Planning a Local Move? Here’s How Much Does a Moving Company Cost

Note: These are average estimates for local moving services and may vary based on location, labor, special requests, and company rates. To get the most accurate and up-to-date pricing, it’s recommended to contact reputable moving providers such as Clancy Relocation & Logistics, who can offer detailed quotes based on your specific needs.

Main Cost Drivers

When looking into how much does a moving company cost, it’s important to understand what affects the price the most. These cost factors can vary depending on the company, the job, and the size of the move—but most moving jobs share a few core pricing elements.

Number of Movers Needed

The number of movers directly affects the total moving cost, as labor is charged per person per hour. Hiring more movers can speed up the process, but it also increases the professional movers cost overall.

• More Items, More Hands: A home with many boxes, large furniture, or tricky spaces often needs more movers to handle everything efficiently. This can raise the moving company rates, especially if extra people are added at an hourly charge.
• Larger Homes Need Bigger Crews: A two-bedroom apartment may only need two movers, but larger homes often require three to five workers. More movers can mean a faster move, but it raises the cost to hire a moving company.
• Faster Completion, Higher Rate: More movers means quicker work, but the total cost rises since you’re paying more workers at once. While it can save time, it may not always lower the final bill.

Time Required for the Move

Time is one of the most important parts of a local moving quote. The more time it takes, the higher the total moving company rates will be.

• Hourly Pricing: Most local movers charge per hour, so even short delays can increase the final amount. This pricing model is standard and is a big factor in how professional movers cost is calculated.
• Delays Add Up: Long elevator waits, poor parking access, or unexpected packing can all extend move time. These kinds of delays may lead to higher labor charges and extra hours added to the bill.
• Minimum Hour Requirements: Many moving companies have a set minimum, like 2 or 3 hours, even for small jobs. This means shorter moves might still come with a higher cost to hire a moving company than expected.

Size and Type of Items

The type and size of belongings being moved play a major role in how much the move will cost. Fragile, heavy, or bulky items usually increase the overall professional movers cost.

• Bulky Furniture: Sofas, large desks, and wardrobes are harder to move and may need extra hands or special tools. This often results in longer loading times and higher charges.
• Heavy Appliances: Moving items like fridges, washing machines, or ovens requires careful handling and more physical effort. Many companies charge extra for appliance handling as part of their moving company rates.
• Fragile or Specialty Items: Antiques, artwork, or glassware need special packaging and careful transportation. This extra protection adds time and materials, raising the cost to hire a moving company.

Distance and Travel Fees Within the Local Range

Even local moves under 100 miles may come with travel fees. These costs are typically included in hourly rates but may be listed as separate charges by some movers.

• Travel Time to and From Locations: Moving companies often charge for the time it takes to get to the pickup point and return to their base. This travel time can slightly increase how much does a moving company costs for short moves.
• Fuel or Mileage Fees: Some movers include a flat fuel fee or charge per mile for use of the moving truck. These travel-related fees may not seem like much but can add up in the final total.
• Tolls and Parking: If the move involves bridges, toll roads, or tight urban parking, there could be extra charges. Companies may add these fees to the quote, increasing the professional movers cost without warning if not discussed upfront.
  

Additional Costs to Expect

In many cases, the final price of a local move can include more than just the basic hourly rate. Extra services and unique situations can increase how much a moving company costs, so it’s helpful to understand them before booking.

Packing Services and Materials

Packing is one of the most time-consuming parts of moving, and some people choose to leave it to the professionals. While convenient, this service often comes with added costs that impact the overall moving budget.

• Boxes and Supplies: Movers often charge separately for packing supplies like boxes, tape, padding, and bubble wrap. These materials improve safety but can significantly raise the total moving company rates depending on the amount needed.
• Professional Packing: Packing services save time and reduce the risk of damage, especially for fragile or high-value items. They are typically priced based on time, labor, and materials, and can influence the total cost to hire a moving company.

Disassembly and Reassembly of Furniture

Some furniture pieces are too large or bulky to move in one piece. In those cases, disassembly and reassembly services are offered, but they’re usually not included in the standard quote.

• Taking Furniture Apart: Items like beds, dining tables, and desks often need to be taken apart before being loaded into the truck. Doing this adds time and effort, which affects the professional movers cost for the job.
• Putting Furniture Back Together: Movers can reassemble furniture at the new location, but this often adds to the total hours billed. Including this service will raise how much a moving company costs for the full move.

Long Carry or Stair Fees

When movers can’t easily access a home or have to carry items over longer distances, it usually leads to additional labor. These physical challenges are often billed separately from the base moving rate.

• Long Carry Charges: If movers have to walk a long distance from the home to the truck, many companies charge extra for the additional effort. The longer the carry, the more likely it will raise the moving company rates overall.
• Stair Fees: Homes or buildings with multiple levels or no elevator access may require stair carry fees. Carrying heavy furniture up or down stairs slows the process and increases the cost to hire a moving company.

Storage Fees If Needed

Sometimes there’s a gap between moving out and settling into a new place. When that happens, storage options are useful but usually come with their own fees.

• Secure Storage: When the new home isn’t ready, movers may offer storage at their facility for an extra fee. This service helps bridge timing gaps but adds to the moving company rates.
• Storage Unit Access: Some providers charge for transporting belongings into and out of storage or for accessing them later. These small costs can quietly increase the full cost to hire a moving company.

Valuation or Valuation Protection

Most moving companies include some form of basic protection, but it may not cover the full value of your belongings. For extra peace of mind, upgraded coverage options are available.

• Basic Valuation: Most moving companies include minimal coverage, usually based on the item’s weight rather than its value. While included in many quotes, it rarely covers the true professional movers cost of replacing damaged items.
• Full-Value Protection: For better coverage, customers can pay extra for full-value replacement or repair valuation. This increases how much a moving company costs but offers better protection for expensive or sentimental belongings.

How to Get an Accurate Quote for a Local Move

Getting a clear and reliable quote is one of the best ways to avoid surprise charges on moving day. In fact, 78% of Americans reported facing unexpected costs during their move, and 38% said the total cost ended up being higher than they expected—often because important details weren’t shared early. When asking how much does a moving company cost, the answer largely depends on how accurately the move is described from the start.

Schedule an In-Home or Virtual Survey

One of the best ways to receive a precise estimate is by letting the moving company see the home through an in-person or virtual survey. This helps movers better calculate time, truck space, and labor—key factors that influence professional movers cost.

• In-Home Visits: A representative walks through the home to evaluate furniture, boxes, and access points. This gives the company a firsthand look at what’s involved, helping them provide more accurate moving company rates.
• Virtual Surveys: Many companies offer video surveys using smartphones or apps for convenience. It’s a fast and effective way to help estimate the cost to hire a moving company, especially for smaller spaces.

Provide a Detailed Inventory

Sharing a full list of everything that needs to be moved helps the moving company plan the right amount of time, labor, and supplies. This step is one of the most reliable ways to receive a quote that reflects true moving company rates.

• Include All Furniture and Boxes: List large items, furniture, and the estimated number of boxes to avoid underestimating truck space. The more specific the list, the easier it is for movers to gauge how much a moving company costs.
• Note Items in Storage or Outside: Don’t forget to mention things in the garage, attic, storage unit, or backyard. These extra items can add time and may increase the cost to hire a moving company.
• Keep the List Updated: If something is added or removed before moving day, inform the company immediately. A last-minute change could impact labor needs and increase professional movers cost.

Mention Specialty or Fragile Items

Letting the movers know about anything heavy, breakable, or valuable ensures they can plan accordingly and quote correctly. These items often require special handling or materials, which directly affects moving company rates.

• Heavy or Bulky Items: Items like treadmills, safes, or large appliances may require more movers or equipment. This type of load can add significantly to the cost to hire a moving company.
• Delicate or High-Value Items: Items such as antiques, TVs, or glass pieces might need special padding or crates. These precautions are necessary but can increase the professional movers cost.
• Unusual Items: Things like aquariums, motorcycles, or large instruments often require extra steps to move safely. Their size or fragility can raise the overall moving company rates.

Share Access Details

The layout and access points at the pickup and drop-off locations have a big impact on timing and pricing. Knowing these ahead of time helps movers plan better and offer a more accurate view of how much a moving company costs.

• Stairs and Elevators: Let movers know how many flights of stairs are involved or if there’s an elevator available. More physical effort usually means more time and a higher cost to hire a moving company.
• Parking Restrictions: If the truck can’t park close, movers may need to walk longer distances with items. This extra effort can extend the move and raise professional movers cost.
• Narrow Doorways or Hallways: Tight spaces may require furniture disassembly or special maneuvering. These challenges usually increase moving company rates due to added time and labor.

Ask for a Written Quote With Full Cost Breakdown

Having everything in writing protects both the customer and the moving company from unexpected costs or misunderstandings. A full breakdown makes it easier to compare moving company rates and plan the budget accordingly.

• Labor Charges: Ask how many movers are included, the hourly rate, and the minimum number of hours required. Labor is a major part of the professional movers cost, so understanding it upfront is crucial.
• Truck and Equipment Fees: Confirm whether the truck, fuel, and equipment like dollies and pads are included. If not, these charges can quietly add to the cost to hire a moving company.
• Extra Services: Clarify if packing, unpacking, or furniture disassembly is part of the quote or billed separately. Services like these can quickly increase the total moving company rates.
• Travel Fees or Taxes: Some companies charge extra for mileage, tolls, or time spent driving to and from the locations. These costs are often overlooked but can affect how much a moving company costs overall.