Published by Chris Townsend
Last updated Dec, 27 2025
How much do movers cost per hour?
No matter how far you’re planning on moving and the number of household items that will be moving with you, it’s an expense that you need to start preparing for well in advance. Although hiring professional movers can be somewhat costly, Three Movers offers some of the most competitive pricing in the moving industry today. Relocating to a new location is a labor-intensive, physically taxing task. Consequently, enlisting a crew of professionals to do all the heavy work is often well worth the money.
What type of moving service should I choose?
Most moving companies offer a wide range of services including packing your items, loading them onto a truck, transporting everything to your new location, unloading them at your destination, and even unpacking those items. Determining how much are movers for each move is not simple. Moving costs can vary significantly based on the distance you're moving, the type of services you require, and the total weight of the shipment. In order to ensure choosing the right moving company, do some research and follow these suggestions:
- Get referrals from other family members and friends.
- Don’t settle for the first company you get a moving estimate from.
- Take each company representative’s level of professionalism into consideration.
- Ask for each company’s credentials (are they bonded, insured, and licensed?).
- Find out if the company’s you’re interviewing are accredited by the BBB (Better Business Bureau)
- Verify their physical address online or in your local area phone book.
What factors influence the cost of moving?
There are certain factors that Three Movers take into consideration when calculating the cost of any move, whether it’s local or long-distance. When hiring professional movers, the cost is affected by factors such as labor costs or the number of movers involved, the type of services you require, and the following:
Add-ons
Includes items such as felt moving pads, mattress bags, stretch wrap, and so on. Some companies include these items in the estimate they provide.
Date you’re moving
Believe it or not, the cost of moving is affected by the date of the move with most companies.
Liability and valuation coverage
liability insurance is a necessary expense when hiring a moving company. Three Movers offers “Basic Released Value Protection” and “Full Value Protection” (call for an explanation).
Moving supplies required
whether you have the moving company provide these or you purchase them separately, you need to figure in the cost of any additional moving supplies such as bubble wrap, cardboard boxes, packing paper, plastic wrap, packing tape, and any other miscellaneous supplies you need for the move.
Get A Quote To Move
Contact an agent by filling out the fast quote form and get your next move started today!
How much does it cost to move locally?
The average cost of a long-distance, interstate, or cross-country move is around $5,000 based on a 2 or 3-bedroom household with a weight of approximately 7,500 pounds and a moving distance of at least 1,000 miles. Compared to local or intrastate moves, long-distance moves are based largely on the total weight of what’s being shipped. Our Three Movers representative will be happy to provide a FREE estimate of what it will cost for long distance moving. We ensure that all quotes are in writing while all taxes and other charges are clearly mentioned so that there are no discrepancies later on.
How much do long distance moves’ cost?
The definition of a local move, or “intrastate” move as they are commonly called, will vary based on the company you are dealing with. Some moving companies consider a move of 50 miles or less as a local move. On the other hand, Three Movers considers a move within the same state as local. The average cost of moving locally can cost up to $1,250 based on a 7,500-pound shipment. At our company, we prefer to come out to your home and provide a visual long distance moving estimates. The cost of a local or short-distance move is usually based on an hourly rate. We’ll help you calculate it if you need a quote.
How should I have my belongings moved?
As a final consideration for a long-distance move, you have a choice of a “consolidated” move or an “exclusive direct” move. If you choose a consolidated move, it means that your belongings will be traveling with another customer’s belongings. This is a more cost-effective way to move your household. Choosing an exclusive direct move gives you more control of the arrival date and your belongings are the only ones on the truck. However, this method is more costly.
For additional information about moving locally or long-distance, contact Three Movers at your earliest convenience. Our business representatives are available to assist you plan and execute the move. Call us today or email us and we’ll arrange a call with an expert moving expert.
how much should movers cost per hour
Frequently Asked Questions
Movers typically cost $90–$160 per hour for a local move, based on a 2–3 mover crew and one truck. Rates increase with crew size, packing help, stairs or long carries, heavy items, and peak dates. Most companies bill with a 2–4 hour minimum. Urban traffic, parking logistics, and building rules can extend billable time. Hourly pricing is standard for local jobs; longer distances are usually priced differently. Learn more about movers by the hour.
For local moves under 50–100 miles, expect $100–$150 per hour on average. A studio or 1-bedroom often needs 2 movers, while larger homes require 3–4 movers, raising the hourly rate. Costs rise with packing services, elevators, tight stairwells, and loading permits. Local hourly billing typically includes labor and the truck, but packing materials and travel time may be separate. See typical local rates via local moving companies.
A 1-bedroom apartment usually costs $100–$140 per hour with 2 movers, taking 3–5 hours to complete. Total pricing depends on stairs vs elevators, walking distance to the truck, disassembly needs, and fragile items. Buildings with restricted loading windows or required COIs can add time. Packing services and supplies increase hourly spend but often reduce total hours. Apartment-specific logistics are common with apartment movers.
When packing is included, hourly rates often rise to $120–$180 per hour, depending on crew size and material use. Packing adds labor time but can speed loading and reduce damage risk. Charges may include boxes, wrap, and tape, billed hourly or as a flat materials fee. Large kitchens, wardrobes, and fragile items increase time. Full packing plus moving is commonly bundled by full service movers.
Yes. Peak season May–September, weekends, and month-end dates often add 10–30 percent to hourly rates. Demand-driven pricing reflects tighter truck availability and longer loading delays. Morning starts, reserved elevators, and parking permits help control hours. Booking midweek or mid-month can lower the per-hour rate. Seasonal pricing is standard across local and long-distance markets governed by DOT and FMCSA guidelines.
Hourly pricing is usually cheaper for small local moves with clear access and short distances. Flat rates can be better for larger homes, complex buildings, or longer jobs where time risk shifts to the mover. Flat quotes factor inventory size, access, mileage, and labor. For state-to-state moves, hourly billing is rare; pricing follows weight or volume under long distance movers.
Hourly costs rise with more movers, packing needs, stairs, elevators with schedules, long carries, heavy items like pianos or safes, traffic delays, weather, and building restrictions. Parking tickets or permit delays can add time. Local vs intrastate vs interstate rules also matter. Clear pathways, reserved parking, and prepared packing reduce billable hours and keep costs predictable.
