How Much Do Movers Cost?

Local Mover Costs

The price of a local move typically ranges from $900 to $2,400. The estimate may include an hourly rate, a flat fee, or both. 

Per Hour

Local movers usually charge between $25 to $50 per hour for each worker. Most movers will take around four hours to move a 1-bedroom home, six hours to move a 2- or 3-bedroom home, and eight hours to move a four-bedroom home. This may include a truck and a furniture dolly, but you’ll want to confirm when you get an estimate to be on the safe side.

The number of movers you need for the job depends on your number of belongings. Plan on hiring three or more pros if you have a larger house or heavy items, like a piano. For smaller homes, you can probably get away with hiring just one to two movers to do the job.

Moving and Packing

Packing services cost $1,000, on average, but you can pay as little as $270 and as much as $2,200, depending on the size of the house and the number of belongings you need to move. 

Movers typically provide an estimate based on the number of rooms and total square feet. This price only includes packing your belongings and packing materials; you’ll pay extra for loading, unloading, or unpacking.

Full-Service

Hiring full-service movers costs $2,300 or more, depending on the distance and square footage. This service includes:

• Packing

• Furniture disassembly

• Loading

• Transportation

• Unloading

• Unpacking

• Furniture assembly

Keep in mind that full service may spread out the process over a week or two. In most cases, movers pack items, store them for a few days, and then deliver them. Plan to transport your highest priority items yourself; you’ll have immediate access to them as soon as you arrive at your new home. 

Long-Distance

The cost to move out of state ranges from $2,600 to $6,900 and depends on the distance and weight of your possessions. The average home’s belongings weigh about 7,500 pounds.

Specialty Moving Costs

You’ll want to consider several specialty moving costs as you plan for your move. Moving large items like a car or piano costs an extra $400 to $2,000 on top of general relocation expenses. Specialty items carry a premium because they require different skills and precautions. These items may be heavier, cost more in fuel to transport, or require extra protection and insurance. 

Car and Motorcycle Shipping

The cost to ship a car is around $1,200 and depends on weight, distance, dimensions, value, and insurance. You'll also pay more for express shipping, door-to-door service, and enclosed shipping. Motorcycle shipping prices for short distances fall between $300 to $500, on average, depending on the size and weight of your motorcycle. 

Pianos

Similarly, the cost to ship a piano is $400, on average, which is higher than the cost to ship everyday items of the same size and weight. A specialist’s skills and equipment are necessary to successfully transport a piano without damaging it, whether you're shipping a little upright piano or a luxurious grand piano.

Moving Cost Factors

The cost to move depends mostly on the volume of your belongings and the distance, but there are other factors to consider. To figure out your budget, you'll need to factor in variables like the size of your home, the weight of your belongings, and how far and where you need to go. Even surprising factors like the time of year can affect the total price. 

Moving Truck and Van Prices

Renting a truck or van costs $50 to $2,000, depending on the size of the vehicle and the rental duration. Many local moving companies include a standard vehicle as part of the package, but it may cost extra for a larger one. 

Ease of Access

A unit that is difficult to access can add an extra $200 to $500 to the total price of your local moving service. For example, carrying furniture over several flights of stairs takes longer and often requires extra movers. If you’re on a tight budget, you may want to request an in-person estimate so that there are no surprises.

Timing

Moving companies are busiest in the summer and on weekends and holidays. If you relocate at these times, you can count on limited options and higher prices. The most affordable times to move are:

• Fall and winter

• Weekdays

• The middle of the month

Moving Insurance

Most professional moving companies provide basic liability insurance in the estimate, which covers about $0.60 per pound. If you want coverage that will reimburse you for the item's full value, you’ll pay more. As a rule of thumb, expect to pay around 1% to 2% of your item’s value. Be sure to ask about moving insurance when you request a quote, as you may not be able to add it on the day of service.

Tipping

It’s customary to leave a 10% to 20% tip, particularly for local movers. Plan to give closer to 20% if the job is less than $500 or if the workers have done a great job taking care of your items.

Materials and Supplies 

If you want your movers to include packing material expenses, such as boxes, padding, and tape, your moving price will increase to anywhere from $270 to $2,200 or an average of $1,000. The number of bedrooms and the square footage significantly affect how much your packing materials and supplies will cost.

Storage

If you require temporary storage, the cost to rent a storage unit is around $20 to $450 per month, on average. Rates depend on the size of your storage space; the average, 1,200-square-foot home requires around a 12-foot container.

How to Save Money During a Move

Moving is pricey no matter how you look at it, but there are ways for you to save money if you’re on a tight budget. Here are some tips for saving on your move.

• Move when it’s off-season—not during peak season.

• Donate what you don’t need before you move.

• Rent your own moving truck.

• Pack items yourself.

• Ask some friends to help you load the truck.

FAQs

What’s the average cost of a move for a 3-bedroom house?

The cost to move a 3-bedroom house ranges from $480 to $800. Of that, $200 to $400 is for the labor alone, while packing supplies, gas, tips, and trucking costs reflect the rest of the price.

Do I need a moving broker?

A moving broker is a third-party company that books your move and connects you with a high-rated moving company in your area. While moving brokers can help you secure a moving date without having to manage the logistics yourself, they aren’t liable for the transportation of your belongings or how they get to your destination. It’s a safer bet to work directly with a local moving company to coordinate your move.

What are some well-known moving companies?

There are many well-known moving companies, both locally and nationally. For your shorter move, talk to some local moving companies with good reviews and solid reputations.

If you’re hiring a national chain, remember that they may subcontract to local companies for shorter moves. In this case, you may want to read reviews for that business before you commit.