How Much Is the Cost of Movers for a Local Move?

A local move typically refers to any relocation within a 50-to-100-mile radius. While it might seem simple enough to handle on your own, many people still choose to hire professional movers for convenience, safety, and time savings. The cost of movers for local moves usually ranges from $300 to $1,500 or $25 to $75 per mover per hour, depending on factors such as home size and distance.

At Stack Moves, we help movers lower their moving costs by renting durable moving bins. These bins eliminate the need for additional packing materials like tape, saving you money. If you’re planning an upcoming move, get in touch with our team to learn more about how these moving containers can help you enjoy a more budget-friendly move.

In this blog, we’ll break down what’s included in local moving costs, the factors that influence pricing, and which extra fees to watch out for. You’ll also get practical tips on how to cut costs so you enjoy a seamless move within your budget.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire Movers for a Local Move?

The national average cost to hire movers for a local move is about $1,400 or $80 per hour, depending on home size, distance, and services. This price typically includes two movers and a truck.

How Much Does a Local Move Cost Based on Home Size?

Moving costs can vary significantly depending on the size of the space you’re moving from and how long it takes. Here’s a quick look at average local moving costs by home size.

What’s Included in Local Moving Costs?

At a basic level, local moving costs typically cover the essentials needed to get your belongings from Point A to Point B safely. Here’s a breakdown of what’s generally included in your moving costs:

• Loading & Unloading: Movers will carry your boxes, furniture, and other items in and out of your home. Labor time is often the biggest factor in your final cost.
• Truck and Fuel (In Many Cases): Most local movers include the moving truck and fuel in their hourly rate, though it’s always best to confirm this ahead of time.
• Basic Furniture Protection: This usually includes moving blankets, shrink wrap, and straps to keep your furniture secure and protected during transport.
• Dollies and Moving Equipment: The right tools make all the difference. Most companies bring dollies, hand trucks, and ramps to move heavy items safely and efficiently.

Full Service Moving Company

If you’re opting for a premium or full-service move, your cost will also reflect the added convenience of having more of the work handled for you.

• Packing and Unpacking Services: Your movers handle everything from boxing up dishes to unwrapping furniture at your new home.
• Packing Materials: Boxes, tape, bubble wrap, and padding are usually included or billed separately as part of the package.
• Furniture Disassembly and Reassembly: Beds, shelves, and large furniture items are taken apart and reassembled at your destination.
• Cleanup and Debris Removal: Some full-service movers offer to remove packing materials and clean up after unloading.

What Affects the Cost of a Local Move?

A local move may not cross state lines, but that doesn’t mean it’s always going to be cheap. There are plenty of factors that can influence how much you end up paying at the end of your move. Understanding these details can help you plan smarter and avoid surprise fees on moving day.

Distance of the Move

A longer route can lead to higher costs because of fuel, toll fees, and the time spent on the road. Most movers even start charging the moment they leave their office, up until when they return.
To keep costs down, try scheduling your move during off-peak hours when roads are clear, and give your movers detailed directions to avoid delays.

Size of the Move

More items automatically means more labor time, which means higher labor costs. Think of how a one-bedroom move is far different from a two-bedroom home in terms of labor and truck space. One of the best ways to reduce your bill is to declutter before you start packing. Donate, sell, or toss anything you no longer need so you’re not paying to move things you won’t even use in your new home

Number of Movers Needed

The more movers you hire, the higher the hourly rate, but it can make the job faster overall. To get the best value, ask your moving company what crew size they recommend for your space and inventory. They’re in the best position to know how to strike the right balance between speed and cost.

Time Required

A common way movers charge is by the hour, and almost all of them have a minimum hourly requirement, typically between 2-4 hours. What this means is that even if you move finishes earlier than that, you’d still have to pay the minimum requirement. To stay within the lower end of the estimate, prep everything ahead of time: disassemble furniture, box up loose items, and clear pathways for easy access.

Packing Services

It’s convenient to have your movers handle every aspect of the move, including packing. But doing this adds a big chunk to your overall moving cost. Additionally, if the company provides the moving supplies, it will also show up on your bill. If you want to save, handle the packing yourself, and plan your materials in advance. Additionally, use tools like our free moving box calculator to get the exact estimate of how many boxes you need for your move.

Specialty Items

Items like pianos, gun safes, treadmills, or oversized furniture typically require extra hands or equipment. Handling these items usually comes with surcharges for the added labor and care involved.
To avoid surprises, let your movers know in advance about anything that might need special handling so they can give you an accurate quote upfront.

Tips and Gratuity

While tipping isn’t mandatory, it’s a standard part of the moving process, and it’s usually appreciated when your crew works hard. A common rule of thumb is to tip around $5–$10 per hour per mover, depending on the complexity and quality of service. If you’re unsure how much to give, use our guide on how much to tip movers to land on an amount that’s fair for both you and the team.

Additional Costs to Be Aware of When Hiring Local Movers

When planning for a move, many people only plan for the obvious expenses without remembering that smaller line items like long carry fees can sneak their way into your final bill. These “hidden” costs are often the difference between staying within budget and going way over.

In reality, these costs aren’t hidden at all; you just need to know what to look out for. With some planning and the right questions, you can avoid most of them altogether.

1. Travel Fees (to/from your location): Ask upfront how travel time is calculated and if there’s a minimum number of hours charged. You’ll be charged for the time it takes them to get you and back to their office after the move is done. The travel time is usually incorporated in the hourly rate of the move itself. So while your move lasts 2-3 hours and you believe that’s what you’re paying for, you might actually be paying for 5 hours.
2. Stair/Elevator Fees: Let the movers know in advance about stairs or elevator access so you can get an accurate quote before moving day. If your apartment has a strict or slow elevator system or a long flight of stairs, movers will charge you extra for the time and effort spent navigating these. The cost can easily run up to $150, depending on how
3. Long Carry Fees: Reserve parking close to your entrance ahead of time or ask your building about loading zones. If parking is limited or if you live in a large apartment complex, this fee can sneak up on you. This charge applies when movers have to carry your items a long distance from the truck to your front door, usually more than 75 feet.
4. Last-Minute Booking Fees: Schedule your move as early as possible, ideally two to four weeks before moving day, to lock in better pricing. If you book your movers on short notice, you’ll end up paying a higher price. Most companies will charge you a higher rate for jobs booked less than a week to the move date, especially during peak season.
5. Insurance/Valuation Protection Options: Review coverage options early and decide what level of protection you need before signing the contract. Most moving companies offer basic coverage, but this may not cover the full value of your belongings. Upgrading to full-value protection or third-party insurance can add to your total. However, it’s often worth it for peace of mind, especially when you’re moving high-value items.

DIY vs Hiring Professional Movers: Cost Comparison

Renting a truck, buying supplies, and recruiting a few friends can cost anywhere from $200 to $600, depending on your location and other factors. But DIY moves come with trade-offs like physical strain, time lost, and the risk of damaging your belongings, which can make the savings feel less worth it. If your move is straightforward and you’re up for the work, DIY might do the job.

Hiring professional movers, on the other hand, comes at a higher price, especially in urban cities like NYC. You can expect to spend $300 to $1,500 for a local move. That price covers labor, equipment, transportation, and often basic protection for your items. For more complex or high-pressure moves, professional help often proves to be the better value.

How to Save Money on a Local Move

Moving is a finance-heavy project, and you wouldn’t want to be caught off guard by last-minute charges or avoidable expenses. Fortunately, with a few smart decisions, you can stay in control of your moving budget. Here are some easy ways to keep costs down:

Move During Off-Peak Days (Mid-Week or Mid-Month)

Most people plan their moves over the weekend or at the start/end of a new month, which is when prices are highest. Planning your move in the middle of the week or the end of the month can help you secure better rates. It’s one of the easiest ways to save money without changing your entire plan.

Declutter Before Packing

More items mean more money because you’d need more time and space to move them. A simple way to cut down your moving expenses is to pack only what you need. You can dispose of anything you no longer need by donating, recycling, or selling it before packing. Decluttering also makes settling into your new space much easier.

Rent Plastic Moving Bins

One of the biggest expenses while planning for a move is your moving boxes. Buying brand new boxes can eat up a significant chunk of your moving budget. Renting reusable plastic bins is the easiest way to save money. Plastic bins are considered the best bins for moving because they are sturdy and don’t require assembly. They’re also very convenient to use because most companies deliver them to your address and pick them up when you’re done.

Use Free or Recycled Packing Supplies

Reusing materials you already have is a great way to cut costs while keeping your move eco-friendly. Buying new packing supplies is more expensive, especially when you may already have these items at home. And a lot of them can easily be substituted with household items for the same benefits. For example, towels, blankets, and newspapers can be used in place of bubble wrap to keep fragile items safe.

Compare Quotes from Multiple Moving Companies

Never go with the first price you get. Every business has a different pricing structure. It’s advisable to always get at least three detailed quotes from different companies for comparison. This gives you a clearer picture of what you’re paying for and helps you spot any hidden fees. Taking a little time to compare could save you hundreds in the long run.

Ask About Flat-Rate vs. Hourly Pricing

The most common ways moving companies charge are using a flat rate or per hour. Depending on the nature of your move, one may be cheaper than the other. Be sure to ask for both options and choose the one that makes the most sense for your home and budget. For long-distance moves, a flat rate is better because it protects you from unexpected hourly overages and gives you a clear total cost upfront. On the other hand, shorter and simpler moves may cost less when charged by the hour.

Avoid Extra Services Unless Necessary

It can be tempting to let the movers handle everything regarding the move, but remember that each service comes at a cost. To reduce your overall moving costs, handle some parts of the move yourself. Pack your boxes yourself or with the help of friends and family, disassemble what you can, and hire a rental truck. These little efforts can trim your final bill significantly.

Move Everything Closer to the Door Before Movers Arrive

In the moving industry, “time is money” is more than just a saying, especially if you’re being charged per hour. A simple way to save money is to move your boxes near your door and disassemble what you can. Even a 30-minute prep can reduce your total moving cost, plus it helps your move go smoothly.

8 Red Flags to Avoid When Hiring Movers

The wrong moving company can turn an already stressful move into a nightmare. We’ve been a part of hundreds of moves and have seen firsthand the most common mistakes people make when choosing a mover.

A smooth move starts with the right team, so here’s what to watch out for, and how to protect yourself:

1. Extremely Low Rates: The saying “if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is” isn’t always wrong. Some movers give lowball estimates to win your patronage, only to bombard you with surprise fees on moving day. They may even go as far as holding back your belongings until you pay up. Always get a quote from at least three moving companies and ask what is included in each quote.
2. Lack of Licensing or Insurance: Any professional moving company should be fully licensed and insured. If they aren’t both your belongings, and money is at risk. In a situation where something gets lost or damaged, you may not be able to recover it. Always confirm that your moving company is registered with the right moving authorities. Never trust a mover that avoids giving you their license information or seems unfamiliar with standard coverage.
3. No Written Contract: Always insist on a detailed written contract that outlines every possible detail related to your move. This includes all services, pricing, moving date, delivery windows, etc. A handshake or verbal agreement isn’t enough. If there’s no contract, there’s no accountability. And once your belongings are in the truck, it’s too late to negotiate.
4. Poor Online Reviews: What past customers say matters. If a company has mostly negative reviews or no online presence at all, it’s a red flag. Never hire a mover without reading multiple reviews across multiple platforms.
5. No Physical Address: A legitimate moving company should have a verifiable, physical address you can look up or visit. If they don’t provide one or only give you a P.O. box, it could be a sign they’re remaining anonymous in case things go wrong. This makes it important to always confirm the mover’s business location before signing anything.
6. Demanding a Large Upfront Deposit: Any company will usually ask for a small deposit to hold your spot, but be wary of anyone who demands a large sum upfront. It’s a common strategy in moving scams. If possible, always pay by credit card to give you some form of protection, and never pay in full before the job is done.
7. Lack of Transparency: If you notice your movers dodging questions or being overly vague, that’s something to take as a warning. Unclear communication is often a sign of hidden fees or just a lack of organization. Always work with movers who take time to address every concern you have. If you feel uncertain or pressured about their terms, don’t proceed with them.
8. No On-Site Estimate for Large Moves: If your move involves a lot of furniture, household appliances, or equipment, a phone call won’t cut it. It’s almost impossible to receive an accurate quote without a physical walkthrough, and you’re more likely to get hit with “additional” fees later. For a realistic quote, always request an in-home or virtual walkthrough, and don’t use any company that refuses to offer one.

Rent Moving Boxes and Save Time & Money

The cost of a local move depends on several major factors, like the number of movers, the volume of items you’re moving, and any additional services you request. To keep your moving costs under control, start by gathering quotes from different companies. Compare each company’s rates and ask for what’s included, like whether the movers will pack for you or what kind of insurance coverage is provided.

It also helps to avoid moving during peak moving seasons, such as summer, when moving services tend to offer lower rates. Even a simple decision like renting moving bins can make your packing cheaper, cleaner, and more secure.

Stack Moves rents these bins at a fraction of the money you’d spend on buying cardboard boxes, tape, and other supplies. Ready to move more efficiently? Contact us or visit our office in Los Angeles to get started.

FAQs

Still have questions? Here are some quick answers to common concerns about hiring movers for a local relocation.

Are Moving Costs Negotiable?

Yes, in many cases, local moving companies are willing to negotiate their rates. Some companies may offer discounts during off-peak days or seasons, or match a competitor’s moving estimate. It never hurts to ask, just make sure you’re comparing the same type of moving services when shopping around.

What Is a Reasonable Price for a Local Move?

The average moving cost for a local move falls between $300 and $1,500 or $25 – $75 per hour. This process can vary depending on the size of your home, the number of movers, and how long it takes to complete the move. For instance, studio and one-bedroom moves may fall on the lower end, while three-bedroom homes can go much higher.

Do Movers Provide Insurance for Local Moves?

Yes, professional moving companies usually do, but it’s often limited to basic insurance coverage. Most companies allow you to upgrade to full-value protection or use third-party insurance.

How Far in Advance Should I Book Local Movers?

Aim to book local moving companies at least 2–4 weeks in advance, especially during busy seasons like summer or the end of the month. If you’re hiring long-distance movers, give yourself more time. Booking early gives you time to compare prices and lock in better rates.

Is Tipping Local Movers Expected?

Yes, tipping is customary and appreciated. The typical rate is 10–20% of the total cost, split among the team. If they did an exceptionally good job on a difficult job, you should consider tipping even more. Tips are usually given as cash, but you can also ask if it can be added to your final bill.