How Much Does It Cost to Hire Movers in NYC

Without a proper moving plan or realistic moving budget, New York City’s unique challenges can lead to delays, added stress, and even unexpected costs. From limited parking to long carry fees, the logistics in this city are no joke. This is why it is important to have a clear idea of what to expect, starting with how much a move usually costs in your city and factors that could influence this cost.

Hiring movers in NYC will cost you anywhere from $500 to $3,500 or more, depending on the size and distance of your move. Other factors that could influence this price include additional services and even what time of the year you’re moving.

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In this blog, we will break down the average cost of hiring movers in NYC, discuss factors that impact moving costs, and share tips that can help you save money.

Is It Cheaper to Hire Movers or Do It Yourself?

While moving yourself is usually cheaper, there are a few trade-offs to consider when choosing this option over using professional movers. An example of a hidden cost associated with a DIY move is how physically exhausting it is. You also run the risk of getting hurt, damaging your belongings, and losing time or money due to poor planning.

Even though hiring a professional mover may cost more upfront, it will save you time, energy, and even stress. They’re equipped and experienced enough to handle everything from packing to maneuvering tight walk-ups. They also have moving insurance, so if something goes wrong, the financial burden won’t fall on you.

At the end of the day, if saving money is important to you and you don’t mind the heavy lifting, a DIY move might work for you. But if you’d like to enjoy a stress-free moving experience, you’ll benefit from hiring professional movers.

How Much Does It Actually Cost to Hire Movers in NYC?

Although the cost of hiring movers in NYC can vary widely, working with a general price range in mind can help you set a realistic budget.

Average Cost by Apartment Size

The size of your apartment has a direct impact on your overall moving cost. This means that beyond what you’ll pay your movers, it will also affect how much you spend on packing materials and added services. Because of this, moving larger homes, which often requires more time, a bigger crew, and sometimes even specialized equipment, tends to cost more.

• Studio apartment: Hiring movers for a studio apartment typically starts at $500, with total moving costs ranging from $500 to $1000.
• 1-bedroom apartment: The cost of hiring movers for a 1-bedroom apartment usually falls around $800, while the full moving cost for a 1-bedroom apartment could go up to $1,500.
• 2-bedroom apartment: This will roughly cost you $1,100, and the total cost for moving a two-bedroom apartment can be as high as $4,000.
• 3+ bedroom apartment: Expect to pay $1,900 or more to hire a mover for a move of this size, and anything from $4,000 for the whole move.

Local vs. Long-Distance Moves

The cost of moving out of state is much higher than the cost of moving locally, but each move has a unique pricing model.

• Local moves (within NYC): These are charged hourly and usually involve a crew of 2–3 movers. NYC typically ranges from $200–$2,200 per hour, depending on services, time of day, and access. Expect additional costs for things like long carry fees, tight staircases, or elevator restrictions.
• Long-distance moves: These are charged based on distance, weight, or volume. For example, a move from NYC to another state may range from $2,500+, depending on how much stuff you’re moving.
• Flat-rate moves: Some regional long-distance moves, like to Philadelphia or Boston, may qualify for a flat rate that includes truck, labor, tolls, and basic moving insurance.

Hourly Rates for Movers in NYC

Most professional movers charge by the hour for local moves. Your final bill will depend on how long the job takes and how many crew members you hire. The average move should take about 2-4 hours at the minimum, and with 2-3 movers you should be able to conveniently move your home. Here’s a general estimate of hourly rates:

• 2 movers + truck: $140–$180 per hour
• 3 movers + truck: $180–$250 per hour

Flat Rates

You’re more likely to get charged a flat rate if you’re moving over a long distance or when an hourly rate is impractical. If your move includes specialty items, multiple stops, or maybe you’re moving out of state, then a flat rate is more practical.

Most flat-rate moving estimates cover labor, transportation, tolls, fuel, and basic packing materials. Be sure to ask whether there are additional services you’ll need that aren’t covered by your rental fee.

Should You Tip NYC Movers?

Yes, you should. Tipping is a thoughtful way to show your appreciation for the hard work they’ve done, especially if they did a good job and handled your belongings with care. Additionally, while tipping isn’t mandatory, it’s definitely encouraged, especially for jobs involving stairs, long carries, or heavy furniture.

A general guideline for how to tip movers is to tip 10% – 20% of your total moving bill. Cash is usually preferred because the movers can divide it among themselves on the spot. Let’s say your move cost $2,000, a $200 – $400 tip would be appropriate.

What Factors Influence Average Moving Costs in NYC

From how far you’re going to what time of year you’re moving, several variables are responsible for how much you spend on a move. Knowing what drives up your moving expenses can help you plan smarter and spend less on your upcoming move.

1. Distance of the Move

You should expect to pay more if you’re moving over a long distance (anything above 100 miles). Local moves, usually within the same borough, are usually charged an hourly rate. On the other hand, long-distance moves are charged a fixed price based on several factors. If you’re moving from another city to NYC, be prepared for fuel surcharges, tolls, and even overnight fees.

2. Size and Type of Move

Large homes usually need more labor and a bigger truck, which means more money. Because of this, moving a studio apartment will cost significantly less than it would to move a three-bedroom apartment.

Business moves also tend to be more expensive than residential moves because of the amount of specialized equipment involved, among other things. Some movers may charge a flat rate for small jobs, but most of the time, their pricing is based on how much stuff you have to move and how long it will take them to move it.

3. Time of Year / Seasonality

Spring and summer are peak moving seasons in NYC, and so prices tend to skyrocket during this period. If you’d like to shave a few dollars off your moving budget, consider moving during off-peak months like November through March.

You may also find that most reputable movers are more available during the slower seasons. However, you should keep in mind that snow or ice during winter months can still impact timing and logistics.

4. Day of the Week and Time of Day

Most people prefer to move over the weekend, which makes moving on weekends more expensive than on a weekday. However, you could enjoy lower rates if you choose to move on a weekday instead and schedule your move date in advance. Early morning moves also tend to be cheaper than late afternoon and evening moves. It also helps to avoid booking your movers at the last minute because there’s a high chance that they’ll bump up the price just to accommodate the short notice.

5. Building Access and Layout

New York City buildings have unique challenges that can influence your moving expenses. Apartments with narrow staircases and more than three flights of stairs often attract higher labor charges. If there’s no elevator, your movers will need more time and manpower to carry those items, especially if they’re heavy.

Another common challenge when moving in NYC is the limited parking access or the need for permits to legally park near your building. Be sure to always provide your movers with an accurate description of your building so they can come prepared and give you a fair quote.

6. Services Requested

The more services you request, the higher your moving costs will be. If you hire full-service movers, they’ll pack, unpack, disassemble, and even reassemble your furniture, but all this comes at a premium price.

Some companies even offer storage services for instances where you need a place to temporarily keep your belongings before you move into your new house. It’s a good idea to ask whether your movers provide boxes or other packing supplies, as this could save you time and money. If you’re looking to save money, consider packing yourself and only paying for the essentials like transportation and loading.

Local vs Interstate Moving Companies

Understanding the difference between local and interstate moving companies can help you choose the right service and avoid unexpected fees.

Local NYC Movers

Local NYC movers specialize in short-distance moves within all five boroughs (The Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, and Staten Island.) They usually charge hourly rates for as low as $100 per hour, depending on factors like the crew size and the services required.

Local movers often use smaller trucks and work with tight crews to navigate city streets and complex building layouts. A majority of local moves can be completed in a day, typically within a few hours.

But most local movers will charge you extra for having to deal with parking restrictions and carrying items up multiple flights of stairs.

Interstate Movers

Interstate movers are the best people to handle relocations that cross state lines, such as New York to Florida or California. Instead of charging hourly, they charge you based on the weight of your belongings and the distance of the move.

In contrast to local NYC movers, they use larger moving trucks and need detailed planning to successfully complete each move. Interstate moves also take a lot longer; some can take as long as 14 days.

It’s also mandatory for interstate moving companies to be registered with the U.S. Department of Transportation and carry proper insurance to meet federal regulations.

How to Save Money When Hiring Movers in NYC

Working with movers can get expensive pretty quickly, but there are a few smart ways to keep your costs under control:

1. Move Mid-Month and Mid-Week: Avoid weekends, summer months, and the beginning or end of the month because this is when demand is highest. Movers are often cheaper during off-peak seasons, which can significantly lower your moving price.
2. Declutter Before Moving: The more stuff you have, the more you have to pay, so take the time to declutter before packing. You’ll also spend less time on packing and unpacking when you arrive at your new home.
3. Pack Yourself: The convenience of hiring full-service movers costs a pretty penny, but you can save a significant amount of money if you just pack yourself. Start packing early and use what you already have, like your suitcases. Just make sure everything is labeled clearly.
4. Compare Multiple Quotes: Instead of contracting the first company you find, contact at least three professional movers and ask for a quote. This will give you a fair picture of the average moving costs in NYC and help you avoid surprise fees like long carry charges.
5. Rent Plastic Moving Boxes: Your first thought might be to buy boxes, but it’s a lot more affordable to rent moving boxes. For a fraction of the cost of purchasing boxes, you can enjoy sturdy, moving bins when you rent them instead.

Need Reusable Plastic Bins for Your Move?

The average cost of hiring movers in NYC can range from $200 to over $4,000, depending on factors like your apartment size and add-on services requested. Keep in mind that these are just estimates, and your actual moving cost will depend on the details of your move.

What matters more than estimated costs is how well you prepare. The best way to keep your moving costs within a comfortable range is to start planning early, compare quotes, and look for simple ways to save, like handling parts of your move yourself.

Another way to save money when moving is to rent affordable moving bins instead of buying or collecting boxes. These boxes are clean, designed to survive the rigors of moving, and can be stacked on top of each other to take up less space in your moving truck. Make your move less expensive by scheduling moving boxes for rent.

FAQs

How Can You Find Cheap Movers in NYC?

To find an affordable moving company, get multiple quotes and ask about what’s included in that quote. Also, try to plan your move outside of peak moving seasons because prices tend to soar during holidays and weekends.

How Do You Choose a Reputable Moving Company?

The easiest way to find a good moving company is to ask friends and family for recommendations. These companies have been tested and trusted by people you know, which can give you peace of mind. Also note that a reputable mover will be transparent about their pricing, offer written estimates, and won’t pressure you into paying large deposits upfront.

What Is the Average Cost of Movers in NYC?

For local moves, you can expect to spend around $500 – $3,500, but long-distance moves can cost as much as $10,000. The biggest determining factor is the size of your home, followed by the distance of the move, and the season.

How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Moving Truck?

The cost of renting a moving truck varies, but the general range is between $20 $100 a day, depending on the size of the truck and how long you’re renting for. In addition to the base price, you may also be charged mileage fees, insurance fees, and other additional charges.