What do moving companies do?

Moving companies provide a range of services to help you physically move out of one residence and move into a new place. But moving companies can do so much more than just haul your belongings across town in a truck. The national average for moving company prices ($250-$350 per hour) reflects the range of services provided. Here are examples of all the ways moving companies can help:

Packing: Moving companies can pack your belongings for you. They typically charge a flat rate for both the box and the labor to pack the box. The more time-consuming the belongings are to pack, the higher the cost per box. For example, books could be $5 per box, linens $10 per box, and fine china and glassware $18 per box.
Specialty moving: Safely move a baby grand piano, a oversize aquarium, or other specialty items with the help of pro movers.
Storage: Many moving companies can store your belongings while you wait for a new home to be remodeled or closing of your new home to be finalized. If you’re moving long-distance, they often provide short-term storage free for a specific length of time, and a set rate after that (such as $60 per square cubic foot of storage space used).
Long-distance moves: No need to rent a trailer and move your things; a long-distance moving company can haul your belongings across the country for you. Typically they charge by the cubic foot for moves, with prices based on your destination.
Unpacking: Moving companies can even unpack your belongings for you after they have moved them. This is not as common, and will definitely increase the price, but can be helpful if you’re not able to tackle this task yourself.

How much does a moving company charge per hour?

When you’re ready to make a major move, it’s time to research moving companies’ prices. A moving company may charge on average anywhere between $25 and $100 per hour, per worker, for moving services. The price will vary with regional labor rates, local cost to do business, and the level of service the movers are providing. Nationally, the average hourly rate for a moving company is $250-$350 per hour. This price includes a range of pricing, from all-in service with four or more movers on site to standard hourly rates for one or two movers. Other factors that affect moving companies’ prices are packing, stairs (or elevators), and distance. For a full-service move, you pay movers to pack your belongings for you. You may pay for the cost of the moving boxes and an hourly rate per worker, and there may be additional charges for packing fragile items. Stairs will also add to your moving prices. Lifting and carrying boxes and furniture up and down stairs takes more time and creates more physical labor for the workers. Moving companies may charge flat rates for flights of stairs, such as $50-$70 per flight. A moving company may also charge a one-time fee for moving things via elevator, such as $75-$100. If parking is not accessible in front of your home or apartment building, there may also be an additional fee for the added distance to carry your belongings to the truck.

Kaycie T.

Verified review

Excellent movers! Movers were kind, hard working, quick, on time, and even asked for extra ways to help with our remaining time: like setting up beds and taking down boxes. We will use this great company again! Highly recommended!!

Emily H.

Top Shelf answered my last minute request after Double J movers cancelled on me last minute (day before). I'm grateful for their flexibility and professionalism - glad the other guys cancelled!

Alex K.

These guys are awesome. Great rates and fast response. Showed up on time and worked at a fast pace, while being careful with every single item. I've used many movers in the past and these guys and they are amongst the best. Definitely recommend!!!!

Breana M.

Great experience with Cube Moving! The owner was very responsive in preperation, promptly answering all questions and calls. The gentlemen that showed up for the move were polite, efficient, honest, and did their best to wrap and protect all of our belongings. Upon initial evaluation of our items, they were honest about the estimated time the whole move would take and worked to meet it. They were prompt, took no breaks, hussled, and were the opposite of all the horror stories I have been made to believe about doddling movers intentionally trying to increase time. Great team!

Yvonne L.

Michael and his son were xactually what I was looking for. I just needed a few movers to help move some heavy furniture. While packing my containers they were very helpful and did way more than what was expected. Very professional. I would highly recommend them. Thanks guys!

Julia M.

If you are looking for the best professional and quality movers, then seriously look no further!! I hired Joel and his movers last minute because my other movers cancelled on me (and now I am glad they did). Although it was a bit hectic trying to find someone so last second, Joel made the process stress-free and he was very easy to communicate with. Joel and his movers showed up early and got to work quickly. I highly recommend them and I look forward to hiring them again for my future moves.

Latanya B.

The movers called half an hour before arriving, and when they arrived, they were on time, professional, and efficient. A screw in my television was stripped and couldn't be detached. Instead of dismissing the issue, one of the movers was very adament about releasing it from the wall attachment and was successful. There was also damage to a piece of furniture, and Daniel made it a point to come fix it himself, as the damage was not covered by insurance. I'd definitely recommend Reliable Movers!

Yvette G.

The Valezquez Movers made our move from San Diego to Texas seamless! The Valezquez Movers were timely, professional and managed their time to complete the job efficiently. I would use this company again and recommend to family or friends.

Liza K.

We hired Move Central to move and pack our 4 bedroom house. The movers were on time and they worked really hard to finish the move as fast as they can but at the same time not to damage any of our belongings. We could tell that the movers are experienced and know what they are doing. In general, it was very easy to work with Move Central. I would definitely recommend this company to anyone who needs moving services.

Cindy M.

First let me say this has been a very difficult long distance move for myself and my family. Allen & his guys were beyond great and lifted so much weight off our shoulders. The window of pick up was easy and when they delivered our furniture & boxes everything was the same way, no damages or scratches! The guys were friendly, fast & professional. I definitely have recommended Cloud9 Movers to a few people who are in the moving process as well.

Lakia C.

These guys showed up 2 hours after I had movers bail on me!! I found them on Thumbtack and they arrived so quickly- even early! I was incredibly stressed, but Luis and Gilbert moved quickly and confidently. They were truly professional throughout and never stopped moving. They were worth every dollar, and I would hire them again in an instant!! You won’t regret choosing them!!

Cindy F.

Our trip was from Irvine to Lake Elisnore. Both of the movers (Edward and Adrian) went above and beyond to make sure all items were packed safely. So far we are on the 2nd day of unpacking and nothing has been broken or scratched. These guys worked really hard to protect our furniture and boxed items, almost 85% of the boxes were marked fragile items, plus some of the items were really heavy to load. We really appreciated their help and we would highly recommend them. Thanks again! CF.

Said L.

These movers are the best of the best our there! Everything from start to finish went as sooth as could be, which was a huge relief to me as I was wrapping up my job and had a ton going on at the end of February when I used Easy Movers to help. Carlos and his crew of 2 movers (in addition to him) were super efficient and clearly knew what they were doing. I loved how they wrapped the chairs, dressers, nightstands, etc. carefully in plastic so they wouldn't deteriorate in the storage unit I moved into. The boxes and furniture I had ready to go went in the truck and right to the storage unit - no time wasted. When we arrived to the storage facility and I couldn't figure out the key lock in my personal unit, they even helped with that, which was extra nice. It's sometimes difficult to weed through moving companies online trying to find ones that aren't overpriced, and I feel like I hit the jackpot with Easy Movers! This is actually the second time I've used them (previous time was August 2013) and will continue to use them again when the need arises without hesitation. They're easy to work with, professional and very experienced. I cannot recommend them enough - they truly made my moving experience hassle-free!

Daniel S.

I hired 3 movers with reasonable rate. They came on time. Max and other two movers are very kind. Actually I felt working with my old friends. They made me very comfortable and relaxed during moving. They know what customer wants. they are really professional movers. I recommend Credo Moving very strongly. Thanks! Max

Michelle L.

I'm so glad I discovered this business! My best moving experience ever! My movers were Anton, Tim and Vadim, these guys rock! Fast, careful, funny and totally know what they are doing!

Nurlan T.

There are no words to describe the Pro movers group company. This company is one of the best in San Diego. The movers are super friendly, professional, experienced and accurate. Pulled up in time and took care of all stuff. There is no doubt that I'll use their service in the future and highly recommend them to all my friends and people who wants careful and professional moving service.

Cindy L.

These guys were wonderful and very respectful of my property and myself. My project was moving a large piece of furniture up a tight staircase without incident. They did all of that and more. They took time to do some installation of the feet of the unit and did a great job of that too. I wish I had found these guys weeks earlier when I hire company X and then needed to hire a painter to repair the walls and repaint after their botched job. Please give these brothers a try and you will be as pleased as I am.

Encinitas, CA182 Local Movers near you

Answer a few questions

Get quotes

Hire the right pro

Encinitas Local Movers

Kaycie T.

Emily H.

Alex K.

Allen R.

Breana M.

Yvonne L.

Julia M.

Lauren F.

Latanya B.

Toni S.

Yvette G.

Liza K.

Cindy M.

Lakia C.

Cindy F.

Said L.

Daniel S.

Michelle L.

Nurlan T.

Naomi M.

Cindy L.

What do moving companies do?

How much does a moving company charge per hour?

Actual Requests

See other requests for local movers in Encinitas

“Need a Local Moving Service (under 50 miles)”

Related cost information

Trending in Encinitas

You might also like

In other nearby areas