Last minute movers near you

You may be able to book movers on the same day of your move. However, some professional movers may limit last-minute availability and charge higher rates for urgent moves. If you have time, get a few cost estimates to help ensure you’re paying a lower (yet fair) price. 

Also, don’t skip your research. Always do your due diligence to verify that your mover has a license, insurance, and good reviews.

When looking for a professional last-minute mover, make sure you complete the following steps: 

• Verify their license and insurance: Moving companies should have business licenses, register their trucks with the Department of Transportation, hire drivers with commercial drivers' licenses and maintain liability insurance. Requirements depend on your local area so be sure to do your research. Visit the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FCSMA) and your state’s movers association to see if your mover is authorized. 

• Get several estimates: The quotes should specify how much time the move is expected to take, any surcharges for fragile or extra-heavy items and whether packing is included.

• Read their reviews: It's a good sign if people say the movers were timely, careful, worked efficiently, had a positive attitude and charged a reasonable price.

• Ask important questions: For example, ask how they will protect furniture and fragile items, if they will assist with packing or unpacking boxes, and how much notice is needed before the move.

For more tips, visit Thumbtack’s Smart Hiring page. 

Some may work on weekends (including Sundays), holidays and at night, but their availability typically depends on a few factors:

• Weekend availability: Movers typically have busy schedules on weekends, so book ASAP to grab a Saturday or Sunday spot.

• Holiday schedules: Moving companies operating on holidays may charge you more on those days than during off-peak times.

• Nighttime moving: Some professional movers offer evening or overnight moving services to accommodate busy schedules.

Keep in mind that, last-minute movers may accept short-notice bookings, but these urgent services may come with a surcharge.

If you hire a last-minute mover to transport your belongings today, follow these tips for a smooth move:

• Ask friends, family or neighbors to help you pack. It’s best to be as packed up and ready as possible, but you can ask your move if they offer packing services and materials.

• Pack smart. For example, pack an essentials bag with toiletries, important documents, devices and chargers to keep with you through the move. Also, pack the most important items first, in case you need to leave anything behind. 

• Use what you have. Pack soft, lightweight items in garbage bags. Use suitcases, laundry baskets, dresser drawers and reusable shopping bags for the rest.

• Give your movers all important details. For a stress-free move, make sure your movers know where they can park their trucks, if parking permits are needed, what elevator to use (if applicable) and how much stuff you have.

The cheapest days to hire a moving company tend to be weekdays, especially Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. If your busy schedule allows, find out if you can save money by scheduling your last-minute move on a weekday instead of the weekend.

Yes, many moving companies offer hourly rates or flat rates for small jobs like unloading a moving truck or transporting one or two items across town. You can look for last-minute movers in your area that offer labor-only, small move or single-item services.

Before you hire a moving company by the hour, ask:

• Is there a minimum time requirement? Some movers require a two- or three-hour minimum. 

• Is a flat rate or hourly rate better for your move? Flat rates allow you to approve the exact cost before the job starts. With hourly rates, you risk underestimating how long the move will take.   

• Can pros move specific items like pianos or hot tubs? Some movers may not be able to accommodate special items like pianos or hot tubs in a short timeframe as these pieces are heavier and more susceptible to damage.

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.