To start, you could choose a full-service moving company, pick up a moving truck and hire labor-only movers, or handle it all yourself. Each option has their pros and cons, and determining the best option for you will be an individual decision.
The distance of your move will come into play as well; moving across the country will be significantly more expensive than moving across town.
In this article, we’ll help you figure out the average cost of movers, and what sort of moving assistance is right for you so that you can work through your moving budget and make it happen.
What is the Average Cost of Moving?
In 2021, the national average cost of moving is $1,400 with a range from $800 to $2,150 (Forbes). Please note that this price range is for a 2-person moving team completing a local move of less than 100 miles. For long-distance moves, the average cost of movers jumps to between $2,200 and $5,700.
How Much does a Local Move Cost?
If you’re moving from one town to another that’s relatively close, or even moving within the same town, your move is considered a short distance move. How much do movers cost for a local move? It depends on the size of your home, the amount of items you have, and how many movers you choose to hire.
How Much Do Movers Charge per Hour?
On average, moving companies will charge $50 per mover, per hour for local moves (Forbes). So, a two-person team working for four hours will cost around $200 to $400. Below, we’ve included a table showing the average cost of movers (based only on the typical hourly rate of $50) for a short-distance move based on the number of bedrooms in your home.
| Home Size | Number of Movers | Number of Hours | Anticipated Moving Cost |
| Studio/1 Bed | 2 | 4 | $400 |
| 2-Bed | 3 | 6 | $900 |
| 3-Bed | 4 | 7 | $1,400 |
| 4-Bed | 4 | 9 | $1,800 |
| 5-Bed | 5 | 12 | $3,000 |
How Much does Moving and Packing Cost?
Looking to outsource the less-than-glamorous task of packing up all your possessions? Hiring movers who will do your packing for you will traditionally cost you a premium. The average moving company will charge you based on a multitude of factors such as how much there is to pack, how heavy your items are, and how much packing materials are used. The average cost of movers with packing, can be $2,300 and up (Forbes).
However, choosing modern moving companies who are wiping the confusing factors, like Caddy Moving, will simply charge you the same hourly labor-rate for packing services as they do for moving services. If you choose to go with a company like this, you can expect to pay $50 per hour, per mover that helps with your packing needs.
How Much does it Cost to Move Long-Distance?
Long-distance moves are much more complicated than short-distance moves. Your long-distance movers will have to factor in things like gas, tolls, lodging if the trip is more than one day and additional fees for drivers. Those costs will inevitably transfer to you, which will considerably increase the cost of the move.
The average cost for a long-distance move can range from $600 to more than $10,000 depending on factors like the size and amount of your belongings and how long the move is (Forbes).
In summary, moving companies can take you through a whirlwind of factors that influence the quote they give you. If you’re looking for honest, fair, and upfront pricing for your move in 2022, consider choosing a modern moving company like Caddy Moving, who will charge you hourly rates for all of their labor services. If you’re stuck on knowing how many movers to book for your move, read our previous article about determining the amount of movers you need for your move, or reach out to our friendly Customer Care Team.