NYC Movers Cost: How Much Does Moving Cost in NYC in 2024?
Published by Chris Townsend
Although moving to New York City is never fun, it doesn’t have to be that miserable of a task. If your lease is expiring soon and you’re wondering how much do movers cost in NYC, remember the general rule of thumb. The cost of hiring professional movers in the Big Apple can vary as much from day to night. At Three Movers, our goal is to ensure that you have the most pleasant, cost-effective shifting experience possible, not just in New York City but nationwide. Below, we will also teach you to keep moving costs as low as possible to make the move more affordable. We try to plan and execute the move to be stress-free and affordable for our customers so that they can focus on their family or work instead of worrying about hauling costs. We are one of the best NYC movers, using our moving truck for every type of relocation, and we can even help with auto transport through a trusted partnership with https://www.a1autotransport.com.
How Much Professional Movers Charge in NYC?
Depending on who you’re dealing with, the moving company you hire will either charge you by the hour or a flat rate. Many renters prefer being charged a flat rate so that the less reputable professional movers are unable to overcharge them. So, let’s do the math for NYC relocation price with the following example to get some idea about the cost of moving to NYC:
You’re shifting from a 2nd-floor single-bedroom apartment to a 3rd-floor single-bedroom apartment. The distance to your new place is 8 miles. You have a bed, a couch, and maybe 1 or 2 other large pieces of furniture, but it’s nothing extremely heavy like a piano. Based on the average company estimate, the cost of moving a 1 bedroom apartment will be between $100 and $150/hr. Or a flat rate of $750 for a move that takes 6 hours to complete.
Add in the cost of packing materials such as boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap, or other supplies, and you’re looking at about $950. If you tip the moving crew (and you should), 10% is the standard industry gratuity rate. This brings the average cost of the move to roughly $1,050. If you have valuable articles such as expensive art or high-end furniture, you’ll want to discuss your needs with a Three Movers representative. We are available to view it all and then give you a written, no-obligation quote. We are one of the most cost-effective professional movers and can help you by providing moving services at an affordable price for a New York Relocation.
Factors Affecting Cost
Unless you move outside New York City, chances are you’ll be moving from one apartment to another. Furthermore, you’ll quickly discover that no two apartment buildings are alike. Consequently, moving companies in Queens, Brooklyn, Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island can’t offer a fixed moving cost when it comes to relocating within the city. If you’re trying to create a budget for that move, you need to take certain variables into consideration.
Determine How Much Haulers Cost With the Following Variables
- Amount of furniture that needs to be moved: If you are shifting with quite a large amount of stuff then you may have to pay extra bucks. And if you wanna save that buck and use it elsewhere then make sure you get some helping hands from friends and relatives instead of a moving company.
- Moving timeline for the shift: It is important to decide the timeframe within which you want the complete relocation to be completed. For faster service, you need to pay extra money. So, if you want to avoid that cost, you must plan to move when you’ve plenty of time.
- Disassembly and reassembly of furniture: Furniture like beds, cupboards, and even a bookshelf must be disassembled while moving and assembled once the shifting is completed. The cost of disassembly and reassembly of furniture may not be included in the package and if you’re seeking help from the company then not to mention, you’ll have to pay some money other than the total cost of moving.
- Ease of access (i.e., distance from the street, elevator vs. stairs, etc.): Easier accessibility of your home space during lifting, loading, and unloading leads to work completion under budget.
- Heavy items being moved (e.g., piano, pool table, etc.): Categories of moves include heavier items, and these items need more movers and probably more trips, and hence that calls for more charge.
- Moving distance to your new location: Moving to a nearby place will cost less. Ensure the movers will use the shortest distance to your new location. This is especially necessary when you are planning long-distance moves.
- The number of boxes you have packed: If the number of boxes you have packed is more than the truck’s capacity then the complete relocation of items may call for an extra number of trips.
Additionally, Three Movers recommends that you get price quotes from several moving companies to compare price quotes and help you decide on the company to hire.
Price Examples
The table below outlines very rough price estimates based on historical moving cost information:
| 1 bedroom | 2-3 bedrooms | 4-5 bedrooms | |
| Less than 50 miles | $240 – $675 | $710 – $1,400 | $1,100 – $4,900 |
| 250 miles | $800 – $2,300 | $1,400 – $3,950 | $2,050 – $4,700 |
| 1000+ miles | $950 – $2,900 | $2,100 – $7,800 | $4,900 – $8,100 |
| 2500+ miles | $1,300 – $3,800 | $3,400 – $7,900 | $8,400+ |
The cost is estimated by our own professional movers who have decades of experience in this hauling industry. Other Austin movers of same quality may have higher price because they are not as affordable as our movers.
Long Distance Relocating Expense
| To / From New York City | Distance | 2 BR | 3 BR | 4 BR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York City, NY to Clarksville, MD | 211 | $379.8 – $464.2 | $506.4 – $569.7 | $675.2 – $780.7 |
| Lakewood, NJ to New York City, NY | 69 | $124.2 – $151.8 | $165.6 – $186.3 | $220.8 – $255.3 |
| New York City, NY to Lancaster, PA | 163 | $293.4 – $358.6 | $391.2 – $440.1 | $521.6 – $603.1 |
| Salinas, CA to New York City, NY | 2988 | $5378.4 – $6573.6 | $7171.2 – $8067.6 | $9561.6 – $11055.6 |
| New York City, NY to Palmdale, PA | 161 | $289.8 – $354.2 | $386.4 – $434.7 | $515.2 – $595.7 |
| Hollywood, MD to New York City, NY | 272 | $489.6 – $598.4 | $652.8 – $734.4 | $870.4 – $1006.4 |
| New York City, NY to Springfield, PA | 114 | $205.2 – $250.8 | $273.6 – $307.8 | $364.8 – $421.8 |
| Macon, GA to New York City, NY | 896 | $1612.8 – $1971.2 | $2150.4 – $2419.2 | $2867.2 – $3315.2 |
| New York City, NY to Kansas City, MO | 1189 | $2140.2 – $2615.8 | $2853.6 – $3210.3 | $3804.8 – $4399.3 |
| Sunnyvale, CA to New York City, NY | 2933 | $5279.4 – $6452.6 | $7039.2 – $7919.1 | $9385.6 – $10852.1 |
*Prices and times are estimated. They can vary depending on the season and other factors.
Relevant Statistics
- The average cost of hiring a professional for a local move is $800 to $1,200.
- Approximately 70% of moving companies offer packing services as an additional cost.
- On average, the cost of packing materials ranges from $200 to $400.
- About 80% of people who hire movers in NYC opt for additional insurance coverage, which typically costs 3-5% of the total move cost.
- A one-bedroom apartment relocation within Manhattan, on average, costs between $1,500 and $2,500 with professional movers.
General Facts
- The cost of hiring movers in New York City can vary depending on factors such as the size of the move, distance traveled, and additional services requested.
- Movers in NYC typically charge an hourly rate, which can range from $100 to $300 per hour, depending on the complexity of the move.
- Additional fees may apply for services like packing, unpacking, storage, and specialty item handling.
- Factors like the time of year and day of the week can also affect the cost of hiring movers in NYC, with peak moving seasons typically being more expensive.
- It's recommended to get multiple quotes from different moving companies in order to compare prices and find the best deal for your specific needs.
Hourly Moving Rates
The hourly rate for relocating services mainly depends on the number of professional movers you need and the number of moving trucks you need for the job. The table below shows some hourly rate examples based on these two factors:
| No. Of Movers | No. Of Moving Trucks | Average Hourly Moving Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Two | One | $100 per hour |
| Three | One | $145 per hour |
| Four | One | $190 per hour |
| Four | Two | $200 per hour |
How To Make Expense More Affordable?
Moving can be just as stressful in NYC, but it can also be an exciting experience. Not only do you have a lot to move, but you are concerned with keeping it organized, protected, undamaged, and you also worry about how many movers are in NYC. Here are several tips that will help take some of the hassles out of your intercity move without losing your belongings as well as manage NYC mover's cost to make it as low as possible.
How To Decrease Expenditure?
- Avoid unnecessary work and unnecessary expenses – you’re going to be doing a lot as it is so work smarter, not harder. Also, save time to ensure that the apartment is clean once you are ready to leave. Unless you don’t care about getting that hefty security deposit back that you paid up front when you moved in.
- Get rid of items you no longer need or want – this is the perfect time to be charitable with items that some people need more than you do. Take inventory of your belongings and separate the items you really don't have need for any longer. Donating such items to Goodwill or Salvation Army is a great way to help others and it’s tax-deductible.
- Organize, organize, and organize some more – a moving to-do list can be as long as a person’s arm. However, your burden will become increasingly lighter the more you organize and prepare for the move. Create a checklist by mapping out all that needs to be done. This normally involves several days, so keep track of things on your calendar. If you break things down into smaller daily tasks, you’ll feel like you’re accomplishing more and making the move more manageable.
Bear in mind that while moving to New York City can be daunting and expensive, it's never a significant matter to be much concerned about. Numerous moving firms can assist you and make your relocation more comfortable and affordable than your expectations.
Call Three Movers today to learn more about moving costs in New York City or get a FREE price quote.
What Types Of Options Are There For NYC Shifting?
Because New York City is so populous, streets can become congested and small, and not all neighborhoods provide the same mobility alternatives. The specific options accessible to you will most likely be determined by the details of your move, location, and destination. People travel in and out of NYC on a daily basis, so have no concern. Here are some of the methods to employ:
- DIY rental truck
- Moving and storage container service
- Moving and storage container service specialized for city moves
- Traditional full-service mover
- A combo of the above
How Much Should You Tip Relocating Companies?
Some variables for you to consider are the action's size and distance (mileage). Likewise, just how much stuff did they need to lug around? If you moved to a walkup, how many trips upstairs did the moving companies make? Did the relocation occur in the middle of a heatwave, rainstorm, or snowstorm? That stated, there are a couple of oblique rules.
The short answer is 15%–20% of the total worth of your move. It is common to acknowledge movers for their work and extra initiative on the day. For instance, a $1,000 medium-sized move would justify a $200 tip shared between two moving companies if they had shown an authentic dedication to your requirements throughout the day. It likewise aids in showing appreciation during the step. Purchase the team coffee, soft drinks, and possibly a pizza- relocating, besides, is arduous work!
Frequently Asked Questions
It usually costs somewhere between $40-$60 per hour to move locally in NYC. But, for long-distance, you usually have to pay fixed rates based on your needs.
For local moves, you usually have to pay somewhere between $20 to $50 per hour. But, the price is more expensive in places like New York City.
For a short distance move covering less than 10 miles, it costs around $750 to move an average-sized house.
To move cheaply in NYC, you have to go for truck rental and then handle other aspects of the move on your own. But if your belongings are much, you can hire moving labor. You can also take time to research cheap and affordable movers.
To estimate moving costs, you have to look into variables like distance of the move, size of the move, types of services you need, and the number of movers and the moving trucks that you need.
Most movers will not charge you extra for disassembling beds. But, it will probably cost extra for packing, storage, and assembly.
A three-bedroom home move within the same city can typically take anywhere from 4 to 8 hours, whereas a long-distance move may take 1 to 3 days, depending on the distance and other factors.
A local move within New York City could cost anywhere from $500 to $2,000 for a one-bedroom apartment or studio apartment size, depending on many factors. For larger apartments or long-distance moves, the cost can be significantly higher.
Moving services can vary from one moving company to another, and the specific costs for additional services may differ. However, some common moving services that often come with extra charges include:
1. Packing services: If you choose to have professional packers pack your belongings, it will typically come with an additional cost. The movers will bring packing materials and handle the packing for you.
2. Specialty item handling: Moving large or delicate items such as pianos, antiques, artwork, sculptures, pool tables, or heavy gym equipment may require special handling and equipment, leading to additional charges.
3. Long carry or stair carry: If there is a long distance from the moving truck to your apartment or if there are flights of stairs involved, movers may charge extra for the additional effort and time required.
4. Elevator reservation: In high-rise buildings with limited access to elevators, some moving companies may charge extra for reserving the elevator for the moving day.
Shuttle service: If the moving truck cannot access your residence directly due to narrow streets or restrictions, a shuttle service may be required to transport your belongings to and from the truck, incurring an extra cost.
5. Storage services: If you need to store your belongings temporarily during the moving process, storage services will typically have separate fees.
6. Furniture disassembly and reassembly: If you have large furniture pieces that need to be disassembled before moving and then reassembled at your new home, there may be an additional movers charge for this service.
7. Express or expedited delivery: If you require your belongings to be delivered within a tight timeframe, some New York moving companies offer expedited delivery services at an extra cost.
8. Insurance coverage: While basic liability coverage is often included, some residential moving companies may offer additional insurance protection options with higher coverage limits at an extra cost.
It's essential to discuss your specific needs with the moving company and obtain a detailed estimate that clearly outlines the services included and any additional charges. Make sure to read the contract carefully and ask about any potential extra costs before booking the moving services. This way, you can avoid any surprises on the moving day and budget accordingly for your move.
NYC movers typically calculate their costs based on several factors, including the distance of the move, the size, volume and weight of the items being transported, the number of movers required, the level of service chosen (e.g., basic moving, full-service packing with packing supplies), and the time of year (peak vs. off-peak season).
Yes, some NYC movers may have hidden fees that are not immediately apparent. These moving fees can include charges for stairs, elevators, long carries, fuel surcharges, or fees for specialty items like pianos. It is essential to inquire about any potential additional fees and get a detailed cost breakdown from the moving company.
Yes, NYC movers are subject to regulations and standards imposed by government agencies to protect consumers and ensure fair business practices. These regulations may include licensing requirements, insurance coverage, and adherence to specific guidelines for moving services. Compliance with these regulations can influence the overall cost of moving services.
The cost of NYC movers can vary significantly from those in other major cities in the United States. Generally, moving costs in cities with a higher cost of living, like NYC, tend to be higher than in less expensive cities. Additionally, factors such as local competition, demand for moving services, and the distance of the move can also impact the cost comparison.
NYC movers often offer additional services such as packing and unpacking assistance, furniture disassembly and reassembly, storage options, and specialty item handling. These services can add to the overall cost of the move, but they can also save time and effort for the customer.
The cost-effectiveness of hiring movers depends on various factors, including the distance of the move, the amount of belongings, and the complexity of the relocation. For shorter distances, DIY options may be more cost-effective, but for long-distance moves or moves with more significant logistics involved, hiring professional movers can often be a wise investment.
To negotiate or secure a better deal on mover's cost, consider the following tips:
1. Get multiple quotes from different moving companies to compare mover prices and services.
2. Be flexible with your moving dates if possible, as rates may vary based on the time of year and demand.
3. Ask the movers about any ongoing promotions, discounts, or special offers they may have.
4. Discuss your specific needs with the moving company and inquire about potential cost-saving options.
5. Consider bundling services or customizing your moving package to fit your budget.
6. Read reviews and other online resources to check the company's reputation to ensure you're dealing with a reliable and transparent mover.
7. Ask for a detailed breakdown of the quote and inquire about any potential hidden fees.
