How Much Does a Moving Company Cost in 2024?

Written By

Machaela Casey

How Much Do Movers Cost?

No doubt about it, moving is expensive. There’s not a simple answer to the question: how much does a moving company cost to hire in 2024? Moving is a long, labor-intensive process with many variables impacting price.

Also, the 2022 market is more competitive than ever because of increased demand and high fuel prices. It can be hard to know where to even start.

Know Your Needs

Don’t just search “average cost of a moving company.” First, understand what kind of move you’re planning and what kind of services that you will need. For example, moving a studio apartment to the next block will require one type of move. Moving your entire home across the country will require something different. Finally, moving your two-bedroom house to a neighboring town might necessitate another option.

Labor-Only Movers vs. Full-Service Movers

Begin by knowing what kind of services you need for your move. Moving yourself and renting a truck? Then you might be interested in hiring labor-only movers. With this type of move, you’re only paying for workers to load or unload your packed boxes.

If you’re moving a larger space a great distance and need a truck, you’ll want to hire a full-service moving company. With a full-service move, you’ll be paying a company to load your cargo, transport it to your new location, and unload it.

Benefits and Drawbacks of a Labor-Only Move

A labor-only move might work for you if you’re moving a small space a short distance. For example, if you’re moving your studio apartment and into a new address a few blocks away. Or, if you have your own vehicle and just need some extra help carrying boxes, a labor-only move might be the right solution.

This type of move is also the least expensive. Your only cost is the hourly rate that you’re paying the workers, which typically starts at $25 per hour per mover. This number is just an average-moving rates will vary depending on where you live.

However, the old saying is true: you get what you pay for. With a labor-only move, you’re just getting people to pack up your truck and unpack it. If you need to rent special equipment or a truck, this isn’t the right choice. Also, if you need services to support your move, like car shipping or storage, a labor-only move won’t work.

Pluses and Minuses of Hiring Full-Service Movers

Consider a full-service move if you’re moving a large residence or if you’re moving a great distance. For example, if you’re moving your 5-bedroom house to the next town over, you might want a full-service mover. Or, if you’re moving your 2-bedroom house across the country, you’ll also want this support.

Full-service moves are more expensive, but they’re often worth it. Why? First, they can include everything you’ll need to support your move. For example, full-service movers will provide the workers, the equipment, and the trucks to transport all of your cargo from one address to another.

Finally, full-service movers offer additional services to make your move easier. Some of the services long-distance movers offer include:

-packing and unpacking

-put-away services

-warehousing and storage

-vehicle shipping

-expedited shipments

Local vs. Long-Distance Moving Company

The next thing to consider is the kind of moving company to hire. You need to decide whether to hire a local mover or a long-distance mover. Again, it depends on your specific needs.

A local mover is best equipped to handle local moves only, meaning any move of about 30 miles within the same state. Local movers are not licensed to cross state lines, and most do not offer extra support services for purchase. But, if you just need movers and a truck to move across town, you might want a local mover.

A long-distance, or interstate, move is any move that crosses state lines. A long-distance moving company is licensed and insured to transport goods across state lines. These companies are also regulated by the Federal Motor Carriers Safety Association (FMCSA). You can check the safety records of these companies by searching their assigned DOT number on the FMCSA website.

Also, many long-distance moving companies are also full-service movers. So, they’ll be able to help you with all kinds of things. Your full-service movers will help you pack delicate and fragile items.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Moving Company?

The short answer is, it depends. There really isn’t an accurate average cost for a moving company. Every move—and every customer’s needs—are different. Estimating the cost of a big move can be hard to calculate.

How much do movers cost for a local move? That’s usually based on an hourly rate. You’ll pay per hour per mover, plus a rental fee for a truck. Long-distance moving companies usually charge by the amount of goods you’re moving and the total distance that you’re moving. In addition, you’ll pay for labor, insurance, and any extra services.

The Best Way to Determine the Average Cost for a Moving Company

When you’re planning a move, it’s important to begin by setting a budget. To do this, it’s important to know how prices are calculated.

If you’re planning a long-distance move, first understand what type of estimate you will be receiving. Knowing what services are available and how those services charge is a great way to start your search.

Next, use a moving calculator to get a general idea of what you can expect to spend to move your space. Then, start shopping around. You’ll always want to compare 3-4 different quotes.

Understanding Your Estimate

Look for these common charges:

1. Total Cargo: The heavier your shipment, the higher the cost.
2. Total Mileage: The greater the distance traveled, the more expensive it will be.
3. Labor: You’ll pay for both the number of movers needed and the time it takes to move your order.
4. Truck Rental: The bigger the truck (and the heavier the cargo inside) the higher the price. You’ll also be paying for fuel and for any tolls along the way.
5. Insurance: Long-distance moving companies are required by federal law to offer two types of insurance. The first type, Released Value Protection, is free. It offers minimal protection at .60 cents per pound. You can purchase increased coverage with Full Value Protection, but that will be an additional expense.
6. Extra Carry Fees: If movers have to haul your cargo up flights of stairs, you’ll probably be charged a stair carry fee. Or, if the mover has to park a distance from your front door, you may be charged a long carry fee. Finally, if you’ll need to transport goods to the truck via elevator, you’ll be charged an elevator fee.

Other Fees that May Impact Your Bottom Line

And then there are the less common charges that can also impact your total price. Some of these include fees for:

1. Shuttle Service-Sometimes, a large moving truck may not fit near your front door. In that case, a moving company may have to use a smaller vehicle to park close to your property and then shuttle your cargo to the larger vehicle waiting a distance away. These shuttle fees can be costly.
2. Extra Stops: Moving companies calculate your cost based on a one-way trip from origin to final destination. Know that you will be charged for any additional stops that you may make between those two addresses.
3. Extra Large Items: You’ll pay more to move any special, bulky, or oversized items. Expect an extra fee to move things like pianos, hot tubs, or safes.
4. Car Shipping: If you’re flying to your new location, your car will need to get there, too. A full-service mover can arrange for transport, either in an open-air or enclosed carrier.
5. Storage and Warehousing: Sometimes you might need short-term or long-term storage for cargo or vehicles. Full-service movers can arrange that for you, but it’ll cost extra.
6. Packing Supplies: If your cargo requires additional packing to protect your items, you’ll pay for it. For example, antiques that need to be crated will cost extra. Also, any cargo that requires extra padding or bubble wrap will be charged accordingly.

Let Us Help

As you can see, there is no simple answer to the question “how much does it cost for a moving company.” At Nelson Westerberg, though, we’re happy to help you figure out your exact price.

We’re fully licensed, equipped, and insured to move you any distance, near or far. For example, we have conducted local, interstate, and even international moves. Plus, we have all of the services you need-from help packing and shipping your fragile items to shipping your vehicle.

We’re happy to assist you with whatever you need to make your move a success. Give us a call today. We’ll talk about your needs, and we’ll let you know how we can help. We’ll even provide you with a free, contactless quote.