Moving homes in 2023? Well, it’s like a ticket to an amusement park: thrilling, but the price can make your heart skip a beat! On average, a local move might cost you around $1,711, whereas a long-distance haul averages at $4,792. But worry not! With a sprinkle of humor and a dash of my 12 years of experience, let’s dissect these costs and figure out how to trim them down.
Base hourly rates: The foundational cost per hour before any additional fees.
The average hourly rate for local moves ranges from $25 to $100, depending on the number of movers required. Always request multiple quotes and remember that sometimes, you get what you pay for!
Number of movers: How the number of movers affects the hourly rate.
For a studio or a small one-bedroom apartment, you typically need 2 workers, costing an average of $455 to $1,370. When I moved my studio apartment, hiring two movers significantly sped up the process. The more hands, the lighter the work! But ensure you’re not hiring more hands than necessary.
| Moving Factor | Description | Price Range (2023) |
|---|---|---|
| Base Hourly Rates | Average hourly cost for local moves | $25 – $100 |
| Number of Movers (Local Move) | Estimated cost based on apartment/home size | Studio: $455 – $1,370 |
| Truck Size (Long Distance) | Estimated cost based on distance and home size | 1,000 miles, 2-bedroom: $3,020 – $7,250 |
| Packing Services | Extra service for packing your items | Varies by company |
| Travel Time (Long Distance) | Estimated cost based on distance | < 50 miles: $455 – $1,370 |
| Additional Services | Services like furniture assembly, special packing, etc. | Costs can increase by hundreds |
| Special Equipment | Moving pods or containers | About $3,000 on average |
| Seasonal Rates | Rates can vary depending on the season | Summer might be pricier |
| Weekday vs. Weekend | Differences in hourly rates depending on the day | Weekends may be pricier |
| Insurance Costs | Cost to insure your move | Typically 1% – 5% of property’s total estimated value |
| Local vs. Long-Distance | Average cost comparison | Local: $1,187, Long Distance: $2,500 – $11,600 |
Truck size and type: If different truck sizes/types have different hourly costs.
A 26-foot truck can hold around 4 bedrooms’ worth of items. For larger homes, a 52-foot semi truck might be needed. Once, I helped a friend with a move, and they rented a truck too large. It was like putting a goldfish in an ocean! Tip: Always assess your belongings before deciding on the truck size.
Packing services: Whether packing is included or costs extra per hour.
Packing services are generally an additional cost. If you’re on a budget, consider packing non-fragile items yourself and leaving delicate items to the professionals.
Travel time: If there’s a fee for the time it takes movers to get to your home.
Local moves within a city won’t consume much time, but remember, long-distance moves can add up in costs due to the extended travel time. Once, I moved during rush hour, and oh boy, it was like a slow-motion movie scene. Plan your move timing wisely!
Minimum hours: Many companies have a minimum number of hours you’ll be billed for.
Some companies have a 2 or 3-hour minimum. Ensure you’re aware of this, so there aren’t any surprises on the bill.
Additional services: Costs like assembling furniture or handling fragile items.
Services like crating fragile items, moving bulky items, or navigating inaccessible areas can increase the cost. During one move, I had a grand piano – the movers’ expressions were priceless! Always inform them in advance about unique items.
Special equipment use: Such as dollies or special containers.
Special equipment, like moving pods, can cost around $3,000 on average. They offer flexibility, allowing you to pack at your convenience.
Seasonal rates: If costs per hour fluctuate based on the moving season.
Rates can vary depending on the season, with summer being the peak moving season. I once moved during the winter, and the rates were a tad lower. Just ensure you’re prepared for the weather!
Weekday vs. weekend: Differences in hourly rates depending on the day.
Weekends can be pricier due to high demand. If possible, opt for a weekday move. Besides, who wants to spend their weekend moving?
Insurance costs: If there’s an additional hourly fee to insure the move.
It’s essential to consider insurance, especially for long-distance or valuable moves. It might add to the hourly rate, but peace of mind is priceless.
Local vs. long-distance: How the nature of the move affects hourly pricing.
Local moves are typically cheaper, averaging around $1,187, while long-distance moves can range from $2,500 to $11,600. Remember, the further you go, the more you’ll pay.
Moving might give your wallet a mini workout, but with the right strategies and a sprinkle of humor, you’ll be laughing all the way to your new home!
The post What are the Moving Costs per Hour and how to REALLY lower them in 2023 appeared first on The Moving Blog.
