How Much Does It Cost to Hire Local Movers?

In this guide

Average Hourly Rate for Movers

The average hourly rate for movers ranges from $60 to $80 per hour for a local move when you pack your own belongings or $90 to $120 for a full-service move that includes packing and unpacking services. Some movers may charge as little as $50 per hour, while others may charge as much as $300 per hour, depending on the work being done, your location, and other factors. Typically, most movers have a minimum charge of two or three hours of work. So, even if the move is smaller and takes less time, they still charge the minimum amount. This covers their expenses and ensures they aren’t losing money on jobs. Most local movers charge hourly because the distance isn’t a factor. Some charge a flat rate by the house size or other factors.

Flat Rate Local Movers

Flat rate local movers typically charge $700 to $2,240 for their services, depending on the size of the house or the number of items being moved. Because of the nature of the work, flat rate pricing is usually reserved for long-distance and out-of-town moves where calculating mileage and hourly rates would be far less cost-effective for everyone. Some local movers charge a flat rate for their services, as will some local moving truck rental companies. However, it is far more likely that you will find hourly rates when pricing a local move.

Average Moving Costs Local by House Size

The average local moving costs range from $210 to $3,500, depending on the size of the house. The size of the house typically indicates how much furniture and how many boxes will be involved in the move, as well as how many movers will be required for the job. For example, while a four-bedroom house might take eight to ten hours with five movers, you may only need two movers and three to five hours to complete a one-bedroom move. In the table below, you’ll see the average cost of local movers for various house sizes based on bedroom count, as well as how many movers the job would require and how long it takes to complete.

In-City Moving Cost by Type

The average in-city moving cost ranges from $100 to $2,000. This varies depending on the type of service that you choose and what the movers provide. There are several options to choose from, but they typically fall into one of three categories. In the subsections and table below, we look at the cost differences between local full-service movers, movers for loading only, and self-packing moving services to help you get a better idea of what your move will cost with each service and what they entail. Bear in mind that in the cost ranges, the lower costs are reflective of what it would cost to move a smaller house, while the higher costs are closer to what you would spend on a larger house with more bedrooms and belongings to move.

Self-Pack Moving Services

Self-pack moving services typically cost between $100 and $500, depending on how much stuff needs to be moved. This service allows you to pack and prepare your own items. They provide the truck and transport your items, which you can then unload and unpack on your own, as well. These services are more affordable in most cases and are a good choice for people who don’t want others packing or loading their belongings. This can cut costs significantly because the bulk of moving costs are in the labor charges.

Movers to Load Truck Only

If you prefer to transport your own items or just want a cheaper option, you can hire movers to load the truck only, for an average of $60 to $80 per hour, or $180 to $800 for three to ten hours of work. These movers charge by the hour and the number of laborers that are needed. Larger homes cost more because there will be more to load and unload. Heavy items, bulky items, and specialty pieces like pianos may also incur an additional cost, which will need to be considered. Some companies offer discounts for combining services, so it may only be slightly cheaper for you to pack and transport your own items, depending on the service you choose.

Local Full-Service Movers

Local full-service movers typically cost between $300 and $2,000. This depends on the size of the move, how much stuff you have, and how long the job takes. If you have delicate or specialty items that will incur an additional charge, that is something to consider. Typically, it is most effective to choose full-service companies if you want a hands-off experience for your move. They take care of everything from packing to loading and unloading, transporting your items, and then unpacking them in the new home.

Average Price for Local Movers

The average cost range of $700 to $2,240 for local movers is broken down into several factors. It is usually divided into the cost of labor, the cost of a truck, and any materials required for the job. For example, in the average cost provided above, approximately 60 to 75% of the cost is attributed to labor and man-hours. The other 25 to 40% goes toward the cost of the moving truck and any tools, materials, or equipment needed for the move. Some companies offer flat-rate services that combine these elements without providing a breakdown. But when you inquire, they should be in line with these numbers.

The process of moving locally when you hire local movers is a fairly painless one. The moving company should call a day or two ahead to confirm your move and ensure everything is in order. This is a good time to double-check the truck size and the number of laborers coming. On the day of the move, they arrive with a truck and prepare to work. First, someone will go over the estimate with you, explain the process, and advise on any concerns or questions you may have. Then, they will start packing and loading your items. Once the work is done, they transport the items to your new location, unload them, and have you sign off on the moving contract confirming that the job is complete.

There are also different types of estimates offered by moving companies: binding, non-binding with a price ceiling, and non-binding. The binding estimate means that the price is locked in, and all parties have agreed on the costs. If either party breaks their end of the deal, the contract is nullified. A non-binding estimate is truly an estimate. It is flexible and may go up or down upon completing the move. There is no limit on how high it could go. Some movers offer a non-binding estimate with a price cap, which means that the quote may change, but only within preset limits. This gives you peace of mind that you’ll never pay more than you can afford.

Several different factors impact what it will cost for you to hire local movers for your move. The size of the house and how much personal property you have will be two of the biggest factors. Large pieces and unusual items like appliances, hot tubs, or pianos incur a premium cost. You also pay a premium charge for stairs or other obstacles, such as narrow hallways or dangerous passages of any kind. If the moving company has to park further away due to parking limitations, this may add to the cost. Be sure to address all charges before agreeing to an estimate so that you know what each charge means.

Local Moving Companies Prices

The average local moving companies’ prices range from $90 to $2,000, depending on whether they are a local service or a bigger chain or multinational brand that offers local moving services. These companies typically charge based on an hourly rate for labor and may charge a flat rate for additional fees or services, such as a truck fee, fuel fee, or other charges. In the table and subsections below, we look at the most popular local moving brands and what they charge for their services, including labor, materials, and included services.

U-Haul Local Move Cost

U-Haul local move costs with laborer help range from $90 to $400, with an average rate of about $45 per hour for labor in addition to the cost of the truck rental. If you choose local movers to help with your U-Haul move, you must pay for the truck rental and the laborers’ work. The company allows people to search local companies and choose the labor they want to ensure reputable people are doing the job. Most people use U-Haul for self-moving and don’t enlist the assistance of the labor services. However, they are an option that’s relatively affordable when compared to other companies. U-Haul is available all over the country.

Two Men and a Truck Local

Two Men and a Truck local moves have an average cost of $240 to $1,000 for three to ten hours of work, with an average hourly rate of $80 to $100 per hour. This includes all labor and materials, as well as the truck and transportation. Some local discounts and specials are available from time to time, but the average rates are still fairly competitive. This company is a chain that has locations all over the country. They offer everything from simple labor assistance to full-service moves and more.

Firehouse Movers Cost for Local Move

The average cost of Firehouse Movers for a local move is around $500 to $1,100, depending on how much you need to move and how long the job takes. The company generally doesn’t use distance as a factor in moves considered local because they have an allowance for a certain distance. There may be instances where they charge hourly, which is on point with the standard average rate of $60 to $80 per hour for labor or $90 to $120 per hour for a full-service move. They may charge a flat rate based on the job after seeing what needs to be done. This company is limited to local moves in and around Texas.

United Van Lines Moving

United Van Lines moving services typically cost around $800 to $2,000 for full-service moving with door-to-door service and all materials and labor included. Although their prices are some of the highest on the list, they offer some of the most high-quality, comprehensive moving services for people who want a truly hands-off experience. This company is much more familiar with long-distance and out-of-state moves, but they have local services available for residents across the country who need them. United Van Lines is a national brand.

Local Move Truck Rental

Those who want to save money can opt for a local move truck rental. The cost averages $40 to $600, depending on the size of the truck, where it is rented from, and how long the truck is needed. Those looking for a truck alone can find several companies providing this service with different rates for local moves, intrastate moves, and truck rentals without labor services. In the table and subsections below, we’ll look at the most popular local move truck rental companies, what they charge, whether they charge a flat rate or by the hour, what mileage or fuel fees are involved, and more.

Local U Haul Truck Rental

Local U-Haul truck rental typically costs between $40 and $150, depending on the size of truck that you need and how long you need it. Local moves from U-Haul include unlimited mileage. You will only pay for the fuel to refill the truck in addition to the rental charges. While many people see the $19.95 rental specials for U-Haul, that’s the base price for the smallest truck and doesn’t include extras like taxes, fees, moving insurance, truck insurance, and other costs. These extra costs can easily almost double the cost of the advertised specials in the end. Still, it remains one of the most affordable moving truck rental options. U-Haul is available throughout the country.

Penske Truck Rental Rates Local

Penske is a little more expensive than U-Haul, with people spending about $75 to $300 on their truck rental from this company. Penske has newer equipment and provides a variety of truck sizes. They are better for their large truck pricing than most companies, but their smaller trucks may be comparatively more expensive. In some cases, you may be able to find specials or get discounts for booking a certain time frame or agreeing to a different return day or time, which is a helpful bonus. Penske rentals are available nationwide.

Budget Moving Truck Rental

Budget moving truck rental and Avis moving truck rental both operate through Budget, which costs about $80 to $600 for a local move rental, depending on the size of the truck and how long it is needed. Avis works directly through Budget Truck, so those interested in either company should go directly through Budget to save time and money and avoid variances in the cost of rentals. Budget and Avis offer moving trucks in all sizes and cargo vans for those who want something easier to maneuver. Budget and Avis offer services around the country.

Moving Truck Sizes

The other factor in choosing a truck, whether it is with moving labor or a rental alone, is the size of the truck that you need. The size of the house and the amount of contents affect the size of the truck needed and the cost that is incurred as a result. Most companies charge more for larger trucks. Some brands have size ranges where two or three sizes are the same price, or they offer a discount for upgrading to a larger rental. In the table below, you’ll see a comparison of the average moving truck size and the size of the house or apartment it will accommodate to give you a better idea when planning your own move.

Moving Packing Service Cost

You can hire a moving packing service to assist with your local move at an average cost of $60 to $80 per hour. The average cost ranges from $170 to $2,200 to move a two-bedroom home. The exact cost that you pay varies depending on how much you have that needs to be packed and unpacked and other factors. Companies can come in and pack all of your belongings and follow your instructions or wishes to ensure that things are packed according to your preferences. Several companies provide this service, but if you allow the same company to handle the rest of your move, it may be cheaper than hiring another service.

Cost of Moving Boxes

The average cost of moving boxes and other packing supplies is $150 to $800, depending on how many boxes you need, what sizes, and whether you need specialty boxes like wardrobe boxes or odd shapes. The cost also depends on whether you need supplies like bubble wrap, packing paper, tape, or other supplies, adding to the cost. You can reduce this cost by getting free boxes wherever possible. However, there are no guarantees about the shapes, sizes, or durability of the boxes you find. Several different types and sizes of moving boxes are available to buy from local home improvement and big-box retail stores and the companies that provide moving services like U-Haul, Penske, and others. These companies often have estimating tools that estimate how many boxes you need to get an accurate cost.

Moving Insurance Cost

You can expect to pay $100 to $500 for the average moving insurance cost when added to your move, which gives you between $10,000 and $50,000 in protection for your belongings. You may purchase moving insurance to protect your belongings and furnishings from damage during the move or liability protection against the moving company or truck rental provider. Several moving insurance products are available. Your belongings will typically be covered under your homeowner’s or renters’ insurance policy. The coverage may not extend to damage caused by movers, which makes moving insurance a good investment. You may also purchase extra insurance for a moving truck if you rent one to DIY your local move to prevent a huge bill if damage is caused to the truck while it is in your care.

Local Moving Checklist

When you are moving, several things need to happen. Taking the time to make a checklist can be helpful. While everyone’s move will be different, there are basic steps and tasks that everyone should have on their list. First, you need to choose what type of service you need: full-service, partial service, or DIY truck rental. Then, you need to find the best service and decide what to move and what to discard. You always want to sort and organize your items before moving so that you don’t take anything with you that you don’t want or need.

You will also want to create an inventory list and ensure that you have all of the custom packing supplies and materials that you need for your belongings. You might want to save boxes from fragile items or sentimental pieces so that they can be repacked safely for transit when you move. Make sure that you optimize the space in your boxes and plan your packing to keep it organized. Label boxes with the room they go in and a few notes on what’s inside so that you have an easy time unpacking when you arrive. Speaking of easy, make sure that you take pictures of all electronics and assembled items before you take them apart to move to have a diagram of how to reconnect or rebuild everything when you arrive.

Leading up to moving day, you should be preparing as much as you can. Pack along the way as much as possible if you aren’t hiring someone to do it for you. Try to get rid of as much stuff as you can so that you don’t take it with you. Start making a to-do list for moving day so that you can delegate tasks and keep everything organized. Make sure that you keep important documents in a safe place and with you at all times during the move. Never pack anything of value or anything with sensitive or important information.

During the move, if you’ve hired full-service movers, you’ll simply step back and let them do the work. If you have a truck, you’ll want to load it carefully and maximize space so that you aren’t making more trips if it isn’t necessary. If movers are doing the work, be available to answer questions but stay out of their way. Once they are done, make sure that you are satisfied with everything before you sign off and allow them to leave. After you move, you’ll be ready to settle in and enjoy your new life if you take the time to take care of things ahead of time.

Enhancement and Improvement Costs

Cost to Move a Piano Locally

The average cost to move a piano locally is $350 to $1,000. Piano moving is generally charged as a premium service because of the delicate nature and size of these items. The national average cost of moving a piano varies from one state or region to the next. Other factors that could impact what you pay include the style of piano (upright vs grand/baby grand/ vs organ), whether it has to be moved up or down stairs, and if it is on wheels, such as in the case of an upright piano, where a separate dolly may not be needed to assist with the move. The more difficult the move and the larger the piano, the more expensive it will be.

Storage Unit Cost

The average storage unit cost is between $50 and $300 per month, depending on the size of the storage unit, whether it is indoor or outdoor, climate controlled, offers security, and other features. You may need to rent a storage unit for your belongings if you are moving out of your old home before the new one is ready or if you have items that you don’t want to move into your new home until certain things are done. Several sizes of storage units are available, ranging from as small as 5 x 5 feet to as large as 10 x 30 feet, with larger units costing more.

Cost of Professional Organizer

The average cost of a professional organizer is $200 to $800, with most people paying around $450 for a consultation and three hours of service. Hiring a professional organizer during a move could be a good way to declutter and downsize your old home and set up your new home in a functional way that makes it more enjoyable and comfortable from the start. These professionals generally charge hourly, although they may offer discounts on larger jobs or project rates for big decluttering and organizing tasks. In addition to helping you better organize your space, they can teach you tips to stay more organized and improve your own habits.