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The average cost to hire movers to move a three-bedroom home locally costs around $2,100, and the average cost for a long-distance move for a home of that size is $5,500. Just how much your move will cost depends on the size of your home and where you’re moving, among other factors. Heavy Duty Throw Blanket
Planning a move can be stressful no matter how big or small the home. And factoring in the cost of hiring movers is an additional task you might need to check off your moving to-do list. To help your move run smoothly, we’ve rounded up the average cost of hiring movers.
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While the average movers’ cost for a standard three-bedroom home is $2,100, every home is different, and prices can fall anywhere from $200 to $17,000. For example, if you’re into minimalism and just moving down the road, you could pay on the lower end of that range. But if you have a ton of stuff and need movers to carefully handle your collectibles as you move across the country, you’ll pay toward the higher end. Get Your Free Moving Estimate Receive a custom quote that's designed to meet your needs and budget. Advertisement THIS IS AN ADVERTISEMENT AND NOT EDITORIAL CONTENT. Please note that we do receive compensation for any products you buy or sign up to via this advertisement, and that compensation impacts the ranking and placement of any offers listed herein. We do not present information about every offer available. The information and savings numbers depicted above are for demonstration purposes only, and your results may vary. Get A Free Quote
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Local moves can cost between $200 and $7,500 depending on how many bedrooms you have and how many belongings you need to move.
The average cost to hire a mover is between $25 and $125 per person. Most moves need at least two movers to get the job done, however, so expect to pay between $50 and $250 per hour.
Movers can also pack up all of your belongings to save you time and energy. Anticipate spending an extra $250 to $1,400 on complete packing services.
A long-distance move can cost between $950 and $17,000. Long-distance moves cost more than shorter distances under 250 miles because the moving company will need to factor in additional expenses, like extra fuel and time. Below is a breakdown of different prices for long-distance moves based on the number of bedrooms.
Some items require special packaging equipment or special care. For example, moving a piano, boat, hot tub or motorcycle could add between $300 and $2,000 to your move. Be sure to inform your movers of any specialty items before asking for a quote—especially if you’re getting a quote over the phone.
If you’re planning a long-distance move, then you might also need to move your car. The average cost to ship a car is $1,650, but you could spend as little as $1,200 or as much as $2,100 if you need to rush the shipment.
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Several big factors can dictate the cost of a moving project, including the size of your home, your possessions, how far your movers must travel and the number of movers required to get the job done.
Again, the size of your home really impacts how long it takes for a moving crew to clear it out. If you have a small studio apartment, you might only need two movers to haul all of your stuff out. On the other hand, if you have a large four-bedroom home, it can take significantly longer and require a larger team of movers.
What you have in your home can also slow things down or speed things up. Your prized wine cellar or workout studio could require specialty packaging or additional movers to get the job done. Meanwhile, if you don’t have as much to move, it likely won’t take as long.
If you’re traveling a short distance, your costs will be a fraction of the cost of a long-distance move. A local move for a one-bedroom studio could cost you as little as $200, but a move of that size with a distance of 250 miles starts at $950. Meanwhile, a move across the country that is over 2,500 miles starts at $1,800.
Hiring movers can rack up prices. With the average cost of hiring a mover falling between $25 and $125 per hour, needing more movers makes a big difference in the cost of your project.
The average cost of moving insurance is 1% to 5% of the total estimate of your property’s value. Though you might be tempted to skip out on moving insurance to save money, this insurance helps protect your belongings if they get damaged or lost in the move.
You’ll also need to consider how accessible your home is for movers. If you have several flights of stairs or other obstacles that could slow down the process, then you may have to pay additional fees.
On top of the main cost factors, some additional costs and services can sneak up on you when planning a moving budget.
Many moving companies offer add-on services that can increase the total cost of your move by a few hundred dollars. A handful of examples of add-ons include:
It’s important to note that some of this equipment may be included or you may be able to purchase it ahead of time for less. Be sure to ask about any extras when you book a moving company.
Sometimes, you need to move all of your stuff out of your old place, but you don’t have room to put it in the new place yet. In this case, you might want to put your items in a storage unit. Storage units cost between $75 and $300 a month. Larger storage units cost more to rent than smaller storage units.
While you don’t have to tip, tipping is a great way to show appreciation for the hard work your movers put into safely moving your belongings. You can tip any amount, but the most common amounts fall between 10% to 20% of the service cost.
It is no secret that moving can feel overwhelming and time-consuming, often requiring careful planning and physical work. In some situations, hiring a professional moving company may be considered absolutely necessary rather than just a convenience. Whether you’re faced with a limited timeframe, the need to move bulky items or want a smoother and more organized transition, opting to hire a moving company can substantially alleviate the stresses associated with moving.
In the whirlwind of a move, time constraints can be a major factor in determining whether a moving company’s assistance is essential, especially when it comes to job relocations and tight moving schedules. In the case of job relocations, moving professionals excel at quickly packing, loading and transporting your belongings, providing a seamless and efficient moving experience. For those with tight schedules because of lease endings or closing dates, a moving company’s expertise ensures skillful organization and timely execution, making them more likely to meet tight deadlines and facilitating a smoother transition to your new home.
If your current home is filled with large and heavy furniture, you may want to consider the assistance of a professional moving company. Not only do moving professionals have the specialized experience needed to handle items such as sofas, beds or pianos, but they also have the tools to minimize the risk of damage while transporting bulky furniture. Moreover, a professional mover’s meticulous care is even more crucial when dealing with delicate or specialized items like antiques, artwork or mirrors. Their extensive knowledge of handling such items ensures a strategic and careful approach, reducing the potential for damage and making the moving process smoother overall.
Moving is undoubtedly overwhelming, as it involves time-consuming tasks such as packing, organizing and transporting your belongings. Many rely on professional movers to help. Offering stress relief, security and organization, the advantages of hiring professional movers are increasingly apparent compared to the challenges of a DIY move. We’ve listed a few below:
Hiring professional movers is a reliable way to reduce the stress typically linked with the moving process effectively. Professional movers’ extensive knowledge and experience allow them to skillfully handle every aspect of the move, including secure packing, navigating potential obstacles and guaranteeing the safe transportation of your belongings. This comprehensive approach not only streamlines the entire moving experience but also greatly lowers the likelihood of a stressful move.
By enlisting the help of professional movers, you not only safeguard the physical well-being of your belongings but also gain significant peace of mind. Reputable moving companies often provide insurance coverage as part of their services, acting as a vital safety net in case of any accidents or damages during the move. This additional layer of protection offers reassurance, knowing that your possessions are adequately protected. Additionally, a professional mover’s reliability in sticking to schedules and timelines instills confidence that your move will be efficiently completed according to plan.
Choosing professional movers to handle your move guarantees a well-organized and smoothly coordinated process. Moving companies’ structured approach to planning and executing the move ensures a seamless transition, as they can provide a detailed plan that efficiently coordinates every step of the moving journey. Additionally, movers are equipped with the right tools, packing materials and vehicles necessary to manage the moving process. Hiring a moving company guarantees that the moving process will be executed with precision and efficiency, providing you with the peace of mind that every aspect of the process will be carried out accurately.
Everyone likes to save money. Fortunately, there are many ways that you can save on the cost of moving your home and cheap ways to move across the country. Below are seven tips on how you can save money on moving.
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Moving your home’s items yourself can potentially save you money, but it is unlikely to save you time and energy. Still, if you can find free boxes and only need to purchase tape, padding, mattress bags, bubble wrap and other packing materials, you could end up paying just for those materials—around $65. If you need boxes for a bigger home, then you could pay around $200 for moving and packing materials.
Here is a breakdown of those costs:
If you’re moving more than a neighborhood away, however, then you will probably also need to rent a moving truck to move all of your items. The cost to rent a moving truck falls between $20 and $100 a day. Gas, insurance and dollies can increase costs, as well. In total, expect to pay somewhere between $150 to $400 for a local move if you plan to do it yourself.
Hiring a professional mover can make moving less stressful, but with starting prices for an average three-bedroom home costing around $2,100, it does come at a cost. For small, local moves, you might be better off DIYing it, but for larger moves that involve many rooms and boxes and heavy items, then you might want to work with a moving company near you.
To arrive at the average costs in this article, we surveyed seven providers and eight local and national cost databases. All averaged figures were correct at the time of publication and may be subject to change.
Whether it’s worth it or not to hire movers depends on how stressful packing and moving your home is and your budget. If you want to save money and don’t mind putting in some elbow grease, it might be worth it to do the move yourself. But if time is of the essence, and you’re already swamped with other commitments, it might be best to give yourself some peace of mind and let the professionals work their magic.
Some of the cheapest moving companies include Allied Van Lines, Atlas Van Lines, American Van Lines, North American Van Lines and International Van Lines.
Booking a moving company as soon as you know when you’re ready to leave is usually the best time to do it. Generally, you don’t want to hold off until the last minute, as some of the best moving companies can get fully booked in advance. Try to book no later than two weeks before the big day, or ideally two to three months beforehand.
In addition to being a contributing editor for Forbes, Corinne is a dynamic digital professional specializing in copywriting, copy editing and content strategy. With over eight years of experience at Bed Bath and Beyond, she has gained invaluable knowledge and expertise on everything related to the home. In her current role as SEO Editor, Corinne oversees the SEO content strategy for sites such as Bed Bath and Beyond, Bed Bath and Beyond Canada, buybuy BABY and Harmon Face Values.
Furniture Moving Pads Hardwood Floors Kristin is a deputy editor at Forbes Home and has nearly a decade of professional experience as a writer and editor. She's worked as the front page editor for Talking Points Memo, and as an editor for Insider, Delish and Angi. She has a passion for all things home and lifestyle and has worked on projects focused on cleaning, home renovation, home services, design and more.