How Much Are Movers Near Me?

When you are looking for a local mover with a truck to help you move from one house to another, one of the big questions is how much the move will cost. Other problems may be keeping you up at night, like how far the closest Thai food is from my new house, but help with moving is right up there.

How much are movers near me?

Your local move's cost depends on how much stuff you need to move, how much work you are doing yourself, and how far away you are moving. There are a few other factors, but those are the primary determinants. Unlike interstate movers, which generally charge by weight, local movers usually quote an hourly rate depending on the number of movers needed to load and unload. The moving labor rates will vary based on local costs, but the mover can tell you approximately how much are movers near you. Industry experts say that loading the contents of a three-bedroom house takes three movers about four hours. Unloading would add 3 hours, and that doesn’t include the packing, which would add another 6-8 hours.

On average, a local move of around 10,000 pounds (enough for a three-bedroom home) will cost $1,000, but you should check local rates, and look at that as a starting point. Just moving a piano in some places will add $400 to your invoice, and other services can easily double the cost. In most states, you will pay for the cost of the time the team is on the road, and in California, you will pay for the time they need to drive back as well if the one-way distance is over ten miles.

How can I figure out what it will cost to move?

Good question. We can help break it down. The best way to start is to contact several moving companies and get estimates. Because this is a local move, the companies are not subject to the interstate move regulations of the FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration). However, you should still consider visiting the FMCSA website, which offers some great resources and tips to help you choose a mover and protect yourself from fraud. Check out the publication titled Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move. It contains a wealth of information about moving, movers, and how to understand the industry jargon.

When you call companies to ask for estimates, you may want to take a pass if they are reluctant to come and give you an estimate in person. The visual survey is required for the interstate moves, but local activities are not subject to the same regulations. However, there is no good reason for the company to refuse, and it makes sense that they will be better able to determine how much time it will take to load your belongings if they see what you have.

Let's assume that the company you select gives you a quote for 7.5 hours, with one truck and three movers, for $175 per hour. Their estimate includes four hours of loading, 30 minutes of driving, and three hours of unloading. The total cost would be $1312.50, plus any applicable taxes.

What else can they charge me?

The answer may depend on where you are. Some states have rules like the federal regulations and require disclosure of fees, and others are primarily hands-off. But regardless of where you are, you should ask for a written description of what charges you may encounter. Moving companies use a tariff, which is a detailed outline of the fees they charge, and they will supply this to you with the estimate. If a company does not provide this to you, this is not a firm you want to do business with.

Some of the extra charges that you should ask about are:

Professional movers are expert packers. You may want to pay them to pack your household goods and save you the trouble. There are pros and cons to having this service done by the moving company (more about this below), but the hourly charge for packing should generally be less than the payment for loading and unloading. It may be done by different people, depending on the company.
Large and bulky items. Remember that $400 charge for the piano? It isn’t just the piano. Heavy furniture like sideboards, hutches, desks, and other substantial items may have extra weight charges. Similarly, movers will assess a fee to disassemble (and then reassemble) beds, tables, bookshelves, and other complex objects.
If you have stairs, especially more than one set, or stairs that are narrow or angled, be prepared for an additional charge. This applies to both the origin and the destination.
Long carries. If the truck can't park close to the house (perhaps blocked by an overhang) or if some items must be carried to a distant entrance to fit, you may be charged for the extra length that the workers take the things.
Waiting time. If you aren’t ready when the team arrives, or if the new residence isn’t available for delivery to begin when they get there, hourly charges accrue while they wait.
Extra stops. If you have anything to pick up from or drop off at a storage unit or another residence, you will incur additional extra stop fees.

Should I pay the movers to pack for me?

When you are making any move, local or long distance, you should consider it an opportunity to scrutinize what you are taking with you. Do you still have a couple of boxes you have been moving from place to place for the last ten or more years? Those are the boxes to open and dig into, taking a serious look at the contents before you move them again. Remember, moving costs are based on how much you need to move, so you are better off moving less. This chance to sort and be selective is the main argument against having the movers pack for you because they will pack everything. The best argument in favor of paying the movers and packers to do the packing is they will probably do a better job. That's what they do, and they know how. They can load boxes efficiently without overloading, they know how many books to put in one box, and they have those wonderful wardrobe boxes that make moving your clothes so simple.

Should I pay for the insurance for a local move?

Think carefully before declining insurance. Movers are professionals, but accidents do happen. More than likely, your homeowner’s or renter's insurance will not cover anything that occurs while your possessions are in transit from one home to the next. The moving company will offer you coverage to protect you against the possibility of anything getting damaged or lost. You care enough about your belongings to pay someone to move them for you, so it makes sense to pay a little more to ensure that everything makes the trip safely.