Quick answer: The cost to hire movers typically ranges from $300 to $1,500 for local moves and $1,200 to $5,000 for long-distance moves, depending on distance, home size, and services included. Most movers charge $25 to $60 per hour per mover, with additional fees for packing, stairs, or long carries.
Overview
Moving is like dating—exciting at first, overwhelming in the middle, and expensive if you don’t know what you’re doing.
So, your lease is up, your boxes are piling high, and now you're wondering: How much does it cost to hire movers?
Let us break it down for you. The average cost to hire movers in the U.S. lands somewhere between $300 and $1,500 for a local move and $1,200 and $5,000 for a long-distance haul.
This is your ultimate moving cost guide. By the time we wrap this up, you'll know the cost to move a 1-bedroom apartment, the moving cost for a 2-bedroom house, and even the long-distance moving costs per mile.
Note: Keep in mind that the prices mentioned here are just general estimates. The actual cost to hire movers can vary significantly based on several factors, including the size of your home, the distance of the move, the weight of your belongings, and the time of year you're moving.
If you want a more accurate idea of what your move might cost, the best approach is to get a free moving estimate from trusted companies near you.
How Much Do Local Movers Cost? – Hourly Rates
Local movers typically charge by the hour, and the rate depends on several factors like crew size, location, and the services included. Here's a breakdown of what you can expect:
Average Hourly Rates
- Basic move (2 movers): $60–$80 per hour
- Full-service move (includes packing): $90–$120 per hour
- Rates may go as low as $50 or as high as $200, depending on your area and the complexity of the move.
Cost by Home Size
| Home Size | Movers Needed | Estimated Hours | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | 2 | 3 | $480 |
| 1-bedroom | 2 | 4 | $640 |
| 2-bedroom | 3 | 6 | $1,440 |
| 3-bedroom | 4 | 7 | $2,240 |
| 4-bedroom | 4 | 9 | $2,880 |
These estimates usually include:
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Moving truck with fuel
Minimum Charges: Most local movers have a minimum charge of 2–3 hours, even for small moves. This helps cover their base costs like travel time and setup.
Other Potential Local Costs
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Travel fees: May apply if movers need to travel a long distance to reach your location
- Packing services: Can cost around $30–$40 per hour, per packer
- Disassembly/reassembly: Additional labor charges may apply
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Heavy or specialty items: Piano moving, large appliances, or delicate items may require extra handling fees
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Elevator or long carry fee: If movers need to use stairs or walk a long distance from the truck
Curious what your move might cost? Use our Moving Cost Calculator to get a quick estimate.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire Movers For Long-Distance Moves
Long-distance moving costs aren’t fixed — they’re shaped by a mix of factors like shipment weight, move distance, and any extra services you might need. That’s why most cross-country moves are priced on a case-by-case basis. The more stuff you’re hauling and the farther it’s going, the higher the cost.
Here’s a breakdown of average price ranges based on distance and home size:
How much does it cost to move 250 miles?
Here’s what you can expect to pay on average when hiring professional movers for a move of around 250 miles:
| Home Size | Move Distance | Moving Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| 1-bedroom | 250 miles | $1,220 – $3,113 |
| 2-bedroom | 250 miles | $1,656 – $4,325 |
| 3-bedroom | 250 miles | $1,980 – $4,405 |
| 4-bedroom | 250 miles | $2,200 – $5,166 |
How much does it cost to move 500 miles?
Here’s what you can expect to pay on average when hiring professional movers for a move of around 500 miles:
| Home Size | Move Distance | Moving Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| 1-bedroom | 500 miles | $1,698 – $3,313 |
| 2-bedroom | 500 miles | $2,183 – $4,452 |
| 3-bedroom | 500 miles | $3,350 – $5,475 |
| 4-bedroom | 500 miles | $3,488 – $6,883 |
How much does it cost to move 1,000 miles?
Here’s what you can expect to pay on average when hiring professional movers for a move of around 1,000 miles:
| Home Size | Move Distance | Moving Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| 1-bedroom | 1,000 miles | $2,463 – $4,830 |
| 2-bedroom | 1,000 miles | $2,667 – $5,901 |
| 3-bedroom | 1,000 miles | $3,670 – $6,263 |
| 4-bedroom | 1,000 miles | $4,308 – $6,985 |
How much does it cost to move 2,000 miles?
Here’s what you can expect to pay on average when hiring professional movers for a move of around 2,000 miles:
| Home Size | Move Distance | Moving Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| 1-bedroom | 2,000 miles | $2,676 – $4,898 |
| 2-bedroom | 2,000 miles | $3,560 – $6,346 |
| 3-bedroom | 2,000 miles | $4,993 – $7,323 |
| 4-bedroom | 2,000 miles | $6,381 – $10,825 |
The best way to find out your exact moving estimate is by scheduling an in-home survey. A company representative will visit your place, check what needs to be moved, and provide a detailed, accurate quote based on your specific situation.
If you're planning a long-distance move, it’s smart to ask for a binding estimate or a not-to-exceed agreement. This helps ensure your final price doesn’t go significantly over the quoted amount.
Avoid any moving company that refuses to give you a visual inspection or only offers quotes over the phone. And if a company gives you a quote that seems way too low compared to others, take that as a red flag.
Want to play it safe? Do a proper moving quotes comparison by reaching out to multiple reputable movers near you. Request written quotes after an on-site visit to avoid surprises and make sure you're getting the best deal for your move.
Not sure if full-service movers are worth the splurge? Explore what full-service moving really includes.
Moving Cost Based on Home Size
The size of your home plays a major role in the total moving cost. Here’s a quick look at what you might pay based on how much space (and stuff) you’re moving:
How Much Does It Cost to Hire Movers for a 1-Bedroom Apartment?
Whether you're moving across town or across the country, the cost to hire movers for a 1-bedroom apartment depends on two main things: how far you're going and how much stuff you're taking.
Local Move (Short Distance)
Local movers typically charge around $80 per hour per mover. For a 1-bedroom apartment, you’ll usually need:
- 2 movers
- 4 hours of labor
- Estimated cost: $640 (labor only)
This price may vary depending on your location, time of year, and any extra services like packing or furniture disassembly.
Long-Distance Move (By Mileage)
Long-distance moves are priced based on distance, shipment weight, and additional services. Here's what you can expect for a 1-bedroom move at different distances:
| Distance | Estimated Cost Range |
|---|---|
| 250 miles | $1,110 – $3,213 |
| 500 miles | $1,698 – $3,113 |
| 1,000 miles | $2,463 – $4,830 |
| 2,000 miles | $2,676 – $4,888 |
These ranges include transportation, fuel, labor, and basic handling. Specialty services or access issues (like stairs or long carry distances) may add to the final cost.
Weight Considerations
The average weight of household items in a 1-bedroom apartment is 2,200 to 3,200 lbs, but this can vary widely depending on what you choose to bring. If you're downsizing or decluttering, your shipment weight and your cost could be significantly lower.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire Movers for a 2-Bedroom Home?
The cost to move a 2-bedroom home depends on whether you're moving locally or long-distance. Local moves are typically charged by the hour, while long-distance moves are priced based on distance, weight, and services required.
Local Move (Short Distance)
Local movers usually charge around $80 per hour per mover. For a 2-bedroom home, the standard setup includes:
- 3 movers
- 6 hours of labor
- Estimated cost: $1,440 (labor only)
This estimate covers basic loading, transport, and unloading. Additional services, such as packing, furniture disassembly, or handling specialty items, may increase the final cost.
Long-Distance Move (By Mileage)
Here’s what you can expect to pay for a 2-bedroom move across various distances:
| Distance | Estimated Cost Range |
|---|---|
| 250 miles | $1,456 – $4,125 |
| 500 miles | $2,283 – $4,552 |
| 1,000 miles | $2,667 – $5,901 |
| 2,000 miles | $3,560 – $6,246 |
These ranges include transportation, fuel, labor, and basic handling. Prices may vary based on route complexity, time of year, and any extra services requested.
Weight Considerations
The average shipment weight for a 2-bedroom home is 5,000 to 6,000 lbs, but this can shift depending on what you're moving. Large or specialty items — such as a piano or oversized furniture — can push the weight (and cost) higher.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire Movers for a 3-Bedroom House?
Moving a 3-bedroom house comes with a wider range of costs due to the larger volume of items and potential for specialty services. Whether you're relocating locally or across the country, here’s what you need to know.
Local Move (Short Distance)
Local movers typically charge around $80 per hour per mover. For a 3-bedroom home, the standard setup includes:
- 4 movers
- 7 hours of labor
- Estimated cost: $2,240 (labor only)
This estimate covers basic loading, transport, and unloading. Additional services, such as packing, furniture disassembly, or handling bulky items, may increase the final cost.
Long-Distance Move (By Mileage)
Long-distance moves are priced based on distance, shipment weight, and extra services. Here’s a breakdown of average costs for a 3-bedroom move:
| Distance | Estimated Cost Range |
|---|---|
| 250 miles | $1,980 – $4,605 |
| 500 miles | $3,350 – $5,475 |
| 1,000 miles | $3,670 – $6,263 |
| 2,000 miles | $4,793 – $7,323 |
These ranges include transportation, fuel, labor, and basic handling. Prices may vary based on route complexity, time of year, and any extra services requested.
Weight Considerations
The average shipment weight for a 3-bedroom house can range from 9,000 to 10,000 lbs, depending on your inventory. If you’re moving heavy furniture, appliances, or specialty items like a piano, expect higher costs due to added labor and handling requirements.
Thinking long-distance? Compare top-rated long-distance movers and see who delivers value without surprise fees.
Additional Costs to Expect When Hiring Movers
Planning a move involves more than just loading boxes and paying for transportation. There are several additional costs that can come up, and understanding them ahead of time can help you budget more effectively.
Packing Services and Supplies
If you choose to have movers pack your items, expect to pay roughly $30 to $40 per hour per packer. That’s on top of the cost of materials like boxes, tape, and bubble wrap.
Moving Insurance
Most moving companies include basic insurance coverage, but it's usually minimal — about $0.60 per pound per item. If you’re transporting expensive belongings, consider upgrading to full-value protection.
Furniture Disassembly and Specialty Handling
Movers often charge extra to disassemble and reassemble beds, wardrobes, or other large furniture. If you're moving bulky or specialty items — such as a piano, pool table, or safe — expect handling fees that can range from $150 to $600.
Access Fees
Homes that require navigating stairs, elevators, or long carry distances may lead to extra charges. For example, stair fees can apply per flight, and long carry fees may be triggered if movers have to walk more than 75 feet from the truck to your door.
Travel and Fuel Charges
Some companies apply a flat travel fee to cover the cost of getting to your home, while others may charge for fuel separately, especially for longer moves or routes with tolls.
Temporary Storage
If your new home isn’t move-in ready, movers may offer storage-in-transit options. This service is typically billed daily or monthly, depending on how long you need it.
Tipping
While not mandatory, tipping is a common courtesy. A good rule of thumb is $20–$40 per mover for half-day jobs and around $50 or more for full-day moves.
Think you’ve budgeted enough for your move? Discover the hidden moving costs that most people miss.
Key Factors That Influence Your Moving Costs
Whether you're hiring local movers or planning a long-distance relocation, several key elements shape the final price. Here's what to keep in mind:
Distance of the Move
The farther you're going, the more you'll pay. Local moves are usually charged by the hour, while long-distance moving costs per mile are calculated based on mileage, fuel, and travel time. Cross-country moves often include tolls, overnight stays, and higher fuel surcharges.
Size and Weight of Your Shipment
The more stuff you have, the more space and labor you’ll need. A moving estimate is often based on the total weight of your belongings. For example, a 2-bedroom house may weigh around 5,000–6,000 lbs, while a 3-bedroom house can reach up to 9,000 lbs. Downsizing before your move can help reduce costs.
Time of Year
Peak moving season — typically May through August — comes with higher demand and higher prices. If you’re flexible, consider moving in the off-season or mid-month to save money. Weekends and holidays also tend to be more expensive.
Type of Moving Service
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Full-service movers handle everything from packing to unpacking, but they cost more.
- Partial services let you pack yourself and hire help for loading and transport.
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DIY options like truck rentals are cheaper but require more effort.
Choosing the right service level can significantly affect your moving company pricing guide.
Access and Logistics
If movers have to deal with stairs, elevators, narrow hallways, or long carry distances, expect extra fees. Lack of parking or difficult building access can also increase labor time and cost.
Specialty Items
Moving bulky or fragile items like pianos, safes, or antiques often requires special equipment and handling. These add-ons can range from $150 to $600, depending on complexity.
Packing Materials and Labor
If you opt for professional packing, you’ll pay for both labor and supplies. Expect around $30–$40 per hour per packer, plus the cost of boxes, tape, and protective wrap.
Trying to move without draining your savings? Check out smart budget-friendly strategies and cut costs without cutting corners.
Is Hiring Movers Worth the Cost?
Hiring movers can be a smart investment — but it depends on your budget, time, and the complexity of your move. Here’s a quick breakdown to help you decide:
When It’s Worth It
- Convenience: Movers handle packing, lifting, and transporting, saving you time and effort.
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Safety: Trained professionals reduce the risk of damage or injury.
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Peace of Mind: Insurance options and reliable service ease stress during the move.
- Time-Saving: Ideal for busy schedules or long-distance relocations.
When It Might Not Be
- Tight Budget: DIY moves are cheaper if you have help and fewer items.
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Small Moves: For short distances or minimal belongings, renting a truck may be more practical.
- Control Preference: Some people prefer managing every detail themselves.
Still weighing the pros and cons of hiring movers? See why hiring a moving company can actually save you time, stress, and money.
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