The
cheapest way to
move is with a
moving truck rental.
There are a bunch of ways you can shave a few dollars off your moving costs.
- Skip the truck entirely.
- Buy discounted packing materials (or find free ones)
- Pack your stuff yourself.
- Have all your stuff organized and ready to go.
- Compare prices for movers.
Here's what you'll need to move heavy furniture by yourself:
- Moving straps.
- Furniture sliders.
- Furniture dollies.
- Bend at your needs, not your waist.
- Carry items close to your body.
- Don't twist your body while you're lifting or carrying.
Depending on the type, you might pay anywhere from $200 to $610 or more to move a couch. A small sofa will cost less to move whereas a 5-piece sectional that weighs more than 1,200 pounds will run towards the higher end of the price range.
How much does it cost to move furniture and heavy items? The average cost to move furniture and heavy items is $180. On the low end, furniture movers charge between $80 and $125. Prices can reach as high as $250 to $400.
You can use a hand truck, 4-wheel dolly or appliance dolly. If you're moving heavy furniture upstairs or down, a hand truck will be your best bet. No matter which you use, you want to make sure the item is balanced on the dolly and strapped in using any lifting straps or tie down straps.
The standard pricing for moving a safe range from $175 to $525. Prices are based on the: Weight and dimensions of your safe. Distance to where it will be delivered.
If you're planning to hire the help of moving labor professionals, you're most likely renting a moving truck as well. Fortunately, most rental truck companies also offer loading and unloading services directly through their websites.
Average Time For Your Move
| Studio/1 Bedroom (600sqft) | 2-3hrs |
|---|
| 2 Bedrooms (800sqft) | 3-5hrs |
| 3 Bedrooms (1300sqft) | 4-6hrs (2-3 movers) |
| 4 Bedrooms (1800sqft) | 6-7hrs (3-4 movers) |
| 5 Bedrooms (2000+sqft) | 7-9hrs (4-5 movers) |
How much does it cost to move? If hiring professional movers for a relocation, you can expect to pay at least $1,000. As mentioned above, the average cost of a local household move is $1,250, and the average cost of a long distance move is $4,890.
Quick Answer: The average cost to ship 4 bedrooms cross country will range from $7,700 to $12,800. You may be able to get the cost down to about $2,700 if you pack your things and only pay for transportation. Hiring a full-service moving company will cost between $5,300 and $15,800.
Things Movers won't Move -The Usual Suspects
- Movers won't move – Hazardous Materials.
- Separate out Perishable Items.
- Plants don't like long distance moves.
- Documents and Photos.
- Jewelry and Currency.
- Medication and medical devices.
Cons. If you're considering renting a moving truck to pack and drive yourself, it's probably because you want to save money. There's no denying that moving yourself is a cheaper alternative to hiring a full-service mover—but you probably won't save as much as you think.
How to Move Yourself without Professional Movers
- Get the right equipment. Being prepared with the right equipment will make all the difference when it comes time to pack and move.
- Sell or donate what you don't need.
- Recruit friends and family.
- Keep everything organized.
- Pack up your home the right way.
As stated above, the average rates for a moving service will vary depending on the time of the year (they tend to be cheaper in the winter) but on average, you can expect to pay: $80-$90 per hour for 2 men. $100-$120 per hour for 3 men.
A good rule of thumb is to tip movers $4-5 per person for each hour of work.
PODS moving costs. The cost of renting a PODS portable container for a local move is usually between $349-$549, while the cost of a long-distance move averages $999-$2,999*. This includes a month of storage, a whole lot of flexibility, and a lot less stress.
You'll save on moving costs – Renting a moving container for a move is going to be considerably cheaper than hiring a full-time moving company. For instance, a long distance move using a PODS moving container starts as low as $800.
Movers will want all of your boxes to be sealed and ready to go when they arrive. But by moving yourself, you won't necessarily have to box up odd-shaped belongings, such as lamps and plants. You can pack as little or as much as you want – as long as everything is in that truck on moving day, you're good to go.
