Hiring a professional moving company for a local or long-distance move can drastically reduce your stress level and workload during a relocation. But how much are movers, and what factors will impact your overall costs? Today, we’re discussing the price you can expect to pay for full-service movers to help calculate your moving expenses.
What factors impact how much professional movers cost?
How much movers cost will depend on several factors, including:
Size and weight of your stuff
The amount of stuff you have will undoubtedly affect how much it costs to hire professional movers, so expect to pay more to move out of a five-bedroom home than a studio apartment.
For local moves, your company may charge a day rate or an hourly rate, meaning the more boxes they have to haul, the higher your price will be. You may pay by weight for long-distance moves. If you need to rent an additional truck or make multiple trips, your costs will increase.
The distance of the move
Professional moving companies will naturally charge more for cross-country moves than local relocations, as longer distances require more time and gas. You will also pay more for extended truck rental periods.
Services you need
Full-service movers perform a wide range of tasks, such as:
- Supplying packing materials and supplies
- Packing and unpacking your belongings
- Loading the truck, hauling it to your new house, and unloading your items
- Portable or temporary storage solutions
Loading, transporting, and unloading may be considered basic services, while add-ons like furniture disassembly, specialty item handling, and packaging will cost more.
Time of year
Many people choose to move over the summer, since the kids are out of school and the nice weather allows for easier travel. As such, the average rate for movers tends to be higher between May and September. You may get a better deal by moving during the off-season. Keep in mind that holidays and weekends will increase prices year-round.
Number of movers you hire
Hiring more movers will cost more per hour, but a greater number of hands can get the job done in a shorter amount of time. A great moving company will help you choose the best option for your needs based on the extent and complexity of your move.
Related: How To Pack Shoes for Moving
Tips for saving money on moving costs
Now that you know which factors affect how much movers cost, let’s discuss the best ways to lower your moving expenses:
Shop around for quotes
Getting a quote from a single moving company is a starting point, but it may not give you an accurate picture of how much movers cost in your area. To get a better idea of the local market, call multiple companies with good reviews, ask what services are included, and how they charge. Then use this information to make an informed decision.
Book movers in advance
A last-minute move can significantly increase your moving costs, especially during the high season. Schedule your movers as far in advance as possible. Consider doing so at least four to eight weeks ahead of your moving date to lock in lower rates.
Pack your own stuff
While it’s certainly tempting to outsource the packing portion of your move, a DIY job will be a lot more cost-effective. Start by decluttering your space to reduce the total amount of stuff in your possession.
Use a proven strategy for efficient packing to streamline the process and ensure easy access to the essentials. If you have a lot of belongings, consider renting a storage unit or container ahead of your move, and regularly hauling items you won’t need right away.
Related: How To Pack for a Move
What other costs should you consider?
When calculating your moving expenses, you’ll need to factor in costs beyond how much your movers charge. Here are a few expenditures to remember:
Insurance coverage
Reputable movers will have insurance to cover basic protection for your belongings, but consider purchasing an additional policy for high-value or irreplaceable objects. In some cases, your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance may cover certain losses, so be sure to check your policy.
Handling of specialty items
Movers may charge additional fees to move large, delicate, or heavy items like pool tables, pianos, and artwork. In fact, some may even call in a specialty team with advanced training, expertise, and professional moving equipment to ensure safe handling of these belongings.
Stairs or elevator fees
Some moving companies will add on a supplemental fee for navigating stairs or elevators, so be sure to ask about multi-story moves.
Applicable taxes
Depending on your city and state, you may be subject to sales or service taxes that increase your total bill.
Cancellation fees
As in many other service-based industries, you can expect to pay a fee for cancelling within a certain time period. These charges vary, and can be a flat rate or a percentage of your deposit.
Tipping your movers
Professional movers work hard to safely and efficiently pack, haul, and unload your belongings, so it’s always nice to show your appreciation. While tipping isn’t mandatory, a good guideline is to tip each mover about $5 per hour, or 5% to 10% of the total cost split among the team.
Related: Choosing the Best Temporary Storage Between Moves
Explore portable storage and professional moving services at Red Rover!
At Red Rover, we’re committed to helping our clients relocate with ease. Request a quote today to get started!