Average Cost of Moving in NYC

New York City is one of the most expensive cities in the country, if not the world. With moving being one of the most financially taxing endeavors, moving in NYC can be especially pricey. While anyone can estimate the price of a move based on how much stuff they have and the distance between their origin location and their destination, calculating the cost of moving in NYC is a different story.

The best way to determine how much it’s going to cost to move in NYC is to reach out to a professional moving company and request a quote. However, our team of moving experts is here to give you a general idea of what it’ll cost to hire NYC movers for your impending relocation.

Of course, the goal is to find an affordable moving company that will get the job done right. No one wants to break the bank on their move, even if it is in New York City. Regardless of income, everyone looks for the best deal possible and relocating is no exception. If you want to know the average cost of moving in NYC, it’s important to understand all the factors that impact moving costs. These factors are considered by pretty much all moving companies when calculating the cost of a move. So, let’s dive in!

Factors that Determine the Cost of Moving in NYC

Each move is unique, which can make determining the cost of moving in NYC a challenge. Obviously relocating a studio apartment and a three-bedroom home are two very different endeavors. Both the movers and the person moving are well aware of this fact, and the differences are seen in the final cost of the move.

The amount of stuff you’re moving.

As you might expect, the more stuff that you have to move, the more expensive your move is going to be. Logically speaking, this makes perfect sense. Whether your household goods will occupy a 12-foot moving truck or a 16-foot moving truck is going to have an effect on cost. If the goal is to keep your moving costs as low as possible, do your best to reduce the amount of stuff you plan to take with you.

Take some time to consider each item that you own, especially the larger furniture items. These weigh more and are going to take up the most space in the truck. Is it worth hiring NYC movers to move your massive, heavy couch if you’re already thinking about buying a new one for your new home? This same thought process can be applied to your dated appliances or anything else that may be bulky or difficult to haul.

The size of your home.

When it comes to the cost of moving in NYC (or anywhere really), time is an important factor. For local moves within the city, your moving company will charge you by the hour – whether they’re packing, driving, hauling, loading, unloading, or unpacking. The number of movers that are assigned to your move is also important. The time that your move takes and the number of movers it requires will depend on the size of your home. Here are some rough estimates to consider based on the size of your home:

• Moving from a studio apartment typically requires two moves and takes an average of four hours. This includes packing, loading the truck, driving to your destination location, and unpacking everything. For this job, you can expect to pay an average of $400 to $600.
• Moving from a two-bedroom apartment usually requires three pairs of hands on deck. Depending on the specific circumstances, this type of move can be completed in about six hours with an average cost of $720 to $900.
• Larger homes, like those that are three or four bedrooms, necessitate more movers and more time. With four movers, the job may be finished in around eight hours. That said, the cost of hiring movers in NYC for approximately the entire day is between $1280 and $1920.

These numbers are based on an average price per NYC mover per hour of $40 to $60. Though, these are just price ranges and should only be understood as rough estimates. The most accurate cost estimate will come from your moving company actually seeing your home and your belongings.

The specific location.

The specific conditions at the location will impact the cost of moving. For example, do you live on the fourth floor with no elevator? Is there street parking near your home or do you live off of a busy street? If your movers have to move your belongings to or from a home located on the fourth floor with no elevator, you will be charged extra.

When you’re requesting quotes from moving companies make sure you are as detailed as possible. Disclose any and all necessary information so that there are no surprises on moving day for you or your movers.

Specialty items.

In addition to special circumstances, special items can contribute to a hire moving cost. These items include those that are particularly heavy, very fragile or require special conditions for transport. Some things that typically fall under this category of “special items” include pianos, hot tubs, sculptures, artwork, antique furniture, or just anything that needs to be handled with care.

When your moving company arrives for your in-home estimate, make sure that you inquire about the cost of moving your specialty items.

The services you select.

The services that you choose from your moving company will influence the final bill for moving in NYC. If you opt for packing and unpacking services, the move will take longer. As previously stated, moving companies usually charge by the hour. So, more time contributes to a higher cost.

Your moving date.

The most popular day to move is at the beginning or end of a month. Since this is peak time for residential moves, you can expect to pay more for the higher demand. If possible, try to move in the middle of the month and avoid weekends as well. ThePeak moving season also starts in April and goes all the way until the end of September. Moving outside of these months can save you money as well.

Though, if you don’t have any flexibility with regard to your moving date – just book as far in advance as possible!

Beware of Fraudulent NYC Movers

With the number of people flocking to NYC constantly rising, more moving companies are created to meet the demand. Unfortunately, this also means the potential for running into scammers. When it comes to fraudulent movers in NYC, this is something that you should take seriously. Put simply, if you are concerned about the cost of moving in NYC, you should do everything in your power to avoid moving scams in New York City.

If you don’t know what to look out for, you could end up paying far more than you should for your move. With that said, here are some indications of a fraudulent NYC mover:

• No license. Do not even entertain a moving company that isn’t properly licensed and insured.
• Too good to be true. If the offer seems too good to be true, it probably is. This is why we recommend gathering quotes from multiple companies. That way, you can do a proper comparison and avoid low-ball estimates.
• Cash-only or large upfront deposits. These are both major red flags and clear signs of a possible moving scam.
• Difficult to find information about the company. If there isn’t a company logo on their uniforms or trucks, you can’t find a business address listed online, or they answer the phone without mentioning the name of the company, look elsewhere.
• Previous accusations of moving fraud. Do the necessary research by looking online, asking around, and checking with the Better Business Bureau.

How Much Do Movers in NYC Cost?

With all the factors above considered, the average cost of moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment locally in NYC costs between $500 and $800. Of course, if you are moving out of state, you can expect to pay quite a bit more. Again, the best way to know exactly how much an NYC move will cost is to speak with a professional moving company.
For all your New York City moving and storage needs, look no further than Three Movers for the job. Contact us today to schedule your free, in-home estimate and find out how you could save up to 20% when you move with Three Movers!