Only hire a mover you can trust or you could lose your money or your belongings (or both). Always do your research before asking for an estimate and get estimates from at least three reliable companies so you can find a good price. Be sure to balance the price with the company's reputation for getting items delivered safely.
Start your search by asking friends, relatives, and acquaintances for referrals. If you can't get enough personal recommendations, check Yelp and Google for companies in your area with good customer reviews.
Look up the Better Business Bureau profile of any companies that seem promising to see if they have any unresolved customer complaints. Also check the website of your state's local licensing agency for local movers or the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) for long-distance movers to ensure the company is fully licensed. The FMCSA also has a complaint registry for movers registered with it, so be sure to review that information as well.
Call companies with whom you may want to work and ask them a few questions before requesting they come to your home to create an estimate. Never trust a long-distance moving company that does not give you a written estimate without first visiting your home in person (or at least doing a virtual tour). Questions to ask include:
Once you choose a company, be sure to review the specific details of the estimates so you know what services are included, if any extra fees may apply (parking fees and charges for staircases may be added after the initial estimate), the insurance coverage for your items, and other terms of the contract. Never sign a blank or incomplete estimate or a scammy moving company could change the terms without your knowledge. Never trust a company that only accepts cash or asks for a large down payment. While it's common to ask for a small deposit to save a date, large down payments are a red flag that you are being scammed.
Type of Move | Average Cost |
|---|---|
Local move | $800 – $2,150 |
Long-distance move | $2,200 – $5,700 |
Full-service move | $2,300 minimum |
It shouldn't be surprising that a local move will cost more than a long-distance move or that full-service movers are more expensive than traditional movers. This means you need to compare moves done on a similar scale to really get an idea of how much they should cost.
Local movers charge based on how many people will be needed to help with the move, how long the drive is, and how many hours the job will take. Some local movers charge a flat fee, but most provide an estimate based on an hourly rate. Many charge a minimum rate for smaller jobs that require minimal labor and time. In some states, including California, local movers must also charge for what's known as double drive time, meaning they double the fees for the time they actually drive to account for the drive back to the headquarters.
For a local move, the average cost is $1,400, with a typical range between $800 and $2,150 for most families. Generally, it will cost around $25 to $50 per hour per mover, with an additional $15 to $25 per hour for the truck and mileage. A studio apartment move will typically take two movers around four hours (a total of $260 to $500), while a move that involves taking everything out of a five-bedroom home will usually take five movers up to 12 hours (coming out to $1,680 to $3,300).
Long-distance moving companies charge based on the total weight of your possessions and how far they need to transport the goods, though they may also add additional fees for things like tolls and lodging for multiday trips. With long-distance moves, the average price range is between $2,200 and $5,700, though for moves over 2,500 miles that involve three bedrooms or more worth of items, the price can easily be upward of $10,000. If your car needs to be moved as well, expect to pay an extra $1,000 per vehicle.
Full-service movers charge a premium rate based on the services they provide. If you provide your own moving materials, for example, the price will be cheaper. On the other hand, if they unpack your items for you, it will be more expensive. They also charge based on the weight of your items and how much stuff needs to be packed as well as how far you need to travel. The prices vary greatly for this level of service, but expect to pay a bare minimum of $2,300.
Whatever type of move you're going through, expect specialty items like pianos or swing sets to cost extra. These specialty services may be between $400 and $2,000 depending on the item's size, weight, and fragility as well as the distance it needs to be moved.
All long-distance movers are required to have a USDOT number from the FMCSA, and brokers who contract with interstate movers are also required to be registered with the agency. Though local movers are not required to have a USDOT number, they should be licensed in your state, though laws will vary from state to state.
Aside from legally required licenses, it can be beneficial to look for movers who have been certified as a ProMover by the American Moving and Storage Association (AMSA). While AMSA is now defunct since it merged with the American Trucking Association (ATA), ATA is still in the process of developing a new ProMover certification, so until the program is open, AMSA certificates are still a legitimate sign of quality.
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