What it really costs to hire movers, in the United States. Hiring movers can be pretty expensive. It depends on where you live and where you are moving to. Read on to learn about things that affect the price of your move and how to estimate your budget realistically.
Local Moves: Hourly Rates and What Affects Them
When you are making a move you want to know what the hourly rates are. When you are moving to a place in the same town you usually pay by the hour. The cost of moves can be very different, somewhere between 80$ dollars and 200$ per hour for two people and a truck. If you live in an apartment like a studio or a one-bedroom apartment it usually takes two to four hours to move all of your things. So the total cost of moving can be between 300$ and 800$.
When you have a house it takes more time to move everything. For example a house with three bedrooms will probably take around 6 to 8 hours to move. That is with a team of three people. The cost of moving a house like this can be pretty high, up to $1,200 or more. That depends on where you live and what kind of move you are doing.
Many things can make the hourly cost go up:
- Stairs are a problem. If you live in an apartment on the floor and there is no elevator, the job will take a lot longer.
- Long carriers may not be able to park close to your apartment door; the movers have to spend a lot of time walking forth with your things.
- Some buildings have strict rules about when you can use the elevator. The moving company has to reserve the elevator. This can take a lot of time.
Travel Time and Minimum Hours
Moving companies usually charge people for the time it takes to travel. This is the time it takes for the moving company to drive from their place to your place and then go back to their place. This is usually a fixed fee that you have to pay.
Many movers also have minimum charges. A two-hour or three-hour minimum is common. Even if your move only takes 90 minutes, you’ll pay for the minimum. Ask about this upfront when you’re getting quotes.
Long-Distance Moves: Weight, Distance, and Binding Estimates
Moving to a place that is far away is a big job. The companies that help you move will charge you based on how heavy your stuff’s how far they have to take it. The cost of moving a way is usually between $2,000 and $5,000. If you have a really big house or you are moving all the way across the country it can cost more than $10,000.
Weight is a deal when you are moving. For example a small apartment with one bedroom can weigh as much as 2,500 to 3,500 pounds.. A big house with four bedrooms can weigh 10,000 pounds or even more. The people who move your stuff figure out the cost based on how your stuff weighs and the price is different depending on how far you are moving. So if you are moving from Texas to Florida it will cost you less per pound than if you were moving from Texas to Washington.
When you get a binding estimate the price is set based on the things you have on your inventory list. A non-binding estimate just gives you an idea of what it will cost but the final price is really based on how much everything weighs. If you add things to the list or the people moving your stuff find that you have more than you thought the price will be higher. With a binding not-to-exceed estimate you do not have to worry about the price going up even if your things weigh more than expected because binding not-to-exceed estimates guarantee that the price will not be higher than what they tell you so you will not pay more than that amount.
Important:
Federal regulations require interstate movers to be registered with the FMCSA and provide specific documentation, including a written estimate and a copy of the “Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move” booklet (FMCSA).
Additional Costs That Add Up
Packing is something that a lot of people pay extra for. If you want a professional to pack for you, it will cost between $25 and $60, per hour for each person who is packing. Maybe you will just pay a certain amount based on how many rooms you have. You will also have to pay for the products you use to pack, like boxes and tape and bubble wrap.
Some things are really hard to move, like pianos, safes and pool tables. These items, including artwork need to be handled very carefully and that costs more money. The cost of moving these specialty items can be pretty high it is usually between $100 and $500, for each specialty item. That depends on how big the specialty item is and how hard it is to move the specialty item.
Storage can become necessary if your move-out and move-in dates don’t align. Monthly storage fees vary by location and unit size, but expect to pay $50 to $300 per month for climate-controlled space in most markets.
| Service or Factor | Typical Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Local hourly rate (2 movers + truck) | $80–$200/hour |
| Long-distance move (1-bedroom) | $1,200–$2,500 |
| Long-distance move (3-bedroom) | $4,000–$8,000 |
| Professional packing | $25–$60/hour per packer |
| Specialty item fee (piano, safe) | $100–$500 per item |
| Storage (per month) | $50–$300 |
Timing and Seasonal Price Swings
The cost of moving is higher from May to September. This is because more people want to move during these months. Families with kids in school like to move during summer break. College students also move to places during the summer months. Summer is a busy time for moving and that is why the rates are higher during this time.
Weekends are really expensive for moving. So is the end of the month. This is because moving companies charge more when they have a lot of work. They are busiest, on weekends. If you can move on a Tuesday or Wednesday it will probably cost less. The same thing goes for moving in the middle of the month.
Winter is a time to move if you want to save money. Moving companies offer discounts in the winter. This is especially true if you live in a place that gets really cold.
How to Get Accurate Quotes
Getting an estimate for moving in your home is way better than getting a quote on the phone or over the internet. The person who comes to your home can see the things you want to move and find problems that might come up. They can see if the stairs are too narrow or the doorways are too small or if it will be hard to park the moving truck. All of these things become clear when someone, from the moving company comes to your home and walks through it with you.
You should get at least three quotes from different companies. Then you can compare.
You also need to check if insurance or valuation coverage is part of the base price that the moving company gives you or if it is something you have to pay extra for.
You need to be careful with quotes that seem too cheap. Some moving companies will give you a low price to get your business then they will increase the price on the day you move by saying that you have more stuff than they thought. The moving companies call this a “hostage load”. It is not allowed by law but it still happens with some moving companies.
Ask about payment terms. Reputable companies don’t demand large deposits for local moves. For long-distance moves, a deposit is normal, but it shouldn’t be more than 20% of the estimated total. Never pay in cash or agree to a payment that can’t be traced.
What You Can Do to Lower Costs
Decluttering before you move reduces weight and volume. Less stuff means fewer boxes, less time, and lower costs. Donate, sell, or discard items you don’t need.
Doing your own packing saves money. If you’re organized and have time, pack everything except fragile or high-value items. Let the movers handle those.
Flexible timing helps. If your move date isn’t fixed, ask when the company has availability. A mid-week move in February will almost always cost less than a Saturday in July.
Prepare your home before the movers arrive. Disassemble furniture if you can. Clear pathways. Reserve elevators and get parking permits if needed. The less time movers spend dealing with logistics, the lower your hourly bill.
Moving costs reflect the work involved. Distance, weight, stairs, and timing all matter. Get detailed estimates, ask about fees, and plan ahead to avoid paying more than necessary.
Conclusion
The cost of relocating depends on a variety of variables. The distance you’re relocating, the size and construction type of your home, and the relocation service you employ are all variables to consider. Please don’t hesitate to contact A Plus Moving Group at (800) 919-6332 for professional help if you encounter any challenges when moving!
