How Much Do Long Distance Movers Cost?

If you are looking to move a long distance, an important and potentially costly factor to consider may be movers. Not only do you have to move yourself and your family, but you may want to bring your furniture and amenities to your new home as opposed to buying new things. This is an exciting endeavor that should be exciting as you get to begin in a new place.

In general, professional movers can cost between $300 to $1,500, depending on several factors. The factor to consider highly is the size of the move. A long-distance mover can be more expensive, ranging from $1,800 to $10,000. Moving across the country will be on the upper end of that scale instead of moving in or out of your city to a surrounding town.

How Much Do Local Movers Cost?

As stated before, local movers are not as costly as movers that move you long distances. Moving down the block or to a new part of your city requires local movers who charge an hourly rate. This could range between $50 to $250 per hour depending on the moving company or the number of movers needed.

The Cost Of A Long Distance Move

Long-distance movers price their services differently. These moving companies charge by how many household goods they need to move. They also charge based on the distance they need to travel.

On average, this can range between $600 to over $10,000, depending on what needs to be moved and how far it’s going. An example would be moving a two-bedroom from New York to Florida. A professional moving company can often cost anywhere between $2,100 up to $7,800. Often, companies will give an estimate before the move to give you an idea of how much you will need to pay.

How to Estimate Moving Costs

The moving company often makes estimates on local moving, but you can make them yourself depending on the factors of your specific move. You need to take the number of hours that you estimate it will all take, then multiply that by the hourly rate that the company charges. You may also have to add on charges for additional things such as travel or materials.

An estimate for moving long distances may be more challenging to calculate. It is important to consider the major factors of a long-distance move, such as the move size, distance, professional movers, time of the year, and moving date.

The size of the move will impact the costs. A larger move may require more workers, more trucks, etc., which causes increased cost. The distance also matters.

The longer the distance, the more expensive the move will be. You should also keep in mind the costs of professional movers. Although moving yourself may cost less, it can be a hassle, meaning hiring professionals may be the way to go.

The time of the year matters as well. During the summer, prices for moving go up since that is peak moving season. To be frugal, consider moving during another season for a potentially cheaper move.

Additional Moving Costs

In addition to moving furniture and household items, there are additional fees to consider when hiring a moving company. These fees all depend on the move, and should be considered when estimating the overall cost of the move.

• Specialty items such as pianos, hot tubs, or other bulky items that are unusual can cost more to move. It is due to the excess size or unusual shape.
• Packing supplies such as bubble wrap, tv boxes, or packing material can cost extra. This is due to the additional costs it may be putting on the moving company.
• Long carry fees are added when the moving company cannot park within 100-150 feet of your front door. This puts a strain on the movers as they may have to move the furniture further and farther, taking more time and causing more labor.
• Stair carry fees are for if you have a long staircase in your home. This would cause movers to have to carry heavy items up many flights, resulting in extra costs.
• Elevator fees are also added on in estimates. If you are moving into or out of a residence with an elevator, it may take longer to move. This extra cost is added for the extra effort needed and the additional distance the movers will haul your property.
• Moving companies also offer unpacking services. Although it tends to be costly, some movers will unpack and set up your new home for you.
• Storage is also tacked onto moving costs. Moving companies offer you the opportunity to store items for a short period. However, longer-term storage could cost more money and require you to go to a local storage unit.
• Tipping is the last cost to consider in your estimate. The movers typically do a lot of hard work in a short period of time to get you moved into your new home. Depending on the overall cost of the move, the tip should be included in the final payment.

Saving Money During a Move

Since moves can be very expensive, saving money should be a priority, especially for those planning to move long distances. Consider doing a couple of things before your move to save yourself money. The first thing you can do is throw stuff out. Anything that you no longer want, will not fit in your new place, or is not useful, should be scrapped. Moving it will only add to the costs of your move.

The next thing to consider is adjusting your move date. Summer is the peak time for moving. If you can, moving during a different season could save you money. Also, consider getting multiple quotes before you move. Another moving company may charge less or give you a more accurate quote. By obtaining multiple quotes, you can compare them and determine what is best for you.

Finally, consider the overall costs of your move and anything else you can do ahead of time to decrease that cost. By doing this, you can make an expensive move, a more affordable move.