Affordable movers near you

Yes, a moving company's quote isn't always set in stone — and you may be able to negotiate. to get your moving costs down. Here are a few things to consider when negotiating your price:

• Pick the best day and time: Peak seasons and weekends can drive up costs. Ask your mover if there’s a weekday or off-peak time that can help lower your moving expenses.

• Skip additional services: Only pay for what you need. If you only need help with specific tasks, like heavy lifting or moving particular items, ask if they can provide a rate that reflects just those services rather than a full-service move.

• Skip packing materials: Some movers might add extra fees for supplies like boxes, tape, and bubble wrap. Ask if you can lower the cost by supplying your own packing materials.

• Get multiple quotes: Compare estimates from different companies and see if one can match or beat a competitor’s offer.

With a little bit of negotiating, you may find affordable moving services that fit within your budget.

Many affordable movers provide basic packing materials such as boxes, tape, bubble wrap and furniture pads as part of their service. However, this can vary depending on the moving company. Some may charge extra for these items, especially if you need specialty materials like large boxes, custom crating or extra protection for delicate belongings.

If you want to save on costs, you can get your own packing materials. But just know: using professional-grade supplies may offer better protection.

Before signing on the dotted line, ask the moving company what’s included and whether any additional fees apply for packing materials.

When planning a move on a budget, timing is key. Booking in advance can help increase your chances of securing the right pro at the right price. 

If you’re moving during peak seasons like summer or the end of the month, aim to book at least two months in advance. These times are in high demand, and last-minute bookings may leave you with fewer options outside of your budget.

Want to work with a popular or well-reviewed moving company? Try to book as early as possible. Contact the company at least two months in advance to snag your spot. These companies may have limited availability, especially during busy times.

Follow these tips to help you verify whether an affordable moving company is legitimate and reputable:

• Check for proper licensing and insurance: Be sure the moving company has a valid license and insurance coverage to protect your belongings during the move. You can verify licensing through sources like the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), or your state’s licensing board.

• Review profiles and ratings: Look at the company's profile, read their customer reviews, and compare their ratings. Good movers typically have strong, consistent and recent positive reviews from previous clients. You can also ask the company for references as backup.

• Request detailed estimates: Ask for itemized estimates that clearly outline the costs. Avoid companies that provide vague or low-ball quotes without details or an explanation.

• Confirm company details: Verify the company’s physical address, phone number and other contact info to ensure they are a real business and can be reached if necessary.

Visit Thumbtack's Smart Hiring Page for more information on how to avoid scams and ensure moving companies are legitimate.

When accounting for moving costs, you can generally expect to pay around $30 to $50 per mover, per hour. However, these costs could change and you should compare movers in your city to estimate the true cost of your move.

Moving companies usually provide a team of at least two individuals depending on the size of the job and the objects to be moved. This hourly rate also changes with driving distance. And, moving specialty objects such as pianos can also drive up the cost. Some moving companies may provide a free estimate even offer a flat rate if the job.

For more information on moving costs, read Thumbtack’s cost guide on movers.

Book movers at least two months in advance for a local move and at least four months in advance for a cross-country move. If you’re moving during the off-season, it’s best to book movers about four to eight weeks in advance. Factor in an extra two to three weeks if you have antiques or valuables that are difficult to transport.

May through September is typically considered peak moving season. If you’re moving during this time, hire movers as far in advance as possible.

Local moves are among the most common moves. Unlike a long-distance move, a local move is typically less than 50 miles and does not cross state lines. Generally, a local move only takes one day, and movers tend to charge by the hour. 

The definition of a long-distance move may vary depending on the moving company. Generally, a long-distance considered to be any move of 400 miles or more. However, some say a long-distance move is over 50-100 miles. 

Interstate moves require additional legal preparation and will incur additional costs for distance, the amount and weight of your items, the preparation required and various other factors. Moving companies tend to do an initial weighing of the truck, which you should be present for.

A move that crosses state lines is considered an interstate move or an out-of-state move. Contrast this with an intrastate move, which begins and ends in the same state, but is typically above 50 miles. 

To determine whether your move is local or long-distance, contact the best movers in your area.

Long-distance movers transport your belongings across the country for you. No more renting a trailer and road-tripping from state to state with your entire house hitched to your bumper. Long-distance movers make the move happen so you can fly to your new home, suitcase in hand, and wait for your furniture to arrive. Nationally, the average price range for long-distance movers is $1,490-$2,230. The distance you are moving and the number of cubic feet the movers have to transport will both affect cost. Another factor in long-distance moving costs is whether you choose to pay for an exclusive move or a consolidated move.

In an exclusive move, which is more expensive, your belongings are the only cargo on the moving truck. The movers travel directly to your new house and deliver your belongings on a scheduled day. A consolidated move is more affordable because the movers transport your belongings along with those of other people, saving them time and gas — which means you save money. The downside is that your belongings typically arrive with a two-week delivery window rather than on a prescheduled day. Read reviews to make sure you can trust the company with your possessions to ensure a peaceful moving process.

Your homeowners or renters insurance policy may or may not protect your belongings if they get lost or damaged during a move. If you’re moving valuable items, or if you’re moving a great distance, it could be a good idea to invest in moving insurance.

Interstate movers are required to offer you full value protection and released value protection to help reimburse you in case of damage or loss. If you’re moving within your state, check with your state’s consumer affairs agency to see if your state has rules and requirements regarding moving insurance and valuation coverage.

It’s recommended that you tip your movers individually around $4 to $5 per hour. For example, if a team of four movers spends a half-day (four hours) on your move, tip each mover $20. Or, some people tip 5% to 10% of their total bill for small moves and 15% to 20% for larger moves.

If you’re moving across state lines, you may hire different crews to load and unload your goods. In that case, divide the tips between both crews. It’s also a good rule of thumb to add a bit extra for tipping movers if you have special circumstances that have made the move harder, like a spiral staircase or an exceptionally heavy sofa.