We all have a lot of household goods that need to be sorted out and taken care of during a move. And, as you would expect, the more you are taking, the more effort it’ll take to get it all moved. The number of items that are going to be moved will determine all sorts of factors. If you have a smaller home with fewer items, it’s going to take fewer people; and vice versa.
It also makes a difference in what type of moving truck that your movers will be able to use. There are multiple sizes of trucks that you can choose from and, because of that, your movers will need to know how much you’re taking so they can bring the right one. In some cases, they may need to borrow a truck from their rental department or another agency so they can fit everything.
This is why many people recommend that you may want to consider getting rid of some items and sorting stuff out before you move out of your home. The fewer things that you take with you, the cheaper that it will be to move everything.
Moving sales and other yard sales can be a really great way to recoup at least a little bit of money while, at the same time, reducing exactly how much stuff you’re taking with you.
How Far Are You Moving?
The cost to hire movers has a lot to do with where you’re going. Moving services vary a lot based on where you’re headed – and the way that your moving company calculates your costs is mainly based on the distance.
A local move is typically calculated based on how long that the company believes your move will take, combined with how many people they will need to send. On average, you’re looking at around 20 to 40 dollars an hour, per mover. So, for example, if you need 3 movers for 6 hours, you’re looking at paying anywhere from $360 to $720 for your movers.
On the other hand, long-distance moves have many more calculations involved in the process of determining how much your estimate shall be. First, they need to know how far you’re going – mileage is always part of the overall calculation for your move. Depending on the company you’re going with, a long-distance mover is typically 100 miles or more from your original home.
Then, they need to look at how much you’re taking with you. Many times, they’ll come to your house and take a good look at everything so that they can give you an accurate estimate of how much you’re taking. The day of your move, they’ll weigh the truck before they load it up, then they’ll weigh it with your stuff in it, and also use that poundage in order to give you the final cost.
What Additional Services Do You Require?
Additional costs always come up with moving, and you may find that you need to pay extra in order to make sure that everything gets done in a manner that is both efficient and helpful. And, most state to state moving companies will offer additional services, like packing services, so that people who are moving can focus on other tasks related to moving to a new place.
So, what do additional services include?
As mentioned, packing and unpacking your items could be something that you pay extra for. Some companies will offer some sort of storage service, in case there’s a delay between when you move out of your old place and when you move into the new one.
Other additional services may include white glove/fragile item moving services, and other specialized services related to ensuring your items get where they need to go easily.
You can typically include these types of services when you’re looking at an estimate. The company will let you know what they have available for you to choose from and how much those services are going to cost you. In some cases, you may also find that moving companies may have special discounts based on different services that you may include together.
When Are You Moving?
Your moving date also has an impact on how much that you’re going to expect to pay as part of your move.
If you’re moving during peak time – specifically, the beginning or end of the month, during the summer, or in December/January – you are likely going to pay more to get a spot. Plus, it also depends on the day of the week. Weekends are typically more expensive than weekdays, with Wednesday (historically) being the cheapest day of the week to move.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I pay my movers ahead of time?
The non-binding or binding estimate that your moving company provides for you is exactly that – an estimate. While the final cost has to be within a certain amount of the estimate (which varies based on state law and what type of estimate that you get), you’re not likely to pay that exact amount.
You only want to pay a deposit (typically 5% to 15% of the estimate) and not the entire amount. This protects you and the moving company.
How else can I save money on my move?
The best way to save money is to consider using different moving supplies. For example, instead of bubble wrap, consider using clothing and towels that are already moving with you. Get moving boxes from liquor stores and office buildings instead of buying them, and so on.
How much should I budget for my move?
Remember, what you expect to pay is more than just what your moving company is going to charge. You have to pay for storage, travel expenses for you and your family, and a number of other things as well. Experts recommend that you put aside around $6000-$7500 if you’re moving long-distance and around $2000 if you’re moving locally.
Final Comments
Knowing how much you’re going to pay for your move can be really helpful as you’re planning and budgeting. And, by understanding how companies are going to calculate your moving costs, you can ensure that you have a pretty good idea of what you’re getting into and how much you may end up paying when all is said and done.
