On average, movers charge between $40 and $60 per hour. However, this pricing depends on the number of movers you hire, your location, what mover platform you hire from, and how far you are moving.
For instance, you can hire a mover on Angi for as low as $25 per hour, while movers on TaskRabbit start from $40 per hour.
In this article, we will give you an idea of the time and labor cost it takes to move your belongings based on the number of bedrooms. We will also detail what’s included in a moving service so you know what to expect and how to save some money.
Movers set an hourly rate based on the number of bedrooms in your new and existing house, the quantity and weight of boxes and furniture, the number of movers needed, and the distance that has to be covered.
This table is to give you an basic estimate to understand how much does an average mover cost.
| House size | Number of movers needed | Number of hours | Average labor cost |
|---|
| 1 bedroom | 1 - 2 | 4 | $160 - $480 |
| 2 bedroom | 3 | 6 | $720 - $1,080 | |
| 3 bedroom | 4 | 7 | $1,120 - $1,680 | |
| 4 bedroom | 4 | 9 | $1,440 - $2,160 | |
| 5 bedroom | 5 | 10 | $2,000 - $3,000 |
What’s included in a moving service?
A typical moving service does everything from packing and wrapping your belongings to transporting and unloading them. Here’s what you can generally expect.
Packing services
A full moving service can pack your things, so you don’t have to worry about wrapping anything up. They provide the boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap, and packing paper needed to keep your items safe. Plus, they label each box with its contents and the room it belongs to, making unpacking a breeze.
Assembly and disassembly
This furniture moving service is prepared with tools to take apart your furniture before moving and will put it back together after you arrive. This service is crucial for large items like beds and tables that would take up excessive space in a moving truck or could more easily be damaged.
Loading and unloading
Movers will lift and carry your packed boxes and furniture into the truck and unload them at your new place. This helps you avoid the heavy lifting and mental freeze of trying to fit your sofa and bed through doorways and staircases without damage.
Some movers will even arrange things where you want them, saving you time and effort.
Transportation
A full-moving service includes driving your belongings from your old home to your new one. The movers handle renting and driving the truck. They also choose the best routes, considering traffic and road conditions, to ensure your items arrive safely and on time.
Storage
Many movers offer storage options if you need a place to keep your stuff for a while. This is helpful if your new home isn’t ready yet or if you have extra items you don’t want to move in right away. The storage options are in a secure facility that is monitored and protected, and you can access your belongings whenever you need them.
Insurance
Good moving companies provide insurance to protect your belongings during the move. You can choose from basic coverage, which offers limited protection, to more comprehensive options that cover a higher value. This means that if anything gets lost or damaged during the move, you will receive compensation for repairs or replacements.
Disposal of packing materials
Many moving companies offer to dispose of packing materials after completing your move. Instead of dealing with empty boxes, bubble wrap, and packing peanuts, you can simply ask them to take them away. This service keeps your new home clutter-free.
How can I save money on a mover?
Declutter
Go through your items and decide what to keep, donate, sell, or toss. Reducing your possessions saves you money and makes packing easier. Fewer items mean you will need a smaller truck and less time from the movers, which lowers your costs. Plus, selling what you don’t need can provide extra cash to help with your moving expenses.
Move during off-peak times
Moving companies see less demand on weekdays and during the first two weeks of the month. Plan your move during off-peak times to score significant savings. Bonus points if you book your move early to lock in better rates and gain more flexibility in choosing dates.
Prep everything
Prepare everything before moving day. Pack your items neatly and label each box clearly to keep things organized. Disassemble larger furniture pieces and inventory your belongings to ensure nothing gets lost. When you’re organized, you need less of the movers' time, which translates to savings.
DIY
You can save money by moving yourself. Rent a truck, gather friends or family to help out, and get pizza and drinks to make it more fun. If you have a small load, use personal vehicles to make several trips.
If you don’t want to go completely DIY, you can focus only on packing into boxes, and the movers only have to transport it.
Check for discounts
Always check for discounts when hiring movers, and don’t hesitate to ask if they’re not spelled out. Many movers are either willing to negotiate prices during quieter periods or offer special rates for students, military personnel, and senior citizens.
Limit fragile items
Assess your fragile items to find what’s essential, and consider leaving behind or selling non-essentials. Movers often charge more for packing, transporting, and unpacking fragile items, as they take additional time and effort to ensure safe delivery. You could also move fragile items yourself in your personal car or truck to limit extra charges for fragile items.
If you do decide to take fragile items, pack them securely with plenty of bubble wrap, packing peanuts, and sturdy boxes to avoid damage.
Is a mover worth the cost?
Hiring a mover is often worth the cost.
- Movers handle all the heavy lifting, packing, and transportation, freeing up your time for other important tasks.
- Hiring professional movers takes the mental and physical stress of moving off your plate (pun intended).
- Movers use the right materials to pack and secure your items, preventing damage during the move. Many moving companies also offer insurance options, giving you added peace of mind if something goes wrong.
- Lastly, while hiring movers may seem expensive upfront, you can save money by avoiding potential damages to your belongings, injuries, or even the costs of renting a truck and buying packing supplies.
We recommend Angi
If you’re considering hiring a mover, we recommend doing so on Angi. For the best price, you can hire professionals who have undergone background checks and are completely equipped to move your belongings. On the Angi platform, you can request quotes with the click of a button and read detailed reviews from previous customers.
If you need to postpone or cancel your online reservation, you can do so for free up to 24 hours before your planned appointment. That added convenience is helpful for people uncertain about their exact moving plans. Find your next moving company on Angi.
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