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Planning a local move?
The biggest misconception about moving locally is that it’s easy and cheap.
It’s not that far. Just a few miles down the road. What could it cost?
Let’s get real.
Moving locally still costs a lot of money. Nationwide, local moves average around $1,489. Yikes.
But if you don’t plan ahead with a detailed budget, your moving costs can quickly skyrocket. Partnering with trusted local movers that offer flat rates and 100% price transparency can alleviate the stress of surprise expenses on moving day. You just need to plan ahead.
In this post you’ll learn…
- How Local Moving Costs Breakdown
- The Hidden Fees Nobody Tells You About
- How to Create a Moving Budget That Actually Works
Why are Local Moves So Expensive?
For starters, local moving companies don’t typically price services like long-distance movers.
Long-haul movers: Cost by weight + distance traveled Local movers: Cost by the hour
The majority of local moving companies charge $100-$120/hr for labor. That doesn’t seem too bad right? Until you do the math.
Assuming it takes 6 hours to move your average 2-bedroom apartment with a team of movers:
120/hr x 6 hours = $720 JUST FOR LABOR
Throw in truck rental fees, packing materials, insurance, and more. Now you’re pushing $1,200+. Ouch.
Your home size plays a big factor in labor costs.
Studio apartment = 3-4 hours 2 bedroom apartment = 5-6 hours 3 bedroom house = 7-8 hours 4+ bedroom house = 8+ hours
…and remember, the bigger the crew size, the higher the hourly labor rate will be. But a larger team will also move your belongings quicker.
Often overlooked expenses that inflate the budget:
There are always hidden fees that end up screwing up most people’s moving budgets. The average person spends $200-$500 MORE than originally planned.
Why? Here are a few of the most common surprise fees:
Stairs & Elevators
Did you know most moving companies charge extra to move up and down stairs? Commonly between $75-$150 based on the number of flights. That trendy third floor walk-up apartment is about to cost you extra bucks.
Long Carry Fees
Can’t park the truck right outside your building or home? You might be charged a long carry fee. If your movers have to carry boxes more than 75 feet from the truck to your door, many movers charge $100-$150 on top of your bill.
Packing Fees
Paying professionals to pack your home can cost anywhere from $300 to over $1,200. **What most people don’t realize: ** Improperly packed boxes lead to damaged items on moving day. You’ll be replacing your favorite furniture pieces and electronics instead of just paying for professional packing services.
Specialty Items
Do you own a piano, pool table, antique chest, or expensive artwork? Be prepared to pay extra to have these items transported safely. Moving large or oddly shaped items require specialized equipment and handling. Expect to pay an additional $200-$500 for piano moving services alone.
Creating a Successful Moving Budget
Ready to stop the surprises and finally gain control of your moving budget? Here’s the best approach.
**Plan at least 8 weeks out. ** The more lead time you have before moving day, the better equipped you’ll be to plan wisely. You’ll have ample time to research moving companies, compare pricing, and take your pick of the best local movers.
Get several quotes.
Don’t just hire the first moving company you talk to. Reach out to at least 3-4 different companies and compare quotes **VERBATIM. **
Write down each company’s hourly rate. Ask about their policies for stairs, elevators, long carries, and specialty items.
Ask questions like:
- What does your hourly rate include?
- Are there any additional fees I should know about?
- How do you handle specialty items?
Declutter, declutter, declutter!
The more stuff you have, the more it will cost you to move. Before you even start packing, take time to go through each room and purge your home of unnecessary clutter. Sell bulky furniture on Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist. Donate clothes, household goods, and toys.
Less stuff = Less money spent on packing materials, moving labor, and transporting weight. **Bonus: ** You’ll make some extra cash by selling items you don’t want.
Move during off-peak season
Did you know moving costs vary depending on the time of year? Summer (May – Sept) is typically the most expensive time to move. High demand means moving companies can charge up to 30% more.
Avoid moving during popular months and try to schedule your move mid-week and in the middle of the month. You’ll usually get lower rates from movers during off-peak seasons (Oct – April).
Build in buffer
Unexpected expenses are going to happen on every move. Instead of freaking out when they come up, plan for these surprises by building a buffer into your moving budget. Lowball your estimates by 10-15% to give yourself some breathing room.
Do it yourself
Professional movers aren’t cheap, and they’ll charge you for every box they pack. However, there are plenty of ways to save money by doing things yourself.
Start collecting free boxes at your local grocery store 6-8 weeks before your move. Wrap breakables with towels and blankets instead of buying bubble wrap.
On moving day, recruit friends and family to help you transport boxes to your new place. Return the favor by supplying pizza and drinks.
Moving Budget Spreadsheet
Pulling together all of your research into one simple spreadsheet is the best way to plan your budget. Create columns for each category of expenses you’ll incur during your move.
Label columns clearly. Moving company fees, packing supplies, rental trucks, temporary storage, utility fees, security deposits. Be detailed.
Each week as you receive quotes and pay for expenses, add them to your spreadsheet. Watching your budget tally increase will keep you honest.
Where can you save money?
Cutting corners doesn’t always mean saving money. Some cheap movers will take your furniture apart, but won’t put it back together. You also run the risk of companies quoting you low, only to increase your price after move-in.
Save money by…
- Using your own truck for small loads
- Bringing your own boxes and packing materials
- Skip upgraded insurance if you already have homeowners or renters insurance
Pack a box of “essentials” that you’ll need the first night in your new home. Nobody wants to run to the store for toilet paper and bedding when you just moved across town.
Final Thoughts
When planned correctly, moving locally can be inexpensive.
Follow these tips for…
- Comparing multiple moving company quotes
- Decluttering your home
- Packing yourself
- Timing your move to avoid peak season
…and create a detailed spreadsheet to track your budget. Moving locally doesn’t have to be so expensive.
Qasim Bhai