Movers Cost: Average Prices & Cost Factors

A local move with professional movers averages about $1,489, based on This Old House. Most local movers bill by the hour for a crew and a truck, so the final cost depends on how many people work, how long the job takes, and what you are moving.

Below you will find hourly rates by crew size and region, typical totals by home size, and the add-ons that raise a bill. Long-distance moves are priced differently, usually by weight and mileage, and are not covered by the hourly figures here.

Hourly pricing is standard for moves within a metro area. The rate covers the crew and the truck, and the clock may start when the crew leaves the office and stop when they return, depending on the company. That is called travel time, and it is worth asking about before you book.

A bigger crew costs more per hour but finishes faster, so the total does not rise in proportion. For a large home, a three- or four-person crew may cost about the same as a smaller one working far longer. For a studio or a one-bedroom, two movers are usually enough.

Where you live changes the rate. Labor costs, fuel, and demand all differ across the country. The figures below are for a two-person crew with a truck.

Prices inside a region also vary between a major city and a small town. Use these as a starting point and collect quotes from local companies.

Home size is a rough stand-in for the volume of belongings, which sets how many hours the job takes.

Two households of the same size can have very different totals. Heavy furniture, a piano, a basement full of boxes, or a third-floor walk-up can add time that a bedroom count does not capture.

• Hours. The more belongings and the longer the carry, the higher the bill.
• Crew size. More movers raise the hourly rate but may shorten the job.
• Stairs and access. Flights of stairs, long walks from the truck, and elevators that must be reserved slow the work.
• Heavy or specialty items. Pianos, safes, and large appliances often carry flat fees.
• Packing. Packing services and materials are usually extra.
• Timing. Weekends, month-end, and summer are busy periods and may cost more.
• Insurance. Basic coverage is limited, and extra valuation coverage may cost more.

Published averages are far apart because they measure different things. One source reports a single average, while another gives a range that stretches from a small apartment to a large house.

A single average hides the spread. A range that starts low usually reflects short moves with a small crew, and the top end reflects large homes. Compare your quote with the figure closest to your home size.

To get a rough number, start with the hourly rate for your region and crew size, then estimate hours. A studio might take a few hours, while a four-bedroom house can fill much of a day. Add the cost of packing materials, any flat fees for heavy items, and a buffer for travel time. A written estimate from a mover who has seen your belongings will be more reliable than any online average, so use these figures to judge whether a quote is in a reasonable range.

Moving scams exist. Warning signs include a quote given only over the phone, a large upfront deposit, and a company with no local address. For interstate moves, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration lets you check whether a mover is registered.

• Ask for a written estimate, ideally after an in-home or video survey.
• Find out whether the quote is binding, a not-to-exceed figure, or an hourly estimate.
• Confirm what is included: fuel, travel time, stair fees, and packing materials.
• Check the license and insurance, and read recent reviews.
• Ask how damage claims are handled.

Not every move needs a truck and a crew from the same company. Some households rent a truck and hire movers only to load and unload, which removes the driving and fuel from the mover's bill but leaves you with the rental and the drive. Others use a full-service company that packs, loads, drives, and unpacks. The first option is cheaper for short moves and people who are comfortable driving a large truck. The second saves effort and puts one company in charge if something is damaged.

Packing before the crew arrives saves paid hours. So does disassembling furniture, clearing hallways, and reserving the elevator in advance. Moving on a weekday in the off season may cost less than a peak weekend. If you only need heavy items moved, a loading-and-unloading service or a smaller crew can be cheaper than a full-service move.