Hiring professional movers can make the transition to a new apartment much easier. Movers will handle the physical and metaphorical heavy lifting to make sure your possessions get from place to place in one piece. 

However, movers can be pricey, so it’s important to plan ahead for the extra cost. The price of hiring a professional mover can varies based on a variety of factors, including the size of your space, the distance of your move and so on. Take a look below to learn more about how much movers generally cost and why, so you can budget for your move.

How Much do Movers Cost Per Hour?

The average cost of movers ranges from $25 to $50 per person, per hour, but many movers charge by the hour, distance or bedroom total for their services. Rates can vary by location and the mover’s experience level, but generally speaking, the larger your moving team is, the more you’ll pay in hourly rates. 

Here are some average costs based on these hourly rates:   

2 people, 8 hours  2 people, 16 hours 4 people, 8 hours 4 people, 16 hours
High Estimate $800 $1600 $1600 $3200
Low Estimate $400 $800 $800 $1600

It’s important to note that if you pay movers an hourly rate, you may also be responsible for other related moving costs. For example, you may need to cover gas and other transportation-related costs, as well as the moving supplies the company uses, like mats or trolleys. 

How Much do Movers Cost for a Local Move? 

The average cost of a local move ranges from $240 to $1,200, according to Zillow. Pricing tends to be higher in high-cost-of-living areas. Moving locally can often be done in just a day or a weekend. As a result, local moves are usually far less expensive than long-distance moves. 

A local move could include moving to a new neighborhood within your city or moving to a nearby town within your metro area or state. Each moving company has its own guidelines about what constitutes a local move and how that affects pricing, so make sure to double-check with them as you start planning. 

In general, moves of less than 50 miles are considered local moves. However, some companies use 100 miles or even 400 miles as the benchmark instead. This is usually related to the general geography of the area. For example, in major cities, it’s normal to move very short distances or stay within the same neighborhood. In suburban or rural areas, it’s common to move longer distances, but the move is still considered a “local” move since it is within the same general area.

How Much do Long-Distance Movers Cost? 

The average cost of a long-distance move in the United States ranges from $2,681-$6,964 per HomeAdvisor. 

Long-distance moves require much more time and planning and therefore cost much more. Some long-distance moves will take multiple days, which will likely require the mover to coordinate multiple drivers, lodging, and truck parking during that time. Depending on where you’re moving, there may also be tolls and other additional costs to consider. 

Factors that Affect Your Quote

There are a variety of factors that will affect your moving costs. Here are some considerations that impact a quote for moving services:

  • Distance
  • Liability and valuation coverage
  • Time
  • Apartment or house size
  • Additional services

Distance

The first factor that movers will look at is the distance traveled during your move. Long-distance moves are much more expensive than local moves. This is because long-distance moves come with extra expenses such as gas and lodging, as well as additional labor costs.  

Liability and Valuation Coverage

The items you are moving will also affect the cost of your move. If you are moving very expensive furniture pieces, for example, the mover may require liability and valuation coverage, a type of temporary insurance that is separate from housing or rental insurance. This gives the movers (and you) peace of mind knowing that your high-value items are covered in the event of an emergency. 

Time

Most moving companies pay their staff based on how long they work. If your move is particularly time-consuming, the cost will be higher to account for that. For example, if a move takes an entire weekend to complete, it will cost more than one that takes just a few hours.  

Apartment or House Size

The size of the properties you are moving to and from will also affect your total moving costs. A large apartment takes longer to pack into and unload than a small studio. Some moving companies will even offer pricing tiers based on the square footage of the apartment or the number of rooms it has. If you are still apartment hunting and wondering what size apartment you should get, you may want to factor the moving costs into your budget as well. 

Additional Services Included

Many moving companies offer add-on services to make your move more manageable, and these services come with additional fees. For example, some moving companies will help with packing or provide furniture assembly. Prices vary depending on the moving company and how involved the additional service is. 

How to Find Movers

When looking for movers, start by asking family and friends in your area if they have any recommendations. They can share some information about their firsthand experience with the movers to help you make a decision. Internet searches can also help you find movers in your area or national movers that can help with long-distance moves. 

Before committing to a moving company, get quotes from multiple companies to see who can provide the most value. If you’re doing a long-distance move, you may need to have the movers complete an in-person estimate. It’s also important to talk with your movers ahead of time and establish a pattern of open communication to help the move go smoothly. 

While hiring movers isn’t always necessary, it can make a stressful move a lot easier. Ultimately, the decision will depend on your budget as well as the size and distance of your move. 

Move into Your New Home with Southern Management

At Southern Management, we’re here to help make your move into our communities run a little smoother. Whether you hired professionals or did a DIY move, we’ll work with you to make sure your move-in day goes according to plan. 

Explore our apartments throughout the Baltimore and Washington, D.C. metropolitan areas, or contact us today to learn more!