask for a fixed price if the moving company is going to pack the entire home.

What do moving boxes and packing materials cost?

Some moving companies rent out plastic crates that are delivered and collected. This can be cheaper and more environmentally friendly than buying cardboard boxes.

You can also save money by getting hold of used moving boxes, but check that they are dry and sturdy.

What does piano moving cost?

Moving a piano usually costs from 3,500 to 8,000 kr. Grand pianos, safes and other very heavy items can cost 5,000-15,000 kr or more.

The price is affected by:

Send photos and measurements before you book. The moving company needs to know whether the item can be taken through doors and stairwells.

Do not assume that special moves are included in the ordinary hourly rate.

What does temporary storage cost?

Temporary storage often costs between 1,000 and 4,000 kr per month. Large storage rooms, climate control and high security can cost more.

You may also have to pay for:

Check whether the storage facility is dry, heated, monitored and insured. Also ask who has access to your belongings.

What does move-out cleaning cost?

Move-out cleaning usually costs between 90 and 150 kr per square metre. A 70 square metre apartment can therefore cost around 6,300-10,500 kr to clean.

The price can increase if:

Preferably choose an agreement with a satisfaction guarantee. The firm should then come back at no extra cost if the landlord or buyer has reasonable objections.

[Internal link: Move-out cleaning - prices and complete checklist]

Fixed price or hourly rate - which pays off?

An hourly rate can be cheapest when:

A fixed price can be safest when:

If you choose an hourly rate, the agreement should include an expected time frame and rules for what happens if the move takes longer.

How to save money on a moving company

Declutter before you pack

Do not pay to move things you are going to throw away. Sell, give away or hand in unnecessary belongings for reuse.

Pack everything in advance

When the moving company arrives, all small items should be packed. Loose items take a lot of time and increase the risk of damage.

Label the boxes clearly

Write both the contents and the room on every box. The movers can then put them in the right place straight away.

Disassemble furniture

If you have the right tools and know how the furniture comes apart, you can do this before moving day.

Put screws and fittings in labelled bags.

Reserve parking

A short distance between the home and the van can save several hours of labour.

Move on a weekday

Tuesday to Thursday is often less in demand than Fridays, weekends and the turn of the month.

Do the small things yourself

Move plants, clothes, electronics and personal valuables yourself if you can.

Get several quotes

Send the same information to at least three moving companies. You can then compare total price, terms and insurance.

How to describe the moving job

A good job description should include:

The more precise the information you give, the more reliable the quote will be.

For larger moves, feel free to ask the moving company for an in-person or digital survey.

How to check the moving company

Before you book, you should check:

From 1 January 2026, businesses carrying out paid goods transport in Norway with vans with a permitted total weight between 2.5 and 3.5 tonnes must hold a national van licence. One licence is required per vehicle.

You can look up the transport business in the carrier register of the Norwegian Public Roads Administration (Statens vegvesen).

Also ask which company will actually carry out the move. Some brokers pass the job on to a subcontractor.

What should the contract include?

The Norwegian Consumer Council states that the Craftsman Services Act does not apply to moving. What the contract says therefore becomes particularly important.

The agreement should describe:

Do not rely on verbal promises about what is included. Get all important details in writing.

Insurance and liability for damage

Ask the moving company which insurance applies during carrying, transport and any storage.

Check:

The Norwegian Consumer Council recommends that the contract states who is responsible for the load. The moving company is liable for damage, but the agreement can set an upper limit. Your contents insurance may also provide cover.

Contact your insurance company before the move if you have particularly valuable belongings.

Take cash, jewellery, medicines, passports, keys and important documents with you yourself.

Document your belongings before the move

Take photos or video of:

Go through special items with the movers before the work starts.

On delivery, you should check your belongings before the moving company leaves. If something is damaged, it should be noted in writing straight away.

What do you do if something gets damaged?

• Take photos of the damage.
• Keep the packaging.
• Document the value of the item.
• Notify the moving company in writing as quickly as possible.
• Refer to the contract and the insurance terms.
• State what you are claiming.
• Ask for a written reply within a set deadline.

The Norwegian Consumer Council recommends that you complain in writing and ask for a reply within 14 days. If you cannot reach an agreement, the case can be taken to the Norwegian Consumer Authority (Forbrukertilsynet) for mediation.

Do not repair or throw away the damaged item until the moving company or the insurance company has had a chance to assess it.

Safe booking and payment

Avoid paying the full amount long before moving day. Check the firm, the terms and who will be carrying out the job.

For hourly work, the start and end times should be documented. Any surcharges should be approved before they are billed.

Fikso is built to make buying services safer. The customer secures the payment before the job starts, and the money is paid out in line with the agreed process. If a disagreement arises, the payment can be held back while the documentation from both parties is reviewed.

Checklist before the moving company arrives

• All boxes are packed.
• The boxes are closed and clearly labelled.
• No boxes are too heavy.
• Cupboards and drawers are emptied.
• Furniture that needs disassembling is ready.
• Screws and fittings are labelled.
• The fridge and freezer are emptied.
• The washing machine is disconnected correctly.
• Plants and personal valuables are set aside.
• A parking space is reserved.
• The lift is reserved if necessary.
• Keys to both homes are available.
• The moving company has been told about heavy items.
• Photos of valuable contents have been taken.
• The contract and contact details are easy to find.

Frequently asked questions

Conclusion: What should you budget for?

For a typical home move in 2026, you should expect between 1,500 and 2,500 kr per hour, depending on the number of people and the size of the van.

A realistic total budget is:

The lowest hourly rate does not necessarily give the lowest final price. An efficient firm with the right van, enough staff and clear terms can be cheaper overall.

Describe the load accurately, get several quotes and get all prices and surcharges in writing before you book.

Method and sources

The prices are indicative estimates based on open price lists and published price guides from Norwegian moving companies. The actual price depends on location, date, volume, distance and working conditions.

Rules, rights and prices have been checked against:

The article provides general information and does not replace a specific quote or an assessment of your moving job.