Most Americans agree that moving is one of the most nerve-wracking life events since it’s more stressful than divorce or starting a new job. Whether you’re moving across town or across the country, you can hire a moving company to relieve some stress.

When it’s time to move, one of the biggest worries is how much it will cost. And rightfully so—hiring a moving company can be expensive.

But how expensive? What factors influence the price? And what can you do to save money?

Here, we’ll look at all that and more. So whether you’re planning a household move or are just curious about the cost of hiring a moving company, read on.

The Cost of Hiring Movers in a Nutshell

Different online sources will give you different estimates of the cost of hiring professional movers. A reputable source like Bob Vila explains that the cost of hiring professional movers for local relocations ranges between $808 and $2,175. The same source explains that the average cost of hiring movers for short distances is $1,468.

If you’re moving to a different state, hiring a moving company will cost you between $2,200 and $5,700. That’s because long-distance moves are more complicated and take longer. The moving company will also charge you a higher hourly rate for long-distance moves.

Factors That Will Influence the Cost of Hiring a Moving Company

If you’re planning a move, moving company prices will differ depending on various factors. The main factors that the company will use to calculate how much to charge you include:

The Distance

If your move is shorter than 100 miles, the moving company will likely charge you a flat fee. It may give you a quote over the phone depending on how many belongings you want to move.

Professional movers are less likely to charge you a flat rate for long-distance moves. They may charge you by the mile, meaning you have to pay for fuel, mileage, and the time it takes to get the job done.

Number of Movers

Most companies pay their movers $25 to $50 per hour. So the moving company will most likely charge you depending on the number of movers and how long they spend moving your things.

In most cases, a move will require two to four professionals. This means you can expect to pay between $50 and $200 per hour, depending on the workload.

Amount of Belongings to Move

The more belongings you have, the longer it will take to move them—and the higher your moving costs will be. If you’re moving from one fully-furnished apartment to another, you’ll be moving a few boxes containing your personal items. As such, the move will cost you less.

However, if you’re moving from a three-bedroom house, the moving company will have to move more belongings, which will take longer. As a result, your moving costs will be higher.

Accessibility

If you live in a high-rise building, moving your belongings will be more expensive. The movers may have to use the stairs or an elevator, which takes more time and energy. A moving company may charge you an extra $200 to $500 depending on how difficult it will be for workers to access your place.

If you’re ready to make a move but can’t find a moving company willing to navigate your narrow stairways, you can consider State to State Moving Systems. The professionals will have the tools and expertise to move your items through tight spaces.

The Size of the Moving Vehicle

The moving company will most likely charge you depending on the size of the moving truck. If your belongings can fit in a small moving truck, you’ll pay less than someone who needs a larger moving vehicle to accommodate all their things.

A smaller truck will also be more cost-efficient, which is why the company charges you less.

The Time of the Year

The time of the year can also affect moving costs. Most people move during the summer because the weather is favorable. Since this is the peak moving season, moving companies will be in high demand and may charge you more.

You’ll pay less if you plan a household move during the fall or winter. There’s less demand for moving services during these seasons. This means you may be able to negotiate a lower price.

Additional Services

Some moving companies offer additional services, such as packing and unpacking your belongings. These services will come at an extra cost.

A mover may charge you about $1,000 for packaging your belongings. Some will even charge you separately for unpacking. Ensure that you ask about these charges before you hire a moving company.

Special Services

If you have valuable or delicate items, you’ll have to pay for special services. Movers will charge you separately for moving these items. You may also be required to purchase moving insurance for your valuables.

If you can’t move into your new place immediately, you may have to store your belongings until you’re ready. Moving companies will charge you for storage services.

Tipping

Most moving companies expect tips, although it’s not mandatory. A tip is a way of showing appreciation to professional movers for making your moving process easier.

As a rule of thumb, you should tip 10% of your total moving costs. However, if the move costs less than $500, you can increase the tip to 20%. But if you’re on a tight budget, a few dollars will suffice.

How to Save on Moving Costs

You can save on moving costs by doing a few things. Some of the steps you can take to reduce the cost include:

• Packing and unpacking your belongings to save on packaging fees
• Moving during the off-peak seasons like fall and winter
• Moving midweek because most people move during the weekends
• Declutter your home to reduce the time it takes to move your belongings
• Compare moving quotes from different companies
• Use free packing boxes
• Consider hiring movers only for the heavy items

These are some of the things you need to know about moving costs. If you’re planning a move, use this guide to help estimate your expenses. And remember to get quotes from different moving companies to ensure that you’re getting the best deal.

Planning to Hire a Moving Company? Know the Cost

If you’re already planning a move, it might help to hire a moving company to do the legwork. The cost of hiring professional movers will vary depending on several factors. These include the time of year, accessibility, storage fees, and additional services.

You can save on moving costs by doing some work yourself or moving during the off-peak season.

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