Relocating to a different house is an exciting and challenging event. One of the most common issues people encounter when moving is trying to figure out how much hiring movers will actually cost. Whether you are moving locally within the same city or across the country, it helps to know what goes into the costs so you can plan appropriately and minimize sticker shock.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!In this blog, we will demystify how moving costs are calculated, review the different types of moving services that may be best for you, and share some tips for saving on your move. By the time you are nodding off to sleep, you will have a full understanding of what to expect, and the best way to keep your big move as budget-friendly as possible.
Variables That Influence the cost of Moving
The moving costs for you will depend on a few factors. Any or all of those factors can affect the final price substantially, so it’s worth knowing what drives the cost.
Distance of the Move
Is it local or long distance that you are moving? The cost goes up the farther you go. Movers may charge by the mile or total distance. So, for instance, a local move (generally under 50 miles) could cost you between $500 and $1,500, while a cross-country journey could cost anywhere from $2,500 to more than $10,000, depending on the size of your stuff and other factors.
Size of the Move
Yes – the size of your house, and the amount of stuff you own, correlates to the price of your move. This is something that most movers charge based on weight or volume. A studio might cost much less to move than a four-bedroom house because fewer things translate to less labor and truck space.
Pro tip: You can dramatically decrease this cost by decluttering your home pre-move.
Packing Services Required
Movers who will pack your entire house will naturally increase your overall cost if you have no time to pack a single box. If you have a story homeowner, however, packing can be an extra $300 to $1,200 or more, depending on the size of your house. Movers who provide packing material such as boxes, bubble wrap and tape will also charge for those items.
Special Items
Do you own a piano, works of fine art or antique furniture? Special items will need special care, tools and possibly even special movers, so this expense can increase. (Moving a piano, for example, might run you between $200 and $1,000, depending on weight and complexity.)
Time of Year and Season
The cost will be higher if you’re moving during the summer or at weekends, when moving businesses are in high demand. By way of example, if you’re hiring movers in June, it can cost 30 percent more than in February. If you’re able, try to shift your move to “quieter” times in an effort to save a little money.
Insurance Coverage
These costs protect your items with liability coverage or full-value coverage, which are a must, but they can also add up. Cover is generally for liability only.” Basic liability cover is usually free, but may fall short in covering lost or damaged items. Though premium coverage can cost extra, it’s another layer of peace of mind.
Types of Moving Services
One size does not fit all with a move. Here are three of the primary types of moving services to consider, and the price ranges they cost.
Full-Service Movers
Full-service movers handle everything from packing and loading to transport and unpacking. Although this choice is the most convenient, it also carries the highest expense. Full-service movers can cost between $1,200 and $3,000 for local moves. For long-distance moves, you’ll have a price range of $4,000 to $10,000 or more.
Best for: Convenience-seekers looking for easy travel, even if they have to pay for it.
Partial-Service Movers
Partial-service movers will load, transport and unload for you; you pack and prepare your belongings. This is kind of a compromise between convenience and cost. In general, local moves fall between $800 and $2,500, depending on the size and how far.
Recommended for: Anyone comfortable with packing but who still wants help with the heavy lifting, and transportation.
DIY Moving with Rental Trucks
If you are a cost-conscious mover, renting a moving truck and then doing all the heavy lifting yourself is an excellent way to save money! Some people pay as little as $20 a day, plus mileage and gas. But you also have to consider the PHYSICAL effort, the LENGTH OF TIME it takes, and the UGH possibility of WRECKING your stuff.
Best for: People who are moving on a tight budget and have few possessions.
Getting an Accurate Estimate
When trying to gauge how expensive your move will be, nailing an estimate is obviously important. Here’s how to make sure you do the math.
Importance of On-Site Estimates
Though online or over-the-phone estimates can be useful, they’re often less accurate. For best results, have a moving company come to your home and look at everything you have in person. This enables them to see precisely what’s entailed and offer a more accurate quote.
Difference Between Binding and Non-Binding Estimates
Binding Estimate: This estimate fixes the total cost you’ll pay and means you’ll be billed that amount even if the actual weight or volume of your move ends up being less than estimated.
NONBINDING Estimate: This estimate can increase or decrease (unless you’ve added services on moving day, then the final number is exactly as the estimate states) if the actual goods weigh more or the space your moving take ups is more. Be careful, as the price can soar!
Ways to Save Money on Moving
Relocating doesn’t need to be a budget-busting experience. With some advance planning, you can keep costs in check and still receive the professional help you need.
Declutter Before the Move
A grand more will stretch your search area — because the fewer things you have to schlep, the less you pay. Think about donating, selling or recycling possessions you no longer need. You will save money and have less clutter in your new home.
Do the Packing Yourself
Packing on your own saves on labor costs. Stock up on inexpensive packing supplies (like free boxes from local stores) and pack early.
Move During Off-Peak Times
If you can, try to move in the fall or winter when moving companies are less busy, or even move during the week instead of on the weekend. Off-peaking can mean big savings.
Get Multiple Quotes
Call around to a few well-respected moving companies for price quotes and services. Don’t always jump for the lowest costs you can find — it’s quality of service as much as anything else!
Plan Now, Save More Later
When you know what to expect in costs for your move, you can seek ways to make the move as affordable as possible. By understanding the stakeholders, the services available to you and how to save some money, you can smooth out, or at least smooth over, your move.
If you are moving, make sure to get several quotes and find the one that works best with your preferences and needs. Don’t forget while you do all this, efficient move is not only about money, it’s about the new beginning you’re going to have in your new home!
