Moving Help Pricing by State
Hiring professional movers can significantly reduce the stress and physical strain of relocating. Costs are typically hourly for local moves, based on the number of movers and trucks required. For long-distance moves, pricing is often based on weight and distance. Additional factors like stairs, elevators, and long walking distances to the truck can add to the final bill.
What Affects the Price
Understanding these cost drivers helps you budget accurately and evaluate contractor quotes:
- Number of movers and trucks required
- Total hours of labor (for local moves)
- Distance between locations
- Access difficulty (stairs, elevators, long carry)
- Packing services and materials
- Handling of specialty items (pianos, safes, artwork)
Standard Inclusions
These items are typically included in a standard moving help quote:
- Labor for loading and unloading
- Use of moving blankets and dollies
- Disassembly and reassembly of standard furniture
- Transportation of goods (if truck is included)
What's Typically Not Included
These items usually cost extra or require a separate contractor:
- Packing boxes and tape (unless purchased)
- Insurance for full replacement value (valuation coverage)
- Tolls and parking permits
- Gratuity for the moving crew
Pro Tips for Moving Help
Expert advice to help you get the best value and results:
- Move on a weekday or mid-month to get lower rates.
- Disassemble beds and tables yourself to save billable hours.
- Label boxes clearly by room to speed up unloading.
- Keep valuables and important documents with you, not in the truck.
Complete Guide to Hiring Moving Help Services
Whether you're moving across town or just need help with heavy furniture, professional movers bring the muscle, equipment, and expertise to make relocations safer and more efficient. Understanding the difference between full-service movers and labor-only help, plus knowing how to prepare, can significantly affect your experience and costs.
Before You Hire: Preparation Checklist
Taking these steps before contacting contractors will help you get accurate quotes and avoid surprises:
- ✓Inventory what you're moving—count boxes and list large items
- ✓Measure doorways and hallways for large furniture
- ✓Decide if you need full-service (packing, loading, transport) or labor-only
- ✓Research if you need insurance beyond the mover's basic coverage
- ✓Check if your building requires elevator reservations or certificates of insurance
Essential Questions to Ask Before Hiring
These questions help you evaluate contractors and protect yourself from poor service:
"What's included in your quote—labor only or truck too?"
Why this matters: Labor-only is cheaper but you provide the vehicle; full-service is turn-key
"How do you charge—by hour, weight, or flat rate?"
Why this matters: Hourly is standard for local; weight-based for long distance
"What's your liability coverage and do you offer additional insurance?"
Why this matters: Basic coverage is typically 60 cents per pound—inadequate for valuables
"Do you have minimum charges or cancellation fees?"
Why this matters: Most require 2-4 hour minimums; weather cancellations may have fees
When to Call a Professional
While some tasks can be DIY, these situations typically require professional expertise:
DIY vs. Professional: What You Can Do Yourself
Renting a truck and doing it yourself is cheaper in direct costs but harder than you expect. You'll need help, proper equipment (dollies, straps, pads), and risk injury or damage. For a studio apartment moving short distance, DIY is feasible. For a household, professional help usually pays for itself in time, safety, and reduced stress.
🚩 Red Flags: Warning Signs of Bad Contractors
Watch out for these warning signs that may indicate an unreliable or dishonest contractor:
- ✗Significantly lower estimate than competitors (bait and switch)
- ✗Demands large deposit before moving day
- ✗No written contract or vague terms
- ✗Unmarked vehicles or no company identification
- ✗Won't provide proof of licensing and insurance
Seasonal Timing Tips
The best time to schedule service can save you money and ensure better availability:
Peak moving season—book 4-6 weeks ahead; prices are highest
After Labor Day is less busy; kids in school means fewer family moves
Lowest prices and best availability, but weather can cause delays
Growing activity—book ahead; end of month is always busiest
⚡ Safety Considerations
- Clear pathways of tripping hazards
- Secure loose rugs and runners
- Keep children and pets away from moving areas
- Point out any fragile items or unusual weight items
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Learn from others' mistakes—these are the most common errors homeowners make:
- ⚠Underestimating how long the move will take (costs more hourly)
- ⚠Not packing completely before movers arrive
- ⚠Forgetting to empty dresser drawers (adds weight and risk)
- ⚠Not labeling boxes clearly for efficient unloading
💰 Cost-Saving Strategies
Smart ways to reduce costs without sacrificing quality:
- Pack everything yourself before movers arrive
- Move mid-week or mid-month for lower rates
- Declutter before moving—less stuff means lower cost
- Get at least three quotes and compare carefully
Get Moving Help Cost Estimates by State
Select your state below to view estimated costs adjusted for your local cost of living. Our estimates use official government data from the Bureau of Economic Analysis and Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Understanding Moving Help Costs Nationwide
Moving Help costs vary significantly across the United States based on regional labor rates, cost of living differences, and local market conditions. States with higher costs of living, like California and New York, typically see higher service prices, while more affordable regions offer lower rates.
Beyond geography, the actual cost of your project depends on factors specific to your situation: the scope of work, accessibility, materials required, and the timing of your project. Emergency or after-hours service typically commands premium rates, while scheduling during a contractor's off-peak season may offer savings.
To get the most accurate pricing for your specific needs, we recommend requesting quotes from at least three local contractors. Use our estimates as a starting point to understand whether the quotes you receive are in line with typical market rates for your area.