Q & A

Answers to commonly asked questions from the experts on Thumbtack.

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.

How much does it cost for long-distance movers?

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.

How much does it cost to move a one-bedroom apartment across the country?

Professional movers can handle the hard work of moving your one-bedroom apartment across the country for you. You can determine what your move will cost by learning the rate your movers charge per cubic foot and how they factor distance into the total cost. Cross-country movers typically charge based on your belongings rather than apartment size because that determines how much work they will have to do. For example, a studio apartment that is crammed full of things will take more work and moving truck space than the contents of a three-bedroom apartment with very little furniture.

Cross-country movers may also have varying rates, depending on where in the country you are moving. For example, a company may charge $5 per cubic foot for consolidated moves along the East Coast and $6 per cubic foot for consolidated moves from the East Coast to the central states or the West Coast. A one-bedroom apartment costs approximately $1,500 to move across the country.

How much does it cost to move across the country?

The national average cost for hiring cross-country movers is $1,490-$2,220. A number of factors can affect the cost. One factor is the distance you want to move. For example, an East Coast-based moving company may charge $5 per cubic foot for consolidated moves along the East Coast and $6 per cubic foot for consolidated moves from the East Coast to the central states or the West Coast. Another factor is how many belongings you have. Most cross-country movers charge by the cubic foot.

The type of move you want is another consideration in cost. You can have your belongings moved exclusively and delivered on a set day, or you can opt for a consolidated move, which is less expensive. In a consolidated move your belongings are stored and transported with the goods of other customers who are moving to your general vicinity during the same general time frame as you. Your belongings should arrive within a one- to two-week window, rather than on a set day. If you want the cross-country movers to pack your belongings for you, the cost will also increase.

Kerin D.

Verified review

I needed to move a very large, heavy display case from one store to it's new home on the fourth floor downtown. I'd called countless companies to move the case, but all declined for one reason or another. But, from the start, my interaction with Supportive Services Moving was professional and honest, and they worked very hard to accommodate my request. Even though it was a very difficult piece to move and we ran into quite a few obstacles, the two-man team were careful and determined to get it done. I was incredibly impressed with both of them, and I would absolutely recommend them to anyone!

Kendra K.

These guys did a great job getting us from Portland to Spokane. Don't let the larger moving companies tell you that they're the only option. Nick and Shane packed our stuff into the truck PERFECTLY, and Nick was responsive, timely, and honest.

Kristin V.

Our moving friend-help fell through and we needed just a couple hours of assistance unloading our UHaul truck at the other end of our move. Not an easy task to find that kind of help last minute, and on the last Saturday of the month! So many moving companies offer only full-service and have 5-hour weekend minimums. I sent out all sorts of inquiries, but didn't hear a whole lot back until I found 503 Moving Labor Services through Thumbtack. Larry got back to me right away and was a great communicator throughout the whole process. He and another mover were right on time, so friendly, helpful, quick and professional. The price was super reasonable and worth every penny. 503 Moving really saved the day for us--we were totally exhausted. Would recommend 100% with no reservations. Thanks again for the last minute save, Larry & co!

Tim B.

Robert gave me an exact date and time for dropoff during a 2,500 mile move-- and delivered! How many moving companies can do that? He was personable and professional, and worked quickly. GREAT service.

Ingrid D.

Thanks for coming through for us, even when we changed the date to one when everyone else was closed you offered to help - This is very much appreciated, more than you can imagine! The guys were on time, friendly, worked hard and had this small move done in a jiffy. I will recommend you to anyone who needs a moving company ~ Have a Happy and Prosperous 2015

Grae A.

My experience with QAR Moving was wonderful. Jose and Emmanuel were early, friendly and quick. I had much more to move than I expected and they helped me tape up some boxes. They were super professional and placed boxes and items in their proper room and even set things up again (such as my bed!). I will say that I felt it was a good value for the money paid. However, please note that if you need packing tape, you will be charged and I was also charged for shrink wrap. I found the latter to be a little unusual, since shrink wrap is usually very necessary for a few household items. Overall, I’d recommend this company!!

Joshua M.

Wow! The best movers I have ever hired! I am in the Real state business, I have hired a dozen or more of labor movers in the last year. PNW MOVING is the best! I highly recommend them. They were on time, fast, safe, and very professional! Josh & Roy were so kind. And so understanding, they picked up my piano like it wieghed nothing. They packed my whole house under 5 hours. I told them I had a 8 hour budget, and they surpised me so much! They saved me money and time, I even took the guise out tk eat after wards! They loaded the truck so well and professional, everything was wrapped, tied down, safety moved. I actually hired then again a few days later for a move for my client, this time I hired 6 PNW Moving guiee and wow. They are so amazing. A++++++++ all the way.

Mark R.

All on the crew were courteous, professional and took good care of our belongings. When moving into the new house, they were thoughtful and responsive in placing items in the correct room, rearranging within reason, etc.

Tony B.

These guys are truly amazing and Anthony one of the movers is very professional, funny and extremely helpful. I have hired amazing moving three times now and highly recommend their services for your moving needs.

Sophia B.

Dealing with moving companies used to be the most upsetting, unpleasant experiences of my life, until I had the pleasure to do business with Castro Movers. Unlike most moving companies I know or have heard of, Alex and the Castro Movers team is extremely professional, a team who sees the importance of business integrity, yet, affordable. The whole process went smoothly, and the price was exactly as quoted. They did everything they said they would, in a very careful and thorough way. I strongly recommend this company and would definitely use it again.

Shanna B.

Excellent service all around. The guys showed up on time for our carpet project, worked fast and furiously all day long and were able to finish in a day so we could move into our new house. Top notch and quality work!

Robert K.

Experience from start to finish was flawless: I called and spoke to a sweet woman who asked me tons of questions about the furniture that needed to be moved and how many rooms, etc. The day of moving arrived and 4 of the movers arrived to my home. I had a huge sigh of relief when these 4 guys didn't match the awful image I had imagined in my head. They were AMAZING! All 4 of them introduced themselves to me and shook my hand. Carlos headed up the operation and we started by walking the house, "named each room", then the guys quickly put together a game plan. Before I knew it, wardrobe boxes were in front of all the closets, they were taking them out to the truck just as quickly as I was packing them. Matt was wrapping and securing furniture. Hector was doing some crazy heavy lifting. Jon was working hard downstairs bringing items out to the truck. These 4 had a FLAWLESS system. Prior to meeting them, I had a concern that they may take their time moving because they are being paid hourly. Within the 1st 5 mins of them getting started, I knew I had nothing to worry about. It was a huge relief. I asked if they would mind if I played some music, all agreed that was fine. We packed, secured and sang! Within a few hours the house was empty! I called my husband, SHOCKED! We arrived at the new house, Carlos rounded up the troops and together we walked the new house. Jon labeled each room so the guys knew where each box would be. My son and I were starving and we figured the guys would be getting hungry too so we went out and picked up a family portion of Chinese food. When we got back I made the guys take a quick break to eat some lunch. Of course I was more than happy to have the clock still going because I was so appreciative of how hard these guys were working. After a quick lunch, it was back to work. They didn't mind moving dressers around if I didn't like the spot it was originally placed. By the end of the day, these 4 guys and myself became friends. Carlos, Hector, Matt and Jon are PHENOMENAL and I HIGHLY RECOMMEND Budget Movers! Thanks guys for making our 1st moving company experience amazing! My family appreciates you guys.

Andrew K.

When individuals like Rikki and Austin show up with a package you've been eagerly awaiting, it's like there the exemplification of Santa Claus for adults. These two were incredibly kind, and their smiles were infectious. They were willing and able to get our package into a corner office in our non-profit -- something that we are beyond grateful for. From the PDX Movers company perspective, I loved being introduced to this team and organization. Courteous, fun, and organized are three adjectives that come to mind -- from the confirmation calls to the staff experience to the delivery being both on time and safely delivered. I couldn't have asked for any more; to the people who read this review, you won't have to expect any less.

Shelby C.

The Priority Moving Services team was exceptional to work with from beginning to end! Mychal was able to schedule my move with only 2 days notice. The guys were punctual, professional, personable and took very special care of my belongings. They took time to wrap important items, however, they worked effeciently! If I need to move at anytime in the future, they will definately be my first call!

Michael L.

Without a doubt this move was the most difficult in our life. The reasons are too numerous to mention, but much of it was because of the desire to downsize and simplify. And doing that is a painful process. We have crammed tons of furniture into an old family farm house. We think O'Neill Transfer and Storage did an incredible job. We are very happy we chose them from a number of companies. Their moving crew, especially the two Mikes, went well beyond the extra miles. They were very polite, alway had a "can do" attitude, and we're very careful and respectful of our stuff, including irreplaceable precious antiques. We cannot give enough kudos to these two Mikes. Thank you to the two Bradleys and the two Mikes!

Meagan C.

Jay and his associate, I forgot the name, were great. I will definitely recommend and use them again next year. They were quick and efficient with moving my belongings. There were a couple blemishes but I did not expect everything to be perfect. Their supervisor called me after the move was completed and provided a discount on my next move for the minor issues. I appreciate feeling valued as a customer. The movers worked their butts off. Again, I will recommend and use again.

Jeremy H.

Great Nation Moving seems to be a pretty popular moving company, so I'd recommend calling as early as possible in order to get your desired move date. Setting up the move was very easy and GNM had no issues when we wanted to change our move to a later date. Our crew was scheduled to arrive between 8-9am on 6/20 and they showed up right around 8:30am. We had a four man crew, all were super polite and were extremely helpful getting our place ready for the move (we were mostly packed, but due to some issues with our house we hadn't completely finished). They wrapped all of our furniture and helped us pack the last few things that we needed. I thought that they did a great job, especially considering the limited space in our town home. We also had some things at a storage unit and they took care of those things quickly and without complaints. All in all I was very pleased with the loading process. Unloading at our house they didn't have to navigate the maze that is my former town home had. They made a real effort to make sure that everything was unloaded in its proper place (not always as easy as it sounds when you don't even know where to place items yet). For all the issues that we've had getting set up in our new place, it was really nice to have something finally go really smoothly. We had a great experience with Great Nation Moving and we'd definitely hire them again. From start to finish it was a 5 day turn around to Houston, Texas.

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When using our services, not only are you in very experienced and capable hands, it is our main mission to exceed all expectations that you may have. Our customer serviced based team is ready and willing to assist in any and all of your moving needs.

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