The Costs of Hiring Movers

Did you get a new job? Or are you looking for a change of scenery? Then it's time to relocate. But, unless you're moving next door, you will need a truck or a trailer. Trust us- you can't fit that oversized couch in your car, no matter how hard you try. 
 
The thing is, hiring a moving company- whether you're just renting a truck or availing a full service- can cost you anywhere from $100 to $10,000 depending on where you're going and how much you want to take with you. 
 
Here is a guide on the costs of hiring movers so you can prepare for that ultimate road trip. ​
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Pricing Factors

Before we give you the average rates of hiring a moving company, you have to first understand what goes on in pricing moving services. This way, you can save up on the factors that you have control over. 
 
How much stuff you have 
 
The first consideration is how much you will be moving to your new house. Moving companies calculate the rate for this in two ways: 
 

• The number of rooms (or the total floor area of the house) 
  
• The projected weight of your belongings 
  

 
On average, all the things in one room weighs about 2,000 to 5,000 pounds. This excludes special items such as pianos and pool tables. 
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Where you're relocating

Companies usually categorize moves into three types: 
 

• Local- within 100 miles in the same state 
• Out of state- long distance and outside the state border, upto 1200 miles 
• Cross country- distances of more than 1200 miles 

 
Local moves are the cheapest because you are only paying for the rental of the truck and a couple of movers to assist you, and this move can be done in a day. 
 
But once you cross the state border, additional regulations and permits are needed by the moving company to legally operate, so you will also be paying for that, not just for the added miles. ​
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Other factors

In relation to where you are moving, particularly on whether it is a highly urbanized and densely populated location, expect much higher costs. Movers in the big cities are sometimes paid twice the hourly rate of those anywhere else. 
 
Another thing to consider is the time of your move. The summer months from June to August are the peak season for moving, and this usually means higher rates, sometimes as much as 25% of off-peak rates. ​
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Moving Services

There are different types of moving companies to suit your specific needs (and your budget). Their costs generally depend on how much of the work you will be doing yourself. ​
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Truck Rental

As the name implies, you simply rent a truck. You do the loading, driving, and unloading yourself. At an average of $3,000 for long distance moves, this is the cheapest option, and works best if you have a lot of time on your hands and want to be with your belongings at all times. ​
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Containers

Alternatively, you can rent storage containers, which cost around $4,500 for long distance moves. These will be delivered to you so you can load your things at your leisure, then will be picked up and driven to your destination, after which you can unload your things yourself. 
 
If you want to make sure everything is packed and loaded properly, but opt for a plane rather than the scenic route for yourself, this option suits you perfectly. ​
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Full Service

This is by far the priciest option, but it's also the most convenient. Full service movers take care of everything, including, if you choose, packing and unpacking your things. An average cost for a full service long distance move is $10,000. 
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Other charges

Sometimes, insurance is not included in the moving company's quotations, so be sure to ask. Otherwise, you can get your own insurance, which averages to about $0.60 per pound of your belongings. 
 
There is also the cost of moving your car/s if you will not be driving them yourself. This can go anywhere from $1,000 to $5,000 depending on whether the car will be running (towed) or in an open or closed trailer, and the make and model of the car for insurance purposes. ​
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Sample Rates

To recap, the average costs for long distance moves can go anywhere from $3,000 to $10,000. These average rates are lowered by upto half if you are moving to the neighboring state, and upto ¼ for a local move. 
 
For example, let's say a cross country rate for a 2-bedroom house is $10,000. This would approximately cost only $5,000 if you're moving to a nearby state, and only $2,500 or less if you are moving within your current state. ​

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Here at MovingEverett.com, our professional and trained movers will guide you throughout the moving process! 

​CONTACT US now and get a FREE QUOTE! Or call (425) 390 - 8388