Safely transporting your belongings is crucial, and you want to be sure your valuables are in good hands. But every time you move, there are a lot of choices to make and essential details to coordinate. One of the most critical choices is selecting a moving company.
The cost of hiring a moving company depends on various factors, such as the size of your home, the distance of your move, the list of stuff you need to move, and whether additional services are required
We’ve put together a guide to help you understand all the factors that go into the cost of hiring a moving company.
Average Costs of Moving in the U.S.
It costs about $2,300 to $4,300 to hire a professional moving company for an interstate move of a two-bedroom home, according to the American Moving and Storage Association (AMSA). However, the cost of an intrastate (within your local state) move is usually cheaper and is based on the weight of your belongings.
The average cost of an intrastate move is about $1,170, with a range falling between $800 and $2500.
The cost of hiring a moving company for an international move is even more complicated and is based on various factors, such as the origin and destination countries, the type of shipment (air, land, or sea), the weight and size of your belongings, and whether you need any additional services.
The average cost of an overseas move is about $5,630 for a shipment of 5,000 pounds. This type of move can range from $2,200 to $5,700.
Full Service
Full-service moving means the company will handle all aspects of your move, from packing up your belongings to unpacking them at your new home. This is the most expensive option but also the most convenient.
Full-service moves also include packing materials, such as cardboard boxes, bubble wrap, packing tape, and the necessary padding for your fragile equipment.
The cost is based on the weight of your belongings and the distance of your move. For an interstate move of a two-bedroom home, the average cost is about $4,300. For an intrastate move, the average cost is $1,700.
For an international move, the average cost is $7,000 for a shipment of 5,000 pounds. The range for this type of move is $3,000 to $10,000.
Local Move Costs
Local moving companies typically charge $200 for two hours of work. However, the move is still based on the movers’ time to complete the job and the hourly rate. There are also selective services from local movers you can avail of.
Per Hour Moving Costs
The average hourly rate for hiring a moving company is $100 per hour per mover. That includes the cost of labor, the use of a truck, and fuel. But be sure to confirm all the inclusions to determine what additional fees you have to pay.
On average, movers take 4 hours for a 1-bedroom house and 6 hours for a 2 to a 3-bedroom house. So for a local move with two movers, you probably have to pay $800 to $1200.
Prices for movers and packers
If you don’t want to pack up your belongings yourself, you can hire a moving company to do it for you. The cost of packing services is based on the time it takes the movers to pack up your belongings and the items you need to pack.
Packing services alone can cost you an average of $1000. That’s for an entire household, but it can cost much or less, depending on the number of items.
Owning a small studio with few items to pack could cost less than $250. If you own a large unit and have many things to pack, it can be as much as $2500.
Note that these prices are only for packing and unpacking. You’ll have to pay additional charges for the loading and unloading, which may be paid per hour or depending on the moving company you choose.
Long-Distance Move Cost
Long-distance moving companies usually cost you $4,300 for a two-bedroom home. The range for this type of move is $2,300 to $6,500. Different rates apply to special moves too.
Specialty Moving Services
If you need to move specialty items like a piano or a hot tub, you can expect to pay additional charges for these services. For example, the average cost of moving a piano is $400 to $600. The high price is charged due to the specialist’s expertise, equipment, and the amount of care to apply to the item.
Auto transport and shipping
The average cost of shipping a car is $700 to $2,400. The price will depend on the type of vehicle, the distance of the move, and the mode of transport (air, land, or sea). For short distances, the average cost of auto transport is only $300 to $500. It may become lesser or higher, depending on the weight and distance.
International Move Cost
If long-distance moves cost you a premium, then international moves too. This means that you’re moving to a country outside the U.S. states.
Distance
On average, the cost of an international move is $7,000 for a shipment of 5,000 pounds. The range for this type of move is $3,000 to $10,000. The prices will differ depending on the distance and mode of transport (air, land, or sea).
The most significant factors for the high cost are the distance and the number of items you have.
Storage
Storage-in-transit (SIT) is a temporary solution for those who need to move but whose new home isn’t ready yet. The average cost of SIT is $80 to $120 per month. But this will still depend on the size of your belongings and the length of time you’ll need to store them.
You’ll need to request quotes from different moving companies to determine the exact cost. Make sure to ask about the inclusions and exclusions to avoid getting surprised by hidden charges. Also, be clear with your instructions to avoid miscommunication and misunderstanding. Lastly, only work with a reputable mover to ensure a smooth and stress-free experience.
Moving Insurance
You can expect to pay between 1% and 5% of the total value of your move for the moving insurance. So if your belongings are worth $10,000, you’re looking for $100 for the coverage. That’s for a 1% insurance coverage.
The insurance will cover your belongings in case of loss or damage during the move. It’s optional but highly recommended, especially if you’re moving valuable items. But the items covered and the insurance will depend on the moving company. Make sure you have things discussed in advance to avoid conflicts and mishaps as your move takes place.
Factors affecting the cost of moving
Every move is different, so it isn’t easy to provide specifics on the pricing and the necessary processes. A lot of factors affect this, too, so that makes every move even more different.
Here are the factors affecting a move:
Time of Move
The time of year as well as the day of the week will affect your moving rate. The demand is usually higher during the summer months and on weekends. So if you’re planning to move outside business days, be prepared to pay a higher rate than usual.
But you can take advantage of the off-peak season, which is from mid-January to the end of February and mid-August to mid-September. You can get cheaper rates if you plan your move during these times.
Size of your move
The number of items you’re moving will also affect the cost. The more belongings you have, the more expensive your move will be. If you have many heavy and large items, moving them will require more manpower and time. That’s why it will cost more.
Additional service
Aside from the regular moving services, you may also need additional services, such as packing and storage. These will add to the overall cost of your move.
So if you’re on a tight budget, you can do the packing and unpacking yourself to save money. But if you don’t have the time or energy to do it, you can leave it to the professionals.
Renting Trucks and Vans
The moving company will charge you for van and truck rental. The rental fee often depends on the size of the truck or van you need. The average cost of a truck is $40 to $100 per day. But this will still depend on the truck’s size and the distance of your move.
Fuel
The fuel cost will also be included in your moving estimate. The gas price is constantly changing, so the fuel cost will also change. But you can expect to pay an average of $200 for long-distance relocation.
Ease of access
If your home is located in a remote area or isn’t easily accessible, the movers will charge you an additional fee. That’s because they need to spend more time and effort to move your belongings. So if you’re moving to a remote area, be prepared to pay a higher rate than usual.
Size of your home
If you’re moving a three-bedroom house, it will cost more than if you’re moving a one-bedroom apartment. That’s because more work and movers are involved in moving a large home.
But if you’re only moving a few items, you can avail of the company’s per-hour rate. This is usually cheaper than their flat rate.
Why Hire Movers?
Movers exist only for one thing- for a hassle-free moving process. Moving is already stressful, so you don’t need to add to the stress by doing everything yourself. But hiring professional movers is still the best course of action. For one, it will save you a lot of time and effort.
Hiring movers will also ensure that your belongings are properly packed and protected. They have the necessary equipment and supplies to pack your things properly. And they know how to handle fragile items so that they won’t get damaged during the move.
Surely, you will not have all the equipment needed for moving special and fragile items. Taking that will cost your most precious items destroyed. Professional movers can help you move large, heavy items like pianos and furniture. They have the experience and expertise to move these items safely.
Get Your Free Moving Estimate
If you need help with your upcoming move, don’t hesitate to contact The Long Distance Moving Company of Sarasota Co.. We offer free moving estimates to help you budget for your relocation. We’ll be happy to answer any of your questions with our 24/7 customer service and provide you with the assistance you need.
So get your quote today, and let our team make your move a success!
Final Word
Moving is not just a one-way thing. You need to plan it well and take into consideration a lot of factors. While moving can cost a lot, there’s a big chance that you can save money if you do it during the off-peak season. But if you’re on a tight budget, there are always tips and tricks to safeguard your move.
Now that you know the different factors affecting the cost of a move, you can start preparing for your upcoming relocation. Just remember to take your time in planning and researching to avoid overspending. With proper preparation, you can ensure that your move will be smooth and stress-free.
FAQ
When should you hire a moving company?
You should schedule movers two to four weeks before your estimated moving day. This will give you enough time to compare different companies and choose the best one for your needs. You can also put in mind the peak season. Hiring professional movers cost more during the summer months.
How to choose a moving company?
The best way to choose a moving company is by asking for recommendations from friends and family. You can also read online reviews to understand what customers say about the company. Once you’ve narrowed your choices, you can request moving estimates from each company.
Which is cheaper, hiring movers or renting a moving truck?
It depends on the situation. If you’re moving a long distance, it will be cheaper to hire a moving company. But renting a truck might be the better option if you’re only moving a short distance.
