Published by Chris Townsend
Last updated Nov, 29 2025
Movers in Rochester, NY generally charge between $5,400 and $9,420 per move, the specific cost being influenced by variables such as distance, complexity, and additional services requested.
Price Table for Service
| Service Type | Basic Package | Premium Package | Deluxe Package |
|---|---|---|---|
| Packing | Included | Included | Included |
| Furniture Disassembly | Not Included | Included | Included |
| Loading | Included | Included | Included |
| Enclosed Transport | Not Included | Included | Included |
| Local Transport | Included | Included | Included |
| Insurance | Not Included | Included | Included |
| Delivery | Standard | Standard | Express |
| Storage Service | 7 Days Included | 12 days Included | 15 days Included |
| Price | $5,000 | $7,500 | $10,000 |
Understanding the Cost of Shifters
Wondering about the cost of shifters in Rochester? It typically ranges from $302 to $830 for local and full-service moves. This article cuts through the clutter to give you a clear picture of expenses, covering the essentials and providing practical advice to navigate your relocation economically, without compromising on service.
Key Takeaways
- The average cost of a local move in Rochester ranges from $302 to $830 per hour, with various factors affecting the hourly rate, including home size, move distance, time of year, and the company’s reputation.
- Interstate hauling costs from Rochester depend on the house size with indicative ranges being $2,404 to $4,843 for a one-bedroom and over $4,500 for larger homes, subject to variables like distance and labor expenses.
- Cost-saving strategies when hiring relocators include comparing quotes, decluttering, and strategic timing outside peak seasons or on weekdays to access lower rates.

Average Costs of Local Transporters
If you’re planning a commercial move within Rochester, understanding the Rochester cost involved is key. According to recent estimates, the typical pricing range for engaging a local moving company is between $302 and $830 per hour, with the average cost of a local relocation in August 2023 being $421.
While these costs may seem intimidating, appropriate knowledge and planning can help manage them effectively.
Hourly Rates
When it comes to hiring local shifters, the standard hourly fee is $216. However, the hourly rate can vary significantly based on various factors. Some factors that can affect the relocator cost include:
- The number of movers needed
- The size of the home
- The distance of the move
- The time of year
- The level of service required
For instance, a larger home would require more than two movers, and hence, result in a higher hourly rate. It’s important to hire shifters by getting quotes from multiple companies to compare prices and find the best deal for your specific needs.
Packing Services and Supplies
Besides the hourly rates, packing services and supplies also make up a substantial portion of the costs. Relocators offer a diverse range of packing services, from supplying packing materials to complete packing and unpacking services.
The average cost of these services falls within the range of $60 to $80. As for packing supplies, companies such as TWO MEN AND A TRUCK and Interior Services offer boxes and supplies, with prices typically ranging from $20.00 to $30.00.
Incorporating these costs into your budget can lead to a more efficient, stress-free move.

Factors Affecting the Cost of Shifting
Though average costs give a rough idea, be aware that numerous factors can influence the cost of hauling. These include the distance of the move, the size of your home, and the time of year you decide to move.
Comprehending these factors will aid you in making strategic decisions to manage your costs.
Distance
The distance of your haul can significantly impact the overall cost. Here are some estimated costs for different types of moves:
- Local shifting can range from $581 to $6,919
- Long-distance moves may vary from $900 to over $4,500
- Moves under 250 miles typically average around $2,655
- Larger transport covering the same distance can reach up to $7,379
Please note that these are just free estimates and actual costs may vary.

Home Size
The size of your home is another crucial factor that influences cost. Larger homes require more transporters and hours for the move, resulting in higher overall costs. For instance, the average cost for a local haul of a three-bedroom home is $2,100, whereas for a long-distance move, it amounts to $5,500.
Size plays a more significant role when moving larger homes. The average cost of hauling a larger home, like a four-bedroom house, in Rochester is approximately $4,430. On the other hand, relocating a small-sized residence typically costs around $611.
Hence, awareness of these costs will assist you in preparing your budget suitably.
Time of Year
The time of year you choose to move can also significantly impact the cost of hiring relocators. Peak season during the summer often results in higher costs due to increased demand. This is especially true between May and September when there’s a high demand for services.
However, if you’re looking to save on your costs, consider shifting during the off-peak months from October to March. During these times, moving companies often lower their rates due to reduced demand. Yet, potential challenges such as freezing temperatures and limited services during off-peak seasons must also be taken into account.

Interstate Relocating Costs
When shifting out of state from Rochester, the interstate hauling costs come into play. These costs vary significantly based on the size of your home. To help you better understand these costs, we’ll delve into specific examples for different home sizes in the following subsections.
One-Bedroom Home
Relocating a one-bedroom home interstate from Rochester typically falls within the range of $2,404 to $4,843. The cost can vary based on various factors such as moving distance and city destination. For local transport, the cost for labor can range from $200 to $400. Long-distance moves, such as interstate relocations, can start at around $2,100, with variations based on the weight of belongings and the number of miles traveled.

Two- or Three-Bedroom Home
If you’re hauling a two- or three-bedroom home from Rochester to another state, the costs will be different. The typical expense for relocating a two-bedroom residence from Rochester to another location within the US is approximately $2,300. For a three-bedroom home, the costs can range between $2,300 and $9,600 for long-distance moves, and between $1,250 and $2,100 for local transport when using professional services.
Specific costs can vary based on your destination. For instance, the anticipated costs for relocating to the Southern United States, such as Louisiana, vary from $969 to $2,379, with the average long-distance relocation costing approximately $4,890.
Four-Bedroom Home (or Larger)
For larger homes, such as a four-bedroom house, the costs will be higher. Here are some average costs for relocating a four-bedroom residence:
- From Rochester to New York City: approximately $4,430
- To Los Angeles (using movers): ranging from $1,184 to $4,980
- To Los Angeles (using moving containers): ranging from $1,372 to $3,414
These costs can be influenced by various factors such as the weight of the belongings being transported, the distance to the new location, and any labor expenses incurred during the process. Therefore, you need to take these factors into account while budgeting for your move.

Money-Saving Tips for Hiring Shifters
Besides understanding the costs, knowing how to save money when hiring NY movers in Rochester is just as important.
The following subsections will offer practical advice on how you can make your relocation more cost-effective.
Comparing Quotes
One of the easiest ways to save money when hiring relocators is by comparing quotes. Obtaining quotes from several companies and assessing their services, reputation, reviews, prices, and additional fees is essential.

Decluttering
Decluttering your home and using a storage unit before transporting can also result in significant cost savings. By reducing the amount of items that need to be transported, you can decrease the time required for packing and moving, ultimately reducing the expenses associated with the service.
You can start decluttering by:
- Getting motivated and initiating the process early
- Prioritizing less frequently used rooms
- Discarding unwanted items
- Considering repurposing or donating items such as old linens or crafts.
Commonly suggested items for decluttering include:
- Nearly empty toiletries
- Unused personal care items
- Mismatched food containers
- Old furniture
- Unused appliances
- Expired pantry goods
- Clothing that is no longer being worn
Timing Your Transport Strategically
Timing your haul strategically can also help save on shifting costs. Opting to move during off-peak seasons, such as February, when the demand for services tends to be lower, can lead to more affordable service rates.
Yet, planning your transport for a weekday instead of a weekend is advisable, as weekends usually witness higher demand and might result in higher costs. By timing your move strategically, you can make the most of your shifting budget.

How to Choose a Reputable Carrier
Once you’ve grasped the costs and ways to save money, the next essential step is choosing a reputable company. In the following subsections, we will provide advice on checking reviews, verifying licenses, and obtaining referrals.
Checking Reviews
Checking online reviews and ratings is one of the most dependable ways to evaluate a company’s credibility. Online service directories like My Moving Reviews, Angi, and Thumbtack are excellent resources for finding reviews for local movers in Rochester.
When interpreting company ratings and reviews, consider the following steps:
- Assess ratings across multiple review sites.
- Analyze overall ratings and patterns.
- Review multiple reviews for authenticity.
- Check the letter grade on the BBB site.
- Examine any complaints, reviews, and government actions related to the movers.
This can provide valuable insight into the company’s reputation and service quality.
Verifying Licenses
It’s vital to check the license and insurance of a carrier. It guarantees the company’s legal authorization to conduct business and offers protection in the event of any damage or loss to your belongings during the haul.
To verify the license of a moving company, you can utilize the search tool offered by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to access the shifter Database. Alternatively, you can also reach out to the Commissioner of Transportation to validate the carrier’s license for their truck.
Furthermore, a well-regarded company should have insurance coverage that includes liability options such as Full Value Protection, as required by Federal law for interstate movers, and adhere to specific insurance requirements advised by the New York State Department of Transportation’s Movers Guide.

Obtaining Referrals
Recommendations from happy customers can greatly aid in choosing a company. These referrals guarantee the engagement of a dependable and credible company, minimizing risk and ensuring a greater return on investment.
To seek shifter referrals, consider:
- Utilizing curated platforms such as HireAHelper to identify highly-rated companies
- Seeking recommendations from acquaintances
- Reaching out to local movers such as Roc or Caccamise Moving & Storage Co to inquire about their referral programs.
Summary
In summary, understanding the costs associated with services is critical for a successful and stress-free transport. Factors such as the distance of the move, the size of your home, and the time of year can significantly impact the cost. By comparing quotes, decluttering your home, and timing your haul strategically, you can save money on your move. Lastly, selecting a reputable company by checking reviews, verifying licenses, and obtaining referrals ensures a smooth and efficient move. The success of your transport ultimately lies in your hands. So, plan wisely and shift smartly!

Frequently Asked Questions
Most Rochester crews charge $120–$190 per hour for 2–3 movers, with higher rates for 4–5 mover teams or weekend scheduling. Pricing varies by home size, stairs, long carries, elevator access, and loading conditions during winter months. Local moves within Monroe County are billed hourly, while longer distances use flat-rate pricing. Adding packing increases the hourly total because it requires trained labor and time. For detailed rate comparisons, many customers review a local moving service.
Pricing reflects labor time, truck use, fuel, insurance obligations, equipment, and trained handling for fragile or bulky items. Rochester moves can run higher during peak summer months, tight parking zones near Park Ave or Downtown, or when crews must navigate snow or restricted loading areas. Costs also rise when movers handle packing, furniture protection, specialty items, or work outside standard business hours. These factors ensure safe transport and reduce damage risk.
Negotiation is possible when you schedule non-peak days, flexible time windows, or limit add-on services. Companies may offer structured discounts for weekday moves, smaller crews, or customer-packed boxes. Clear inventories help reduce padding, and flat-rate estimates can be more predictable for multi-room homes. Winter bookings are often more negotiable due to lower demand. A formal written estimate from a local moving service ensures transparent pricing.
Most local household moves cost $450–$1,200 for smaller homes and $1,300–$2,600 for 3–4 bedroom houses, depending on crew size and hours. Influences include packing needs, number of floors, driveway or street access, and distance between addresses. Moves within the same neighborhood usually take less time than cross-city relocations to Webster, Greece, or Irondequoit. For long-distance planning, reviewing a trusted long distance moving service helps clarify multi-day delivery pricing.
Larger homes with 4–5 bedrooms typically range $2,000–$4,800 locally, and more for multi-truck jobs. Expenses increase with packing, fragile-item crating, stair-heavy layouts, limited parking, or winter weather conditions that slow loading. Businesses and families also account for supplies, storage, and optional unloading support at the destination. Long-distance costs are typically quoted per mile and weight rather than hourly.
The biggest drivers are home size, crew size (2–5 movers), packing requirements, specialty items, elevator or stair access, and seasonal demand. Moves in narrow-lane neighborhoods or apartment complexes may require longer carries, adding time. Winter conditions often extend loading durations. Local moves use hourly rates, while interstate relocations follow regulated pricing structures and longer delivery windows. Clarifying inventory upfront helps crews provide accurate quotes.