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Average Cost of Moving Locally

Published by Chris Townsend

Average Cost of Moving Locally

Financially speaking, there is much to consider when it comes time to relocate. If you’re buying, you have to think about down payments, closing charges, inspections, appraisals, credit check payments, and everything in between. Whereas, if you’re renting, there are security deposits, the cost of first and last month’s rent, pet deposits, and more. All of these rates can add up significantly.

However, there is one thing that you want to make sure that you budget for appropriately – the price of relocating your stuff from your old home to your new one. That said, what is the average cost of moving locally? We’re here to help provide some insight on this exact question. So, continue reading for everything you need to know about how much your regional move will charge you.

What Is a Local Move?

Regional moves, or “moving locally,” usually refers to any shift that is under 50 miles. In the relocation industry, these relocates are the most common type and could range from simply hauling furniture up a set of stairs or transporting an entire four-bedroom home 50 miles away.

What Is The Average Cost of Hiring Haulers?

The cost of hiring haulers can vary quite a bit, based on a number of factors. First things first, nearby moves are typically charged by the hour and often have an hourly minimum. With this in mind, the rate of hiring shifters locally is ultimately determined by how much stuff you have to relocate and how long it takes to shift it. Of course, other factors like moving dates, packing materials, distance, stairs, and fees for handling items that need extra care will also get included in the final price as well.

As each move is unique, it’s difficult to pinpoint an exact amount for how much local carriers rate. However, you can look at estimates and averages to get a good idea. According to Forbes, the national average cost of moving locally is approximately $1,400 but could valuation you as little as $800 or as much as $2,150 depending on the specific circumstances surrounding your transfer.

How Much The Price Of Regional Shifters?

Whether it’s your first time transferring, hiring movers, or both, we understand how overwhelming it can be when you look at average expenses. However, it’s important to keep in mind that a lot goes into the final total. Let’s take a look at what’s behind the cost of regional shifters so you know exactly what you’ll be paying for:

  • Hourly price: An hourly fee simply describes the amount that you pay per hour per hauler. Some relocators may prorate extra hourly time beyond your reservation, which are costs that will vary depending on your carrier and the day that you’re moving. For example, your hourly charge will likely be much higher on a Sunday morning than a Thursday afternoon.
  • Base rate: This refers to a one-time fee for your shift, as opposed to an hourly fee. It often includes the cost of your relocators, the truck, and any other resources you requested. Although most local movers bills hourly, some may payments a base valuation.
  • Cost per transfers: This is as simple as it sounds – the amount of each hauler that handles your haul. Depending on the size and scope of your shift, you may need more helpers. Also, the rate may vary based on the mover’s experience level and the service they are providing.
  • Truck fee: This signifies the charge of adding a transporting to your shift, which takes it from a labor-only job to a full-service relocate. It is typically more affordable and less of a hassle to book your truck directly with the shifting company you’re already working with rather than renting your own.

Factors That Can Increase Or Decrease The Rate

It’s important to note that there are several ways to increase or decrease the price of transitioning locally. While the average cost range of a regional move is between $800 and $2,150, a number of factors can cause your unique relocation to fall outside of this range. Let’s take a look

  • Your specific moving day. Most people prefer relocation on the weekends because it’s when they have time off of work. However, to accommodate the increased demand, transferring on the weekend is often more expensive. In addition to weekends, summer months and dates at the beginning or end of the month are also popular. So, if you can be flexible with your shifting day, opt for a weekday in the middle of a winter month.
  • How prepared you are. You can greatly reduce your transporting expenses by simply being fully packed and ready to go when your haulers arrive. Being unprepared means that your haul will take longer, thus increasing how many hours you have to pay.
  • Long walking distances and stairs. Overall, the longer it takes your movers to load the items in the truck, the longer the entire relocate will take. And, the longer your local shift is, the more expensive it will be. So, if you have multiple floors in your home, you can reduce the time (and ultimately decrease charges) by relocating as much of your boxes and furniture as possible to a location that is close to the moving – whether it be in your garage, foyer, or living room. Additionally, make sure that you secure a convenient parking spot for the transportation that is a close distance to your front door.

How Much Should You Tip Your Carriers?

Although tipping is never required, it’s a nice gesture to let your carriers know that you are pleased with their work. It’s also something that you’ll want to factor into your nearby hauling budget. Plan to have some cash on hand for moving day. Like tipping at a restaurant, there really is no rule to tipping your shifters. Though, relocation experts recommend between five and ten percent of the total cost of your relocate– or, approximately $10 to $20 per mover.

How Much The Charge Of DIY Shifts?

If you’re deciding whether or not you should hire carriers for your local relocate, you should take the time to weigh your options. In this case, knowing the cost of a DIY regional transfer is beneficial. If your decision to opt for a DIY move is purely based on budget, it’s important to keep in mind that moving yourself still charges money.

In fact, there are several hidden costs that most aren’t even aware of at first. So, with that said, here are some items that you’ll need to budget for and consider before you decide to handle the move yourself.

  • Moving Truck Rental: One of the main expenses involved in DIY local relocates is the rate of renting the transporting truck. Prices vary depending on the size and type of truck you need. You’ll also want to factor in insurance and the charge of gas. Additionally, some companies bills by the mile, which can add up significantly.
  • Gas: Each transportation company has their own policies, but most require that you return the relocating truck with a full tank of gas. Of course, the cost of fuel will depend on where you live and how big the tank is.
  • Hauling Help: Undeniably, you’re going to need help loading and unloading your relocation. Whether you choose to hire movers for labor-only services or enlist the help of your friends and family, this is an expense you’ll need to consider. Even if you simply ask your friends for help, we recommend that you at least buy them food and pay for their gas.

Aside from the monetary costs involved in DIY regional shifts, we cannot forget about the mental rate of transferring. Unavoidably, moving is very stressful – especially when you choose to handle all the tasks yourself.

Save yourself the stress (and time) by hiring professionals that can take care of all the logistically and physically demanding aspects of your local relocate. Contact us to receive your free, no-obligation estimate and find out how you could save up to 20% on your next move.

Chris Townsend is a moving professional and relocation expert that has more than 10 years of experience in the moving industry. With a background that includes working in virtually every aspect of the company, he has distinguished himself as an integral part of our operations with expertise in all things related to moving. Chris has a keen eye for detail and brings intelligence and passion to every project he’s involved with.

While getting his degree in communications from Santa Clara University, Chris started out with the company working in the field as part of our team of professional moving associates. Following graduation, he was promoted to our main office, where he has thrived in a role that involves increasing responsibility and requires him to wear many different hats. Some days, you may find him answering the phone and providing moving estimates, others he may be writing for our moving blog, and another day he may be coordinating a large corporate moving job or helping us with our marketing efforts. Chris has authored many of our in-depth moving guides, as well as provided our clients with information and advice to handle the complexities of their upcoming moving plans. Simply put, there’s nothing he can’t do and we wouldn’t be where we are today without him.

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