How Much Do Movers Cost?

Jan 28
5 min read

Who It’s For

Anyone planning a local or long distance move
Families or individuals budgeting for upcoming moving costs
People comparing local movers and professional movers
Anyone wanting to cut costs or avoid hidden fees when hiring movers

Key Takeaways

Movers cost varies based on distance, home size, number of movers, and services needed.
Local movers charge per hour, while long distance moving companies charge by weight and mileage.
Packing services, specialty items, and peak moving season can increase the final moving bill.
You can calculate moving costs using hourly rates, packing materials needed, and additional fees.
Moving during the off season, collecting free boxes, and handling some packing yourself help cut costs.

A Guide to Planning Your Moving Budget

Moving into a new home should feel exciting, not confusing or stressful. But one of the biggest questions people run into early on is simple: How much do movers cost? The answer depends on several cost factors like your home size, distance, number of movers needed, and any additional services you choose.

Are you preparing for a local move across town? Or are you planning a long distance move to another state? Either way, understanding moving costs will help you budget effectively and then choose the right moving company for your needs. In this guide, we’ll break down what most moving companies charge and how to calculate moving costs. We'll also give you some tips on how you can save money along the way. Our goal is for us to leave feel confident heading into your upcoming move.

Understanding How Moving Costs Are Calculated

Before you start comparing quotes from local movers or long distance moving companies, it helps to understand what goes into the price. Most professional movers base their company prices on a mix of the following:

Cost Factors That Influence Your Moving Costs

Home size (a one bedroom apartment will cost far less than a large home)
Local vs. long distance move
Labor costs, number of movers, and hours worked
Packing services and packing labor
Packing materials needed, including boxes and protective supplies
Specialty items like pianos, pool tables, or oversized furniture
Distance walked from home to truck (long carry fee)
Whether your move falls during peak season or the off season
Additional services like temporary storage, shuttle services, or furniture assembly

Every moving company structures pricing slightly differently, so always ask for a detailed breakdown to avoid unexpected expenses on your final moving bill.

How Much Do Movers Cost for a Local Move?

For a local move, usually within the same city or a short distance, local moving companies charge by the hour, plus any additional fees for supplies or add-on services.

Average Moving Costs for Local Movers

2 movers + truck: $90–$175 per hour
3 movers + truck: $135–$225 per hour
4 movers + truck: $180–$300 per hour

Your total cost depends on the number of movers, how long the move takes, the size of your home, and how many boxes you have. Local moves are generally cheaper because they don’t involve fuel costs, overnight fees, or long-distance transportation.

Local Moving Example

A typical one bedroom apartment may take 3–5 hours with two movers, meaning you can expect to pay between $300–$750 depending on company prices and the day of the week.

How Much Do Movers Cost for a Long Distance Move?

Long distance movers base pricing on total weight, mileage, and services included. Because long distance moving companies handle transport across states, long distance moving costs are much higher than local moves.

Average Price for Long Distance Moves

Small home or apartment: $2,000–$5,000
Medium home: $5,000–$9,000
Large home: $9,000–$15,000+

Fuel costs, travel distance, storage unit use, and add-on services like packing services or full service movers can all increase the overall cost.

If you’re completing a cross-country relocation, ask if the company includes full value protection or valuation coverage for shuttle services in tight neighborhoods.

Hiring Movers vs. DIY: What’s Worth It?

Hiring professional movers offers benefits far beyond saving time. Skilled movers know how to load a moving truck efficiently and avoid damage that might cost you more in the long run.

However, your budget matters, so here’s a quick comparison:

Hiring Professional Movers

Pros

Saves time and reduces stress
Heavy lifting is handled for you
Safer transportation for fragile or bulky items
No need to rent truck rentals or purchase specialized equipment

Potential Cons

Higher upfront cost
Additional fees for extra services
Peak season pricing may increase your total cost

DIY Move

Pros

Can cut costs significantly
Flexible timing
Total control of the process

Cons

More physical labor
Requires renting a moving truck
More risk of damage or injury
Unexpected delays may cost money
Mental and emotional stress

If you want a middle-ground option, labor only movers can load and unload your belongings while you provide the truck. This gives you professional help while keeping costs manageable.

How to Calculate Your Moving Costs

You don’t need a formal moving cost calculator to get a reliable estimate, even though many moving company websites offer one. Here’s a simple way to calculate moving costs on your own:

Estimate time needed (based on home size and number of boxes).
Multiply by hourly rate from the movers you’re considering.
Add additional costs for packing supplies, packing labor, temporary storage, or specialty items.
Include fuel charges or long-distance travel fees.
Add a buffer for extra fees that may apply if movers arrive early or late, have long carries, or handle very heavy items.

This gives you a realistic view of your actual costs and helps you budget effectively.

Money Saving Tips: How to Cut Costs on Your Move

If you want to save money without sacrificing quality, a few smart strategies go a long way:

Move during the off season (fall and winter are generally cheaper).
Choose a mid week move date, when demand is lower.
Declutter before packing to reduce weight and time.
Collect free boxes from grocery stores or community groups.
Pack as much as you can yourself to reduce packing services.
Ask about hidden fees during your quote so you’re not surprised later.
Disassembling/reassembling furniture
Unmounting or disconnecting devices/appliances

These simple steps can noticeably lower your overall cost, especially for long distance moves.

When to Choose Full Service Movers

Full service movers handle everything from packing materials to packing services, loading, transport, unloading, and even unpacking. They’re ideal for:

Busy families
Large homes
Long distance moves
Customers who want a completely hands-off experience

The convenience is unmatched, but the total cost is higher. If you want the smoothest move possible, it’s well worth considering.

Make Your Move Easy with Utah Valley Movers

No matter your budget or home size, choosing the right moving company makes the biggest difference. At Utah Valley Movers, our professional moving team can walk you through your options and help you compare moving costs, so you know exactly what to expect to pay.

Whether you need labor only movers to help with loading or a full service experience for a long distance move, we’re here to make the entire process affordable and stress-free.