Congrats! You’re moving! Before you pack up a pile of books and appliances into cardboard boxes, you may wonder whether you should move everything yourself or hire a moving company. But there’s a bigger risk at hand… not budgeting enough money for moving costs. The cost varies greatly depending on a number of factors. There are many costs to moving other than packing your belongings into boxes. Keep in mind the cost of balancing two mortgages during transition, the cost of getting all belongings from point a to pain B . The following are a few expenses to help you make sense of the costs…
Professional Movers
The following are the average costs for moving according to HomeAdvisor. Prices do vary by region and by distance…
- Local Move under 100 miles including 2 movers and 1 truck, $80 to $100 per hour. If you want an extra mover it will be $25 to $50 per hour extra.
- Cross Country over 100 miles $2,000 to $5,000 per move.
Hourly Rate For A Local Move
You will typically pay an hourly rate that includes a truck and service of two movers. The bigger your home, the longer your move will take. According to Zillow research sellers pay an average of $475 to professional movers for a local move. Here are the average costs to hire local movers based on a variety of home sizes and the time it takes to move each one…
- 1 bedroom apartment – 3 to 5 hours cost $200 to 500
- 2 bedroom apartment – 5 to 7 hours cost $400 to $700
- 3 bedroom house – 7 to 10 hours cost $560 to $1,000
- 4 bedroom house – 10+ hours cost $800 to $2,000
When Should I Book a Local Mover?
May through September is the busiest time of year for movers, so if you are moving during those months make sure to book your mover at least 4 weeks in advance of your move. October through April are the slower months for movers, so two weeks notice is usually sufficient. Monday through Thursday are the lest expensive days to move. The earlier you book your mover, the more likely you are to get the day and time you want and the more likely you are to get the best crew.
Weight and Distance Count For Non-Local Moves
Local movers charge by the hour but cross country movers charge on weight and distance. When preparing an estimate, moving companies determine the likely weight of the goods based on the average weight of items in homes similar to yours. Then, on the moving day, the moving company determines the actual weight of your goods by first weighing the empty moving truck and then weighing it again after your goods are loaded. For example the goods inside a 1,000 square foot, 3 bedroom apartment typically weighs about 5,000 pounds. A 2,800 square foot, 4 bedroom home typically weigh in at around 20,500 pounds. A general rule of thumb for the cost of a long-distance move is between $.50 and $.70 per each pound of goods moved 1,000 miles from the original location will see costs increase or decrease depending on the distance traveled if less than or more than 1,000 miles. Moving companies typically charge a “per-mile” rate, and other potential costs could include toll or fuel charges. As of 2018, the American Moving & Storage Association reports the average cost of an interstate move of around 1,200 miles is approximately $4,300.
Addition Costs of Moving
When calculating your relocation budget keep these costs in mind…
- Storage – If your move takes longer than expected because a house closing is delayed, for example, you might have to put some of your belongings in storage. The cost of a self-storage unit varies widely and depends on the location. CostHelper.com says a self-storage unit that’s 10 feet by 20 feet typically ranges from $95 to $155 a month, and $170 to $180 if the unit is climate-controlled.
- Vehicles – The moving of cars, boats and motorcycles
- Surcharges – The moving of large or fragile items
- Additional Charges – If the movers have to walk more than 75 feet from truck to door or if they have to use stairs or an elevator
- Delay – If by chance your new home is not available and the movers have to put your furniture in storage you will then have to pay to have the furniture moved to your home.
- Moving Cost Agreement – To avoid being surprised by high moving cost make sure your mover provides a not to exceed estimate
There’s no denying it… moving can be a real pain. In fact, people dread it so much that 61% of adults list moving homes as more stressful than getting divorced. So be as prepared as possible and make your move as stress-free as possible. It will be all worth it when you are in your new home!!!
Ask questions, do your research, and seek out professional advice at every turn to make sure your move is a good one! TOM CAN HELP!
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Tom has 20+ years experience in helping his clients buy and sell properties. Tom is also great resource for trusted vendors that can help assess and fix a property before buying or selling it.
About Tom Reese
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