How Much Do Movers Cost?
The national average cost of a local move is around $1,500 with prices ranging from $800 to $2,200.
Of course, there are many factors that affect your moving expenses, such as the size of your home, the distance between your old home and your new location, and the weight of your belongings. Keep reading to learn more about these factors and how they can impact moving costs.
What to Consider When Calculating Moving Costs
If you wish to lessen the burden of moving out and want your stuff to be handled professionally, there are a number of moving costs to consider when it comes to budgeting your expenses. To best prepare for your moving cost calculation, below are several things to learn before hiring a moving company.
Level of Professional Involvement
Depending on your moving needs and wants, you can choose from two main types of movers.
- Labor-only movers: These are professional movers without the truck â their expertise is to load and unload all of your items. This may be the better option if you already have your own truck or rental vehicle.
- Full-service movers: These are professional movers that can provide the moving truck as well as loading and unloading your belongings. Full-service moversâ cost is typically higher since youâre also paying for the truck rental.
Size of Your Home
The size of your home will also determine your moving service cost. Below are the estimated moving costs for each home size, according to Forbes.
- Studio/1-bedroom: $400
- 2-bedroom: $900
- 3-bedroom: $1,400
- 4-bedroom: $1,800
- 5-bedroom: $3,000
Keep in mind that the total cost of movers will depend on the materials needed, gas, and other add-on services you may need to pack and move your items.
Location and Distance
If your new home requires travel over 400 miles, it is considered a long-distance move. Moving within 100 miles or fewer of your current residence is regarded as a local move. Your moving expenses will be largely dependent on whether youâre moving locally, out of state, or cross country.
Time of Year
The demand for mover services fluctuates based on the time of year. In other words, when you move can make a difference in your overall mover costs.
For instance, since moving on a weekend is more convenient than during a weekday, the demand, and therefore the cost, will most likely be higher. This means that you may want to choose a weekday move so you can get a lower quote for moving.
Also, keep in mind that Memorial Day to Labor Day is the peak of the moving season with approximately 70% of moves taking place during this time. To try and save money, opt for a fall or winter move if possible.
Moving Supplies
Movers will supply add-on services you may want to include in your move. If you need an extra hand in disassembling and reassembling furniture and other equipment, movers will charge you for supplies such as bubble cushioning, felt pads, stretch wrap, and more.
If you supply any of these extra supplies yourself, it may help you save more on moving expenses.
Storage and Truck Rentals
If you need storage before, during, or after moving, you may ask the moving company to hold or store your possessions in their storage for extra moving costs. Storage can cost around $100 to $300 per month.
Additionally, you may be able to save money by renting your own truck for the move instead of opting for full-service movers. A moving truck cost can be anywhere from â$155 for a local move, $225 for a short move, and $971 for a long-distance move,â according to HireAHelper.
Knowing this, you can weigh the pros and cons of each choice carefully before deciding whether or not you want a full-service moving company.
Extra Services and Fees
Depending on your moving needs and wants, these extra services and add-ons can affect your moving costs.
Packing and Unpacking
Packing is time-consuming and tedious. You can pay extra for a pro to pack and unpack your belongings so you can focus on other aspects related to moving.
Furniture Disassembling and Reassembling
You can pay extra to eliminate challenging moving tasks, such as disassembling and reassembling bulky, fragile, or highly valuable items like bed frames and other furniture.
The overall cost includes packing materials, such as boxes, and labor to disassemble and reassemble these items.
Moving Specialty Items
Moving specialty items like valuable artwork, jewelry, or collectibles requires specific equipment and skills. In turn, youâll likely need to pay extra for special handling.
Stair or Elevator Fee
Homes with multiple stories mean more labor for the movers â increasing your moversâ cost.
If your move takes place at a high-rise building with an elevator, be sure to check with the moving company as you may also be charged an elevator fee.
Liability Coverage
You might feel uneasy putting all of your household belongings in the hands of strangers. Unfortunate circumstances, such as damaged or lost items, are the last things you want to worry about. So, paying for liability coverage might be worth considering.
Fortunately, most moving companies offer three levels of liability coverage: basic release value, full-value protection, and third-party insurance.
- Basic coverage: Also known as released value protection, this coverage is required by the federal government for interstate moving companies and will already be included in your mover expenses. Basic coverage is best for those doing a local move (less than 100 miles) with few high-value items or those who want to save money. Each pound of lost items typically equates to around 60 cents.
- Full coverage: Sometimes known as expanded valuation, full coverage is best for people moving long-distance (over 400 miles) or cross-country to ensure protection for all household items. A typical valuation is $6 per pound. This means that if your total shipment was 7,000 pounds and all of it somehow got lost or damaged, you may be entitled to receive as much as $42,000.
- Third-party insurance: Since basic and full coverage is based on weight, they don't adequately cover high-value items like heirlooms or jewelry that weigh less than a pound. For this reason, it may be best to opt for additional third-party insurance to cover these types of items.
Tipping
While tipping is not required, itâs a great way to say âthank youâ for a job well done. If you plan to tip your movers, remember to have cash on hand.
What Is the Best Approximate Moving Cost Calculator?
A moving cost calculator can help you estimate your mover cost and budget effectively. It's simple, quick, and secure.
To help you prepare for what your move should cost so you can choose the right moving company, you can utilize a moving cost calculator from Moving.com or moveBuddha.
Frequently Asked Questions About Average Professional Moving Costs
What is the average cost to move a 3-bedroom house?
The average cost to move a three-bedroom house is around $480 to $800, while the average cost to move a 4-bedroom house is $640 to $1,200.
For a 1- or 2-bedroom apartment, you can expect to pay $240 to $700, according to Ramsey Solutions.
How much do moving companies charge?
In general, full-service moving companies cost as little as $300 for a studio and $850 and up for a 4-bedroom. Labor-only movers cost around $150 for a studio and $350 or more for a 4-bedroom.
How much does it cost to move a car?
The cost to move a car depends on several factors: vehicle type, mileage, time of year, origin, and destination. You can expect your cost to move a car to be around $600 and up.
How much do movers cost per hour?
MoveBuddha reports that the cost of movers by the hour for a local move will range from $65 to $250 depending on the number of people needed to complete the job.
On the other hand, long-distance movers donât typically charge by the hour. The total long-distance rate can range from $920 up to $15,000 based on the number of household goods and the miles being traveled.
Lessen Stress By Budgeting Your Moving Costs
Hiring movers may cost you more upfront, but it will save you from many of the common moving day stressors, mentally and physically.
As discussed, moversâ costs will depend on your budget and the proximity to the new home. By learning the average cost of most moving companies, as well as the factors that may affect your moving expenses, you will be sure to budget effectively.
To hire professional helpers for your move-out, visit Moveout.com.
FAQs
How much does a moving company cost in 2022? âș
The national average cost of moving is about $1,400 with a range from $800 to $2,500. Note, however, that this price range is for a 2-person moving team completing a local move of less than 100 miles. For long-distance moves, the average cost of movers jumps to between $2,200 and $5,700.
What is a reasonable amount for moving expenses? âșHome Size | # of Movers | Average Total Cost |
---|---|---|
Studio | 2 | $212 |
1-Bedroom | 2 | $424 |
2-Bedroom | 3 | $954 |
3-Bedroom | 4 | $1,484 |
The national average cost of a local move is $1,710, though customers could pay anywhere from $911 to $2,514 to move 100 miles or less. The three main factors that affect moving costs are the move distance, the size of the home, and the cost of labor when hiring professional movers.
Are moving costs going up? âșMoving costs tend to peak in August, researchers say, forecasting that the average cost of a move will reach a new record high in Augustâaveraging $454. However, buyers may find some relief if they can hold off on moving until after summer: Costs are expected to drop to an average of $408 by the end of the year.
Why do moving companies charge so much? âșWhy do moving companies charge so much? Moving companies seem to charge a lot of money because they have a lot of expenses to cover: from labor for packing and loading the moving truck in any circumstance to fuel costs and equipment fees, you can be sure your money is being well spent.
What day is cheapest to hire movers? âșThe short answer to this question is that it's cheaper to move on a weekday â Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday. Simply put, most moving companies offer better rates during the week because they aren't as busy then.
What is a fair relocation package? âșA typical relocation package usually covers the costs of moving and storing furnishings, household goods, assistance with selling an existing home, costs incurred with house-hunting, temporary housing, and all travel costs by the employee and family to the new location.
How do you negotiate moving expenses? âș- Focus on your interests. Think of relocating for work as a massive opportunity to make improvements in your life. ...
- Find out what assistance is typical. ...
- Develop ideas that benefit both sides. ...
- Get it in writing. ...
- Maintain your sanity.
A generous relocation package covers all moving expenses and will give employees ample time to find their new home. ARC Relocation can help with various factors associated with relocation. This includes finding movers to assist with your employee's relocation, packing and unpacking services, and vehicle shipping.
Are moving costs going down? âș2021 saw the most significant increase in moving costs since 2008, and costs are only rising due to inflation. Inflation affects almost every aspect of moving, including gas prices and storage costs, which are steadily rising.
Are moving costs negotiable? âș
Absolutely! The best method for negotiating with your moving company is to get multiple moving estimates from at least 3 reputable companies. Each estimate should include the same list of items to be moved as well as any additional services like special packing or other charges.
Is $5,000 enough to move out? âșIt's enough money to get you started, but it'll go quickly. You'll have deposits for electricity and rent, then first and last month's rent for starters. So, plan on maybe $500 deposit on where you plan to live, then the cost of rent times two⊠maybe $1600+ for the first and last months rent.
What is the most expensive time of year to move? âșSpring and fall are typically the best seasons to move, as summer can be extreme in some parts of the country, while winter can be extreme in other parts. However, summer is the most expensive time to move.
How much salary increase is worth moving? âșGenerally speaking, a good and reasonable salary increase when changing jobs is between 10-20%. The national average is around 14.8%, so don't be afraid to ask for a similar increase. At a minimum, you should expect a wage growth of at least 5.8% when you change positions.
How are long-distance moving costs calculated? âșMost long-distance movers charge by weight and mileage, so the cost of your move will depend on how large and heavy your shipment is, as well as the distance between pickup and delivery locations.
Do you tip the owner of a moving company? âșIn short, no. There is no industry standard for tipping. âTipping is not required, but greatly appreciated by the movers,â says Hilary Reynolds with All My Sons Moving and Storage.
What is the average profit of a moving company? âșAs a reference, movers make on average $35,000 per year. In addition to movers, you will need a support and administration staff (HR, finance) especially if you create have many employees.
Why is long distance moving so expensive? âșâThere has been an unprecedented number of people leaving the state and hardly anyone moving into California. This has created a major logistical problem for moving companies that rely on a balance of inbound and outbound moves to keep their trucks full,â Carrigan explained.
What are the best months to move? âșAnswer: SeptemberâApril. If cost is your main concern, the best month to move is between September and April. Late fall to early spring is the moving off-season, meaning demand is lower and moving services are more affordable.
How far in advance should you schedule local movers? âșIdeally, two months before your move date. Worse case, at least four weeks, but know that if you only have a month or less before your move, you'll have a limited choice of movers. Most good movers are booked two to three months out.
Can you move a dresser with clothes in it? âș
Even if your dresser is solidly built, you might need to unload it. You should remove and pack separately certain types of belongings. In general, soft things such as clothing, towels, sheets or pillows can remain in the drawers. Just be sure that the drawers aren't overstuffed.
Is 5000 a good relocation package? âșWhile $5,000 upfront might seem like a generous amount, when you consider everything that goes into the cost of relocating, it may fall short and leave your employees frustrated and paying out of pocket.
How do I ask for more money for a relocation package? âș- Research typical relocation packages. The first step is to find out what kinds of relocation assistance are typical for someone in your particular situation. ...
- Assess your own needs. Ask yourself what you might need from a relocation package. ...
- Emphasize mutual benefits.
Reasonable moving expenses may include the cost of the following: Gas or the mileage on your vehicle. Rental trucks. Short-term storage.
Do I have to pay back my relocation expenses? âșThe most common relocation repayment requires repayment in full if termination of employment is within 12 months after relocation or a prorated amount for up to 2 years. If a move is in process when employment ends, unused benefits typically cease immediately.
What is a typical lump sum for a relocation package? âșIf the company was going to cover the entire relocation, they'd offer anywhere from $10,000 - $14,999. So if your company is going to offer you a lump sum, you should expect to see somewhere within that range.
What is a standard lump sum relocation package? âșWhat Is Covered in A Lump Sum Relocation Package? Lump sum packages cover a wide range of moving-related expenses during a relocation. These expenses may include temporary living arrangements, home sale and closing costs, lease breaking, and household goods shipment.
How do you answer a relocation question? âșâI'm happy to consider relocating if the job's a good fit. If there's also an opportunity to work remotely or out of the office in [current location] I'd love to discuss that as well, as that would work best for my current situation because [reason].â
Is moving states expensive? âșHowever, the average cost of moving to another state ranges from $2,500 to $6,500. Long-distance relocations can cost between $1,000 and $9,200, depending on the distance and size of the move, and short, local moves can cost between $700 and $3,000.
Will cost of living decrease soon? âșCaldwell estimates that the inflation rate will average around 1.5% between 2023 and 2025. âWhile consensus has largely given up on the 'transitory' story for inflation, we still think most of the sources of today's high inflation will abate, and even unwind in impact, over the next few years,â Caldwell says.
How do you decide if moving is worth it? âș
- Career growth. ...
- Personal satisfaction. ...
- Opportunity for growth within the company. ...
- Valuable location. ...
- Salary and benefits. ...
- The cost of moving. ...
- Effect on personal relationships. ...
- Other available options.
Most executive relocation packages already cover: The packing and moving of household goods, including vehicles. One or more house-hunting trips. Expenses related to home buying and selling, including closing costs and realtor commissions.
Is $20 000 enough to move? âșDepends where you live, your personal Life Style and if you have any large debts. Basically you should be able to live comfortably for 5 to 6 months without any extra income on 20K. But if you waste money then maybe you need to learn how to best use it first.
Is $7 000 enough to move out? âșYes and no. It's enough money to get you started, but it'll go quickly. You'll have deposits for electricity and rent, then first and last month's rent for starters. So, plan on maybe $500 deposit on where you plan to live, then the cost of rent times twoâŠ
Is 10 thousand enough to move out? âșEnough to pay for three month's rent, utilities, food and transportation. You could manage on $10,000 if you have a steady full time job. If you have a roommate sharing the rent you could manage with less, say $5-$7,000. If you're going to be living in a very high rent area, you'll need more.
What are the worst months to move? âșWorst Months to Move
The busy-season of moving sits between May 15th through September 15th. With the highest prices of the year, seasonal workers, and companies getting booked up way in advance, it might be a good idea to try and move outside of this time-frame.
So, when is the cheapest time to move? Scheduling your move from late September to April will save you the most money. This window of time avoids peak moving season in the summer as well as the high demand for movers in the fall, up to early September.
What is the best day to hire movers? âșIt turns out that the best days to move are between Monday and Thursday, despite Tuesdays being the least popular moving day. There is far less demand for movers making it a cinch to schedule your moving day, and taking the day the off work to get it done will pay off in big ways.
What is a realistic salary increase? âșThe average pay raise is 3%. A good pay raise ranges from 4.5% to 5%, and anything more than that is considered exceptional. Depending on the reasons you cite for a pay raise and the length of time that has passed since your last raise, you could request a raise in the 10% to 20% range.
Is 7% a good salary increase? âșIt's always a good idea to ask for anywhere between 10% to 20% higher than what you're making right now. You may be able to ask for more based on your performance, length of time with the company, and other factors.
How much is a 10k bump in salary? âș
A $10k raise now is worth over $500k, HALF A MILLION DOLLARS, in career earnings if you're working for 30 more years. That figure accounts for inflation, but that's it.
How many miles is considered a long distance move? âșA general rule of thumb for most moving companies is that if a move is over 400 miles, it is considered long-distance. A long-distance move can also be called long-haul moving or interstate moving if you are moving out of one state and into another.
How do you calculate movers? âșOrdinarily, to estimate the relocation costs, you take the estimated time to complete the move and multiply it by the moving company's hourly rate. Then, add the charge for other things like packing material, travel time, and tips if you work with movers.
What is average moving distance? âșThe Distance From Moving Average indicator compares the distance between a security's price and its moving average to identify possible reversals. Zero line crossovers can signal a change in trend. Extreme values either above or below the zero line can signal that the security is due for a correction or rally.
How much does it cost to move into your first apartment 2022? âșFirst Apartment Costs
Budget $6,000 â $12,000 to rent your first apartment. Some back-of-the-napkin math: Studio / One-Bedroom: $1,800 â $2,200. Two-Bedroom: $2,400 â $4,000.
Ordinarily, to estimate the relocation costs, you take the estimated time to complete the move and multiply it by the moving company's hourly rate. Then, add the charge for other things like packing material, travel time, and tips if you work with movers.
How can I save money on moving costs? âș- Estimate the Cost. Online moving calculators are a great way to help gauge approximately how much your move should cost. ...
- Avoid Buying Supplies. ...
- Host a Sale. ...
- Utilize Media Mail. ...
- Establish a Plan B. ...
- Don't Pick the Lowest Bidding Movers. ...
- Pack Strategically. ...
- Cancel Your Utilities.
Off-peak times, such as the spring or after the summer holidays, can usually result in cheaper removal costs too.
What is the cheapest month to move into an apartment? âșThe lowest rental rates are usually found between October and April, particularly right after the December holiday season. Fewer people are interested in movingâthe weather's bad, schools are in session, etc. So individuals renting between the months of December and March typically find the best rental bargains.
Where do movers make the most money? âșHourly rates for movers in the US typically range between $12 and $20 an hour. The average mover salary is $41,483 in Alaska, $41,139 in Washington, and $39,639 in Montana. These are the three highest-paying states for movers in the US.
What is a good profit margin for a moving company? âș
5 Steps for Success and Profit
Most moving companies only profit about 10% when everything's said a done. Some are higher and some are lower obviously⊠But 10% is right about average for profit. If you're really good and you do everything that I mention below, you could see your profit reach close to 20%âŠ
- Lease trucks. ...
- Hire part-time workers. ...
- Network, network, network. ...
- Tighten up your contracts. ...
- Leverage cloud services. ...
- Create a great customer experience. ...
- Ask for testimonials.