The Core Cost Drivers
- Distance — local moves are typically priced by the hour; long-distance moves are typically priced by weight/volume and distance combined.
- Volume/weight of belongings — more items means more time, more truck space, and for long-distance moves, higher weight-based charges.
- Timing — weekends, month-ends, and summer months are peak demand periods and typically cost more than off-peak times.
- Labor needed — number of movers required scales with the size of your move.
Local Moves: What to Expect
Typically priced hourly, with a minimum hour requirement (often 2-4 hours minimum even for small moves), plus a truck fee. Get quotes based on an accurate inventory — underestimating your belongings often leads to a longer job (and higher bill) than the initial estimate suggested.
Long-Distance Moves: What to Expect
Typically priced based on weight (or cubic feet) and distance, sometimes with additional fees for stairs, long carries (if the truck can't park close to the entrance), or shuttle service if a full-size truck can't access your location. Get an "in-home" or video-based estimate rather than a phone-only quote for more accuracy — phone-only quotes without seeing your actual belongings are more prone to significant underestimation.
Commonly Overlooked Costs
- Packing materials — boxes, tape, bubble wrap, and specialty containers (wardrobe boxes, dish packs) add up quickly if purchased new.
- Packing labor — if you hire movers to pack (not just move) your belongings, this is typically billed separately and adds meaningfully to the total.
- Insurance/valuation coverage — basic coverage required by law is often minimal (based on weight, not actual value); additional coverage costs extra but is worth considering for valuable items.
- Tips for movers — a customary but often forgotten line item.
- Temporary storage — if there's a gap between move-out and move-in dates.
- Utility setup/transfer fees at both the old and new location.
Ways to Reduce Moving Costs
- Declutter before the move — selling, donating, or discarding items you no longer need reduces volume (and cost) directly.
- Move during off-peak times — mid-week, mid-month, and outside of summer are typically cheaper than weekend/month-end/summer moves.
- Get multiple quotes — pricing can vary significantly between moving companies for the same job.
- Pack yourself if you have the time — packing labor is often one of the more expensive line items on a full-service move.