Moving to a new home or office sparks excitement for a fresh start, but wondering how much do movers cost can stir up anxiety. Whether you’re relocating a few blocks away or across the country, understanding mover costs lets you plan confidently and avoid surprises. At Coastal Moving Services, we’re here to guide you through budgeting for a stress-free move.
Explore Your Moving Service Options
When you’re planning a move, the type of service you choose shapes your costs significantly. Local moves, typically within 100 miles, are usually billed by the hour, while long-distance relocations depend on the weight of your belongings and the distance traveled. Some movers offer full-service packages, covering packing, loading, and unloading, while others provide labor-only assistance if you’re renting a truck yourself. Whether you’re moving your home with our residential moving services or relocating a business with commercial moving, knowing your needs, like whether you want packing support—lays the foundation for a clear budget.
Estimate Costs for a Local Move
For local moves, costs are generally based on hourly rates, which average between $80 and $120 per mover in 2025, according to recent news reports on moving trends. If you’re moving a one-bedroom apartment, two movers might take three to five hours, leading to a total of $480 to $1,200 for labor alone. A three-bedroom house could require four movers for seven to nine hours, costing $1,600 to $2,880.
The U.S. Census Bureau found that in 2023, about 27.1 million Americans moved, with 65% staying within their local area, which keeps demand high for cost-effective local movers.
Things like stairs, heavy furniture, or tricky parking spots can add extra fees, so it’s wise to discuss these details with your mover early on.
Plan for a Long-Distance Move
Long-distance moves, those stretching beyond 100 miles, come with a heftier price tag, typically ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 depending on the weight of your items and the distance. For example, moving a one-bedroom apartment’s worth of goods—around 2,000 pounds, 1,000 miles might cost $1,000 to $3,000. A three-bedroom home, weighing about 10,000 pounds, could run $4,000 to $8,000 for the same distance. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) reported in 2023 that the average interstate household goods shipment weighed 7,400 pounds, a key factor in pricing long-distance moves. Since fuel, tolls, and labor costs add up, securing a binding estimate ensures you know exactly what to expect.
Budget for Additional Services
Extra services like packing or storage can quietly increase your moving expenses if you’re not prepared. Having professionals pack a two-bedroom home, including boxes and materials, generally costs $400 to $1,200. If you need to store your belongings temporarily, expect to pay $80 to $300 per month for a standard unit. Moving specialty items, such as a piano or large artwork, might add $150 to $500 due to the extra care required.
The FMCSA recorded 1,300 consumer complaints about movers in 2023, many linked to unexpected fees, so always request a detailed breakdown of all services to stay within your budget.
Weigh Timing and Location Impacts
The timing and location of your move play a big role in what you’ll pay. Summer months, from June to August, are the busiest, with prices often 20-30% higher due to peak demand, according to 2024 news reports. Moving mid-week or mid-month, rather than on weekends, can save you money.
Urban hubs like Chicago or Miami tend to have higher rates than rural areas because of elevated living costs. The FMCSA’s Protect Your Move guide recommends booking early, especially for interstate moves, to lock in more affordable rates. Choosing the right time can make a big difference in your costs.
Include Insurance and Tipping Expenses
Movers offer basic liability coverage at 60 cents per pound, but it’s often not enough for valuable items. Full-value protection, which costs about 1-2% of your goods’ worth, provides better security—expect $200 to $400 for $20,000 in items. Tipping your movers 10-20% of the total cost, or $40 to $200 for a local move, is a kind way to thank them for their effort. The U.S. Department of Transportation advises verifying mover insurance through the FMCSA’s website to ensure proper coverage. Budgeting for these extras keeps you protected and shows appreciation for great service.
Save Money with Smart Planning
You don’t need to spend a fortune to get reliable movers. Start by decluttering your home to reduce the weight of your shipment, especially for long-distance moves. Pack non-fragile items yourself, grabbing free boxes from local stores to cut supply costs. Request quotes from at least three movers to compare rates and services.
Coastal Moving Services can connect you with trusted professionals who offer quality within your budget, making your move both affordable and seamless. A little planning goes a long way toward keeping costs down.
Let Coastal Moving Services Guide Your Move
Hiring movers doesn’t have to drain your wallet when you know what to expect. Coastal Moving Services pairs you with dependable movers for local or long-distance moves, tailored to your needs and budget. From packing to delivery, we’re here to make your move smooth and worry-free. Ready to plan your move with ease? Coastal Moving Services is here to help—call us at +1 (334) 659-1878 today!
