How much does it cost to hire movers for a local or short-distance move?
The national average cost to hire local movers ranges from around $108 to $125 an hour,* according to Thumbtack data.
There are several factors that might impact the cost, including:
Total distance: A longer distance usually means a higher price.
Packing services: This may require extra time, supplies and crew members.
Volume: The more boxes and furniture the movers have the move, the longer it will likely take — and the more you may pay.
Heavy items: Anything heavy or awkward to load may require extra crew members, which may increase the price.
Day of the week and time of year: Demand is often higher on weekends and during the summer. Ask your movers if there’s a more affordable time to move in your area, and try to plan your move around that window.
You might be able to save money on your project with these tips:
Do your own packing and unpacking. Skip paying for additional packing services and DIY this part of your move.
Have enough moving supplies. Ask around for free boxes. For example, visit local businesses or see if your neighbors have boxes they’re not planning to reuse.
Move mid-week: If you can, move during a less popular time when prices are lower. For example, you might see lower rates if you choose to move on a Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday. Check with your pro to find out.
Get several custom quotes: Contact short-distance movers to compare rates and help be sure you’re paying a fair price.
*Data on file at Thumbtack. For a personalized cost estimate, request a quote from a professional.
What is considered a local or short-distance move?
Typically, a local or short-distance move would be at or under 50 miles. A long-distance move can be categorized in the following ways:
Intrastate move: The start and end locations are within the same state, and the travel route never crosses state lines.
Out-of-state move: The start and end locations are in different states, or the travel route crosses state lines.
The type of move typically affects the pricing structure: hourly or fixed. In many cases, pros charge hourly rates for local moves. Meanwhile, long-distance movers tend to have fixed or flat rates that are influenced by the distance, weight and other factors.
Moving companies may have different guidelines for local moves, such as a smaller or larger radius. Contact local movers near you for a custom quote.
What should I look for when hiring local movers?
When hiring a local moving company, make sure you complete the following steps:
Verify their license and insurance: Movers often need a business license, transportation license, liability insurance and other certifications. Requirements depend on your local area and whether the move will cross state lines, so be sure to do your research.
Get several estimates: Local moving companies often charge by the hour, but make sure you confirm this with your pro. Ask to see all fees upfront to avoid any surprises. For example, ask them to include any gas or mileage fees.
Read their reviews: Look for local movers with a reputation for showing up on time, working efficiently and protecting valuables.
Find out if they have warranties or guarantees: What can you do if you're not happy with the move? Try to hire a mover who can guarantee resources if your belongings become damaged or lost during the move.
Ask important questions: For example, ask if they have to take apart furniture and if they will put it back together, if they charge extra for moving furniture around once it's inside and how they protect fragile items.
For more tips, visit Thumbtack’s Smart Hiring page.
How far in advance should I hire 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 considered peak moving season, according to the American Moving & Storage Association. If you’re moving during this time, hire movers as far in advance as possible.
How much do you tip movers?
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.
Should I buy moving insurance?
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.
What do full-service moving companies provide?
Full-service moving companies can help take the stress out of moving by supplying a moving truck and handling your entire move from start to finish. These professional movers can also provide packing services, materials and supplies. Full-service movers also load your belongings into the truck, drive it to your new home, unload the truck and (in some cases) offer to help you unpack your belongings. If you're interested in hiring full-service movers, compare the top-rated movers near you and ask for estimates.
