Ever wonder how much a local move will really cost?
You’re not alone. Millions of people move every year but the majority have NO idea what they’re signing up for.
Here’s the problem:
People assume local moving is cheap.
After all, you’re not crossing state lines or sending your stuff thousands of miles. But guess what…
Average local moves cost between $560 and $1,000. And that’s with everything going smoothly and there being no hidden fees or unexpected charges.
In reality, your costs can easily DOUBLE that.
That’s where this guide comes in.
What you’ll discover:
- The average moving costs for local moves
- How to break down these costs to save money
- Typical moving company fees and how to avoid them
- How to get a detailed and accurate moving quote
The average cost breakdown of a local move
Enough of the sales hype. Let’s talk straight numbers.
Local moving companies charge on average between $100 to $120 per hour across the country. But your hourly moving rate is just the starting point.
Here’s what you’re actually paying for:
- Hourly labor rates – Ranges from $25 to $50 per mover
- Truck rental – Included in the hourly rate or an additional fee
- Travel time – Many companies charge portal-to-portal
- Minimum time requirements – Most companies have 2-4 hour minimums
The problem? Most people don’t see how these charges add up.
When you hire professional movers for a local move, they’re charging you for labor, equipment, and insurance. But you need to know exactly what’s driving these costs higher or lower.
Let’s look at a real example…
Imagine a 2-bedroom apartment move taking 4 hours with 2 movers at $50 per hour each. Labor alone is $400. Truck fees, travel time, packing materials? We’re easily at $600-800 minimum.
Local moving company fees (what can destroy your moving budget?)
Ok, here’s the most frustrating part about moving costs.
All the surprise charges that pop up on moving day. In fact, only 40.8% of Americans report their final moving bill was identical to the initial estimate they were given.
The most common sneaky fees include:
- Stair fees – $10-50 per flight of stairs
- Long carry charges – When movers must walk more than 100 ft
- Heavy item fees – Pianos, safes, appliances
- Disassembly/assembly – Furniture that must be taken apart
- Packing materials – Boxes, tape, bubble wrap
- Fuel surcharges – Gas prices especially high
It’s the last point there that really gets me. Some companies lowball you with a basic rate then hit you with every possible add-on after they’re already loaded up and on the road. Which is why you MUST get every detail in writing up front.
Smart strategies for saving money on local moving costs
Ok, enough bashing the industry. You came here to learn how to save money, so let’s help you do that.
These strategies have worked for thousands of people moving locally. Some are obvious, others may surprise you. Here goes…
Pick the right moving day
Moving is more expensive some days than others.
Best days to move for maximum savings:
- Weekdays – 20-30% cheaper than weekends
- Mid-month – Stay away from the 1st and last week rush
- Off-season – Fall and winter are the cheapest for moving rates
Get multiple quotes (but do it right)
Most people mess this up. They call 2-3 companies, get wildly varying numbers, and just go with the lowest.
That’s a mistake.
The smarter approach is:
- Get at least 5 quotes from different types of companies
- Ask each one to provide the EXACT same services
- Get everything in writing with detailed cost breakdowns
Do some work yourself
You don’t need to hire movers to do it all.
Easy ways to reduce your costs:
- Pack everything yourself (saves $200-500)
- Disassemble furniture in advance
- Transport valuable items in your own car
- Clean out junk before the movers arrive
The last one there is huge. Movers charge by the piece and the box. Every box and furniture item costs you money to move.
How to get accurate moving quotes you can trust
Ok, here’s a secret most people don’t know…
Getting an accurate moving quote is 50% on you. The more information you have ready for the movers, the more accurate the estimate will be.
Here’s what to tell every moving company:
Essential information for movers when getting a quote:
- Exact pickup and delivery addresses
- Detailed inventory list for every room and every major item
- Special considerations – Stairs, long hallways, parking issues, etc.
Here’s some important questions to ask every company:
- What’s your hourly rate and minimum charge?
- What additional fees might apply to this move?
- Do you charge for travel time between locations?
And here are some red flags to watch out for:
Warning signs of sketchy moving quotes:
- Prices are dramatically lower than others
- Estimates over the phone without inspecting your items
- Companies that ask for large deposits upfront
- Poor online reviews and no physical address
Understanding peak season moving costs
Local moving costs aren’t static. They fluctuate depending on a variety of factors.
The most important of these is how in-demand moving is at that moment.
Recent studies have found that 2024 moving costs have reached a five-year high. The average moving price reached $420.
When moving gets more expensive:
- May to September – Peak moving season
- Last few days of the month – Most leases expire
- Weekends – Peak demand
Try to plan your move around these peak times and you can easily save 20-40% on your move.
Local moving budget planning made simple
Ok, now that you have an idea of the costs, how about we talk about budgeting?
Your local moving budget breakdown should look like:
- Base moving costs: 60% of your total budget
- Packing supplies: 10% of your total budget
- Tips for movers: 10% of your total budget
- Emergency buffer: 20% of your total budget
Don’t skimp on that last category. Moving always has surprises. Plan for the worst so they don’t derail your whole move.
Here’s a sample budget breakdown…
Studio Apartment: $490 – $785 total 2-Bedroom House: $885 – $1,375 total 3-Bedroom House: $1,180 – $1,770 total
Time to make the final decision
Ok, so now you have all the costs down. How do you pick the right moving company?
It’s not just about who gives you the lowest price. You want a company that shows up on time, handles your items well, and doesn’t nickel-and-dime you later. Paying a little more up front can end up saving you money and stress later.
Final questions to ask yourself before you book:
- Did I get written estimates from at least 3 companies?
- Can I verify the company is licensed and insured?
- Have I read recent customer reviews?
- Do I understand ALL fees and charges up front?
Wrapping things up
Ok, that’s it for the guide to local moving costs.
It’s not rocket science, but it does require some homework on your part.
The key takeaways here are:
- Average local move costs range from $560 to $1,000
- Your actual moving costs depend on dozens of different variables
- Hidden fees and unexpected charges can DOUBLE your bill
- Planning in advance is the easiest way to reduce moving costs
Remember:
- Get detailed quotes from multiple companies
- Understand all possible fees and charges up front
- Budget at least 20% extra for unexpected costs
- Pick your moving day strategically
Don’t let moving costs sneak up on you. Do your research, ask the right questions and you’ll have a much better moving experience.
Who knows? You might even save a little money in the process.
