There are many things to consider when planning a move – one of the biggest, or often most concerning, is the cost involved. Several things effect moving costs including whether you’re using a professional moving company, how far your moving, how much you’re moving, etc. We are covering some of the top things you should account for, specifically when using a professional mover.
Moving Costs
Many folks decide to use a professional moving company for all or at least some of their personal belongings. Once you use a moving company – provided you’ve had a positive experience – it’s hard to imagine doing it any other way. It can truly be a huge time (and energy) saver. But of course with professional movers come fees to consider.
Moving Locally – meaning within the same state or no farther than 100 miles – Moving cost is typically around $80-100 per hour. Fees will vary by company and depending on how many movers are needed.
Moving Out of Area – meaning to another state, over 100 miles, or cross country – Moving cost can range from $2,000-5,000 on average. Again distance of the move, length of the move, and size of crew will effect this cost dramatically.
Moving Time
A majority of moves are considered local moves. Simply to the town over, or even more often just relocating to a new home within the same town. In these cases, time is typically the biggest factor that effects your moving cost, since you’re usually paying by the hour.
Average time and costs:
3 bedroom home      7-10 hours      $560-1,000
4+ bedroom home      10+ hours      $800-2,000+
Other time tips:
- Many movers will visit your home well in advance to estimate the time and cost of the move, so you have a more accurate idea of cost before moving day arrives.
- Know everything you want the have the movers to move before they arrive. This makes things go quicker (and more smoothly)
- Consider packing all of your personal belongings yourself, before moving day. Packing adds time and inevitably cost to your move. If you’ve got everything packed in boxes when the movers arrive, the move will go much more smoothly.
Booking Movers
Try to book your movers as soon as you have a moving date – at least 4 weeks in advance whenever possible. The sooner you book your movers, the more likely you are to get the date and time you want.
It is typically less expensive to move on week days (Monday-Thursday), and costs typically increase on weekends (Friday-Sunday).
If you are moving long distance, it’s a good idea to consider booking your movers 6-8 weeks in advance. There is more to coordinate with a long distance move from crew, distance, storage, etc. To ensure this all goes smoothly, it’s great to get on top of scheduling right away.
Other Moving Tips
Just a few more things to be aware of when planning your move, that we haven’t yet covered
- Moving supplies – Boxes, bubble wrap, packing tape, tissue paper, etc. all costs money and add up. Consider checking with friends and family, or local stores, for free boxes that you can reuse. Likely you will still incur a small cost here for some supplies, so start gathering things early and consider what you’ll need to purchase.
- DIY Moving – While above we largely focused on professional moves, the most cost effective moves are the ones you do yourself. Perhaps you have family and friends with personal pick up trucks that you can enlist to help. You can also rent moving trucks from local truck rental companies, starting at rates as low as $20/day. Keep in mind you often pay a mileage fee and for gas for these trucks as well.
- Partial Move – Some homeowners choose to use professional movers just for the larger items in their homes – like furniture. And decide to move their smaller personal belongings and boxed items on their own in their own vehicles or a rented truck. This allows you to benefit from professional movers while also decreasing the overall cost.
- Storage costs – Consider the timing of your move. If you will not immediately be moving from your current to your new home, storage fees may be involved. This could include you renting a personal storage unit, or asking the professional movers to store your belongings. Regardless, the storage will come at a price. Remember to consider those fees when calculating your moving costs.
Whether you’re moving from a townhome in Hempfield to a single-family home in Manheim Township, or from a house in Lititz cross-country to California, the best advice we can give is begin your moving preparations as soon as possible. The more time you allow yourself, the more money-saving choices and overall control you’ll have over your move.