Let’s Talk Real Numbers
Moving to a new home is a massive milestone in your life, but the logistics of relocating can quickly become a huge source of stress. One of the most significant decisions you’ll need to make during your move is to rent a truck and handle everything yourself DIY style, hire a professional moving company, or hire a local moving company.
While DIY moving can be an affordable option, hiring professional movers means convenience, expertise, and safety along with the opportunity costs of your personal time.
We are here to help you to understand the costs involved with hiring local movers and why timing your booking is so important. Expect to pay between $1500 to $3000 if you are moving less than 70 miles from your current home and using a pro team.
Understanding the Costs Behind Hiring Local Movers
The cost of hiring local movers depends on the move size, the distance needed to travel, the time of year you need to move, and the professional level of service you choose to book.
From experience, it is better to spend a little more, but know you are working with the pros. Local moves are defined as those happening within the same city or within a 70-100-mile radius (company rules).
While prices will differ greatly from one moving company to another, understanding the general pricing structure and how things work here will help you prepare for the expense and plan accordingly.
1. Hourly Fees
For most local moves in the city, moving companies charge via an hourly rate. This rate on average is around $80 to $150 per hour for two movers and a professional truck, depending on the company, location, and time of year. More movers will be needed for larger homes, which will increase the hourly rate significantly as this is not simple laborers.
Pricing ideas and timing:
- Studio apartment / 1-bedroom: 2 movers for about 3-5 hours
- 2-bedroom apartment or small house: 3 movers for 5-7 hours
- 3-bedroom house or larger: 4 or more movers for 7-10+ hours
Keep in mind that additional hours are usually charged on a per-hour basis. For example, if the move takes longer than estimated due to your things not being packed up right or hard to disassemble items, you could pay way more. It is important to budget for these fluctuations.
2. Flat Rate or Fixed Price: What To Book?
Moving companies might offer a flat-rate price option, which is ideal for customers who prefer to know exactly how much they’ll be paying, but this can also fool you.
Flat rates are based on the size of the home, the number of items being moved, and the estimated time it will take to complete the move. They may not tell you about all the hidden fees such as tricky entrance extra fees, extra large truck costs, and more. Make sure to ask ahead.
For local moves, a flat rate can range from $500 to $2,500 or more.
- A one-bedroom apartment might run around $500 to $600.
- A two- to three-bedroom home ranges from $800 to $1,500.
- A larger home with 4+ bedrooms could cost $1,500 to $2,000+.
While a flat rate can give a better sense of the total cost upfront, keep in mind that any additional fees and services, you will need to really know the total.
3. Additional Services and Fees
Here is where the local moving companies make their Christmas gift money. Moving companies offer many services to make your move easier, but these services come with a lot of sometimes hidden extra costs. Here are some common add-ons that could increase your bill that you should inquire about:
- VIP Packing Services: If you want the movers to pack and unpack your items for you, this can add anywhere from $200 to $500 or more to the total cost. Packing materials (boxes, bubble wrap, tape, etc.) are also charged an additional fee even if you take the full package. When factoring in this cost, think about the opportunity cost of your personal time.
- Fragile Items: Moving large or fragile items such as surfboards pianos, ceramic art, or large electronic systems means extra fees. These range from $100 to $500, depending on the complexity of the move. Anything like this you can personally pack and bring with you can help you save.
- Stair Fees: If the movers have to handle tricky stairs and the elevator isn’t really helpful, expect an additional $50 to $100 charge per flight of stairs, particularly for higher floors, as the time this will take adds to their daily rates.
- Long Carry: If the moving truck can’t park directly under your home and the movers need to carry your belongings a longer distance to reach the truck, there may be a long carry fee that adds up to $50 to $100+. These are the types of things that are important to understand ahead of time to avoid surprises.
- Tipping: Tipping your movers is a must. While it’s not technically mandatory, it’s appreciated and very much expected. Depending on the move size, it typically costs from $50 to $100 per mover.
4. Timing
The cost of hiring movers will vary greatly based on the time of year and weekends versus weekdays. Moving companies are busiest during the peak moving season from May to September so they feel comfortable jacking up their rates by as much as 20-30%. Try to avoid this period if you can to save big.
During fall and winter, you will find better rates and more flexible availability. That being said, weather conditions can be an issue during winter months, so it’s important to factor that into your planning.
Weekends and the beginning and end of the month are the busiest times for moving companies since these are the times that home contracts usually end, which may also means higher prices due to more demand.
Why You Should Book Your Local Moving Company ASAP
While it’s tempting to wait until the last minute to book a moving company as you want to leave all options open, waiting too long means missed opportunities, higher prices, and more stress. Here’s why it’s crucial to book ASAP:
1. Availability of Movers
Professional moving companies book up quickly, especially during peak seasons and weekends. If you wait until the last minute, your best movers are already fully booked, leaving you with fewer and worse options..
2. Better Rates
Booking early can also help you secure better rates, it’s not just a gimmick. Many moving companies offer discounts for early bookings, especially if you can plan your move months in advance.
3. Avoid Hidden Fees
When you book at the last minute, you will be susceptible to last-minute pricing, which means hidden fees or rush charges. By booking in advance, you give yourself time to review the moving company’s policies and prices to compare and have a bargaining chip.
Tips for Booking Your Local Movers From The Pros
- Get Multiple Quotes: Info is power. This gives you a better idea of the going rates in your local area and helps you avoid overpaying.
- Read Reviews: This will help you gauge the reliability and quality of the company.
- Check for Licensing and Insurance: Be sure that the moving company is properly licensed and insured. This is important for your protection..
- Ask About Extra Charges: Ask about any potential extra charges that may apply, such as stair fees, long carry fees, or packing materials, as listed above. No hidden fees for you!
- Book Early: If you have a specific move date in mind with your new contracts for the home, book your movers as soon as possible! This is especially true if you’re moving during the busy season.
Local Movers Wrapped
Hiring a local moving company such as Pricing Van Lines will make your move more efficient and less stressful. Understanding the costs and booking with us early is key to locking the best rates and discounts.
By knowing the pricing structure, preparing for extra charges to avoid them, and booking in advance, your move will go smoothly without breaking the bank! Head to our simple website and book your local movers today for a real binding quote that gets you the best of the best!
Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance do I need to book my local movers?
At least 4-6 weeks in advance is best, especially if you’re moving during peak season. Booking early gives you the best chance to lock down your dates and avoid higher rates.
How much do local movers cost?
For a 1-bedroom apartment, you can expect to pay between $300 and $600 for a local move but this depends on factors like distance and items moved. This price includes the cost of 2 movers and a truck for about 3-5 hours.
Are there any hidden costs when hiring local movers?
Tips, packing materials, long carry fees, stair fees, or charges for special fragile items. Always ask for a detailed estimate and ask about these fees in specific in writing.
Do I need to tip my movers?
Yes, it is expected. The standard tip is $50 to $100 per mover, depending on the service provided.
What’s the best time of year to move locally?
The best time to move locally is during the off-season, during fall or winter and mid-week. During this time, rates are lower, and moving companies are less busy. Avoiding weekends and the beginning or end of the month can also keep things in budget.
