Understanding the Financial Aspect of Hiring Movers- How Much Does It Cost?

Planning a move may be difficult and demanding, especially when within budget. One significant component of your moving budget will be the cost of hiring professionals to carry out the heavy lifting. But, understanding the financial aspect of enlisting such services, one might wonder, “How much does it cost?” 

This is a crucial question that needs an immediate answer before hitting the road to your new destination. As we dive into this topic, we will reference the pricing practices of reputed services like the moving company Bradenton and others to help simplify your moving process. 

So, sit tight as we dissect the real cost of hiring movers.

What Is the Cost of Hiring Movers?

You’ll learn more about the cost of hiring movers later in this article. Here is a brief price guide for hiring expert movers to assist you with packing and moving your stuff into a new home.

The average cost of hiring movers (updated 2023) is as follows:

Studio 1-bedroom 2-bedroom 3-bedroom 4-bedroom
Local movers   $480 $480 $1,080 $1,680 $2,160
Long distance movers $1,500 – $3,200   $1,500 – $3,200 $3,500 – $5,200 $6,300 – $7,800 $8,000 +

Remember that these movers’ estimates are simply approximations. The size of your move, the number of specialist items you have, the distance traveled, the shipment weight, the time of year you move, and any other fees or charges will all affect how much it costs to move. To understand more about these crucial elements, keep reading.

The COVID-19 pandemic may also impact the cost of hiring professional movers.

The only way to know accurately how much your move will cost you is to ask for a free estimate from the top movers in your locality.

What Is the Cost of Hiring Local Movers in Your Area?

Local movers typically charge by the hour, with rates averaging between $90-$100 per hour for two people with a truck, or $60-$80 for labor alone. These fees can be affected by location and include time spent driving, packing and loading. Additionally, travel fees may apply based on pick-up location and packing materials may be included in the cost. Always request an estimate from your movers and consider using a moving cost calculator to gauge total expenses.

The size of your house is important when calculating local moving costs. Here are the approximate costs of hiring local movers, based on an average hourly rate of $60.

  • Studio apartment: $480 for 4 hours. Hiring two local movers to help you move out of a small studio apartment will cost around $480.
  • 1-bedroom: $480 / 4 hours. Moving from a 1-bedroom should cost $480 if two movers can complete the move within 4 hours.
  • 2-bedroom: $1,080 / 6 hours. Hiring three local movers to complete your local relocation in six hours will cost approximately $1080 for a 2-bedroom house or apartment (approximately 1000 square feet).
  • 3-bedroom: $1,680 / 7 hours. You can expect to pay $1,680 if you move out of a three-bedroom house or apartment (roughly 2,000 sq. ft.) for a four-person local moving team that finishes the move within seven hours.
  • 4-bedroom: $2,160 / 9 hours. If you are moving from a four-bedroom house, expect to pay $2,160 for a local team of four movers who will work on your move for nine hours.

Moving costs may rise significantly if your house is larger than average. Use a local cost calculator to plan your budget, considering the potential additional cost of $60 per professional helper. Local movers often offer packing and unpacking services at around $60 per hour, usually including packing materials. Remember to factor in tips for your movers, typically around $5 per hour per person, distributed individually, not just to the foreman.

What Is the Cost of Hiring Long-Distance Movers?

Long-distance moving costs depend on the shipment’s weight, distance, and any additional services. On average, it costs $0.70 to move a pound of items 1,000 miles, excluding any extra services. Costs are generally calculated individually due to factors varying for each move. It’s recommended to get on-site estimates from several trustworthy movers for accuracy and assurance against potential fraud. Make sure to ask for binding estimates that cap the maximum fee.

Look below at the approximate costs of moving across the country to get a better idea.

  • Studio / 1-bedroom: $1,500 – $3,200. Moving out of a 1-bedroom apartment or studio (weight of goods approx. 1,800-3200 lbs. and distance to new home 1,000 miles) is between $1,500 – $3,200.
  • 2-bedroom: $3,500 – $5,200. Moving out of a 2-bedroom house (weight of goods approx. 5,000-6,000 pounds, distance to a new home: 1000 miles) will cost between $3,500 and $5,200.
  • 3-bedroom: $6,300 – $7,800. Moving out of a 3-bedroom house (weight of goods approximation: 9,000 lbs. distance to a new home: 1000 miles) costs around $6,300-$7,800.
  • 4-bedroom: $8,000+. Moving from a 4-bedroom house to another about 1,000 miles away will cost you approximately $8,000, possibly more, depending on the other factors.

All these prices are approximate. You can get an accurate estimate of the cost of professional moving services by requesting on-site surveys.

We’ll summarize the average moving costs above according to your home or apartment size so you can get a better idea of what movers will cost.

What Is the Cost of Hiring Movers to Move a One-Bedroom Flat?

Local movers usually charge $60 per hour. Locally, it should take two movers about 4 hours to move an apartment with one bedroom. That’s around $480 in labor costs. Moving long distances can cost between $1,500 and $3,200 if you weigh around 3,000 lbs.

In 1-bedroom apartments, the average weight of household items is approximately 2,200 pounds. The average weight of household items in a 1-bedroom apartment is 2,200 lbs.

You can save a lot of money by reducing the number and size of your belongings to the absolute minimum. Downsize! For any extra item you bring, there will be an additional fee.

What Is the Cost of Hiring Movers to Move Into a Two-Bedroom Flat?

Local moving companies charge about $60 per hour for each mover. Locally, it should take three movers about 6 hours to move an apartment with two bedrooms, which is around $1,080 in labor costs.

Moving long distances can cost between $3,500 and $5,200 if you have an average weight of 5,200 lbs. In 2-bedroom apartments, the household items weigh between 5,000 and 6,000 lbs. The household items in 2-bedroom apartments weigh between 5,000 lbs.

It would help if you started packing your house as soon as possible to avoid being rushed. Begin by packing the hardest rooms (kitchen, storage areas) and work to the easiest ones (bathroom).

How Much Will Hire Movers to Move a Three-Bedroom House Cost Me?

Moving short distances costs around $60 an hour. Locally, it should take four movers about 7 hours to move an average 3-bedroom home. That’s $1,680 in labor costs. Moving cross-country can cost between $6,300 and $7,800 if you have an average weight of about 9,000 lbs.

Your items may weigh more than or less than these estimates. Ask the moving company if they can be present while the truck is weighed at a certified scale. The weight of household goods in a 3-bedroom house can easily reach 9,000 pounds.

Save money by removing items you don’t want or won’t need shortly. Get rid of any item you haven’t touched in over a year. If you can’t answer How much moving companies cost, get a free quote today.

Hire Movers to Save on Additional Costs

When you hire a moving company to handle your local or long-distance move, it takes time to estimate the cost of relocation. Knowing how this major life event will affect your budget is still very helpful.

The following are some of the most significant additional costs when hiring a professional mover.

Packing

What is the cost of hiring movers to pack your belongings?

Local movers will charge you about $60 an hour to pack up your house. Full-service movers will give you a quote for long-distance moving based on your home’s size, the number of items, and their nature.

By packing your belongings or enlisting the help of several friends, you can save money. If you want to save more money, consider using free moving boxes. You can also use alternative materials instead of bubble wrap and packing paper.

You’re right; packing your belongings will help you save money on moving. But ensure to assess the situation correctly because expensive or fragile items and specialty items should be left with experienced professional packers.

Additional Fees

It is not uncommon for moving companies to charge extra fees in certain circumstances. If you move too many bulky or heavy items, the moving company may charge you more for their laborious handling.

You may also be charged a long-carry fee if there is a greater distance between the front door of your home and the moving truck or an elevator fee if you have to hire laborers to climb many flights of stairs because the elevators are not working.

You can request an additional pick-up along your route to the new house. Extra stop charges are what they’re called.

Do you need to store your items before they can be delivered to your new home? You will be charged a fee to store your items if you are late with delivery. Be prepared to pay more for additional services, depending on your needs and requirements.

Insurance for Moving

When you are about to move, you must research your options for insurance.

As soon as you sign the moving contract, your household goods will be covered by basic insurance. You don’t need to pay anything for Basic Limited Liability protection. The bad news is its coverage is at 60 cents per pound for each article, which is usually unacceptable.

Talk to your mover about other options for coverage, such as purchasing moving insurance from them. You can also contact an insurance company to arrange insurance for your valuables.

The Cost of Hiring a Moving Company Is Affected by Several Factors

You already know that the cost of hiring movers depends on several factors. You can control the cost of moving by understanding the main factors that affect it.

You can reduce your moving expenses and costs.

  • The size of your move. Transport costs increase as you move more items to your new home. The sheer number of items you have to move is different from moving out of an apartment with three bedrooms and a studio.
  • You can save money by only moving the items you love and need.
  • Special items. Moving specialty items can increase your moving costs, sometimes quite a bit. You must hire piano movers if you want to move your piano.
  • When you need to move antique furniture, pool tables, hot tubs, grandfather clocks, heavy safes, etc., hire a specialist company.
  • Move distance. Distance between two locations will increase the price of your move.
  • Extra services. You will be charged extra for each additional service you request. Packing is the most common additional service that people request. The good news is you can pack the majority of your items yourself and save money.
  • Packing supplies. If you decide to pack your own things, you will need to know that the packing materials you use can significantly increase the overall moving costs.
  • Move date. Moving company costs can be affected by the date of your move. How? Moving during peak moving season is generally more expensive than moving in the off-peak period when fewer people are moving due to the winter.
  • Insurance. Consider purchasing insurance for valuable possessions when moving them. Talk to your moving company regarding your insurance options.
  • Additional fees. Talk to your moving company about the extra charges you may be charged. These extra fees must be included in your cost estimate.

Conclusion

The financial aspect of hiring professional movers, whether local or long-distance, such as reliable movers in Bradenton, plays a substantial role in your moving process. Every move is different, so moving expenses can vary widely depending on several variables, including the distance of your move, the weight of your things, the type of packing supplies you use, and any other services you may need.

However, if you prioritize your needs, plan your budget correctly, and select a trusted mover like Flat Fee Movers Bradenton, you can alleviate the physical and monetary stress of the move. Remember, it’s not just about the cost but the quality of service that ensures a smooth and hassle-free move.

So why wait? If you are planning to move, contact Flat Fee Movers Bradenton today. Experience the perfect blend of reliability, efficiency, and affordability for your moving needs. Your seamless move is just a call away!

Abraham Berger

Abraham Berger is a distinguished writer specializing in moving articles, bringing his passion for relocation and expertise in the moving industry to help readers embark on seamless and stress-free moving journeys. With an innate ability to combine personal experiences with extensive research, Abraham's articles resonate with readers as he offers valuable insights, tips, and strategies for a successful move.