Moving homes in 2024? Well, it’s like a ticket to an amusement park: thrilling, but the price can make your heart skip a beat! On average, a local move might cost you around $1,711, whereas a long-distance haul averages at $4,792​​. But worry not! With a sprinkle of humor and a dash of my 12 years of experience, let’s dissect these costs and figure out how to trim them down.

Moving fact price per hour

Local movers charge by the hour, while long distance movers may charge by weight (pound) or by distance (miles).

Base hourly rates: The foundational cost per hour before any additional fees.

The average hourly rate for local moves ranges from $25 to $100, depending on the number of movers required​. Always request multiple quotes and remember that sometimes, you get what you pay for!

Number of movers: How the number of movers affects the hourly rate.

For a studio or a small one-bedroom apartment, you typically need 2 workers, costing an average of $455 to $1,370​. When I moved my studio apartment, hiring two movers significantly sped up the process. The more hands, the lighter the work! But ensure you’re not hiring more hands than necessary.

Home Size Avg Price No. of Movers Avg Cost/Hour No. of Hours
Studio $455 – $1,370 2 $25 – $100 2-5
1 Bedroom $800 – $2,200 2-3 $40 – $90 4-6
2 Bedrooms $1,100 – $3,200 3-4 $60 – $110 6-8
3 Bedrooms $1,500 – $4,500 4-5 $80 – $130 8-10
4 Bedrooms $2,000 – $6,000 5-6 $100 – $150 10-12

Truck size and type: If different truck sizes/types have different hourly costs.

A 26-foot truck can hold around 4 bedrooms’ worth of items. For larger homes, a 52-foot semi truck might be needed​. Once, I helped a friend with a move, and they rented a truck too large. It was like putting a goldfish in an ocean! Tip: Always assess your belongings before deciding on the truck size.

Packing services: Whether packing is included or costs extra per hour.

Packing services are generally an additional cost. If you’re on a budget, consider packing non-fragile items yourself and leaving delicate items to the professionals.

Travel time: If there’s a fee for the time it takes movers to get to your home.

Local moves within a city won’t consume much time, but remember, long-distance moves can add up in costs due to the extended travel time. Once, I moved during rush hour, and oh boy, it was like a slow-motion movie scene. Plan your move timing wisely!

Minimum hours: Many companies have a minimum number of hours you’ll be billed for.

Some companies have a 2 or 3-hour minimum. Ensure you’re aware of this, so there aren’t any surprises on the bill.

Additional services: Costs like assembling furniture or handling fragile items.

Services like crating fragile items, moving bulky items, or navigating inaccessible areas can increase the cost​. During one move, I had a grand piano – the movers’ expressions were priceless! Always inform them in advance about unique items.

Special equipment use: Such as dollies or special containers.

Special equipment, like moving pods, can cost around $3,000 on average​. They offer flexibility, allowing you to pack at your convenience.

Seasonal rates: If costs per hour fluctuate based on the moving season.

Rates can vary depending on the season, with summer being the peak moving season. I once moved during the winter, and the rates were a tad lower. Just ensure you’re prepared for the weather!

Weekday vs. weekend: Differences in hourly rates depending on the day.

Weekends can be pricier due to high demand. If possible, opt for a weekday move. Besides, who wants to spend their weekend moving?

Insurance costs: If there’s an additional hourly fee to insure the move.

It’s essential to consider insurance, especially for long-distance or valuable moves. It might add to the hourly rate, but peace of mind is priceless.

Local vs. long-distance: How the nature of the move affects hourly pricing.

Local moves are typically cheaper, averaging around $1,187, while long-distance moves can range from $2,500 to $11,600​. Remember, the further you go, the more you’ll pay.

Moving Factor Description Price Range (2024)
Base Hourly Rates Average hourly cost for local moves $25 – $100
Number of Movers (Local Move) Estimated cost based on apartment/home size Studio: $455 – $1,370
Truck Size (Long Distance) Estimated cost based on distance and home size 1,000 miles, 2-bedroom: $3,020 – $7,250
Packing Services Extra service for packing your items Varies by company
Travel Time (Long Distance) Estimated cost based on distance < 50 miles: $455 – $1,370
Additional Services Services like furniture assembly, special packing, etc. Costs can increase by hundreds
Special Equipment Moving pods or containers About $3,000 on average
Seasonal Rates Rates can vary depending on the season Summer might be pricier
Weekday vs. Weekend Differences in hourly rates depending on the day Weekends may be pricier
Insurance Costs Cost to insure your move Typically 1% – 5% of property’s total estimated value
Local vs. Long-Distance Average cost comparison Local: $1,187, Long Distance: $2,500 – $11,600

Moving might give your wallet a mini workout, but with the right strategies and a sprinkle of humor, you’ll be laughing all the way to your new home!