September 5, 2023

How to move on a budget: Local Moves

Local moves are more affordable than long distance moves, and are normally priced differently. While interstate moves can include binding contracts and charges for fuel, mileage, weight or cubic footage, local moves are usually charged by the hour. This simplifies the charges to the customer, but it can lead to a higher bill than expected when the move takes longer than anticipated. To save money, hire the movers just for the heavy lifting.

Steps for a local move

  • Reserve Moving Truck

    • Decide whether you want to rent and drive the truck yourself to save money, or pay for the movers to provide transportation. Make sure if you decide to rent the truck yourself that you get insurance and moving pads. U-Haul dominates the affordable rental truck space, followed by Penske. If the moving company is going to provide transportation, confirm that these are included and ask if there are any additional charges associated with the truck.

  • Packing

    • You can save money by doing all the packing yourself. Get plenty of boxes (most places allow you to return unused boxes), tape, packing paper, bubble wrap and markers to get started. This can be a time-consuming project. Paying for movers to pack your belongings by the hour can become costly. Empty the clothing out of dressers to prepare the furniture for the movers. Don’t forget about the pictures on the walls or the lamp shades.

  • Disassembly

    • Some furniture needs to be disassembled to get out of the house or to be transported safely. Common items to consider disassembling before the movers show up:

      • Bed Sets

      • Dresser Mirrors

      • Workout Equipment

      • Tables

      • Desks

      • Couch Legs

      • Sectional Couches

      • Futons

      • Gravity Shelves (bookshelf, entertainment center, hutch)

  • Loading

    • It is highly recommended to hire professionals for this step. Your furniture will be protected and strategically packed into the truck, storage unit or POD to eliminate the risk of damages.

  • Unloading

    • Your belongings will be unloaded and placed where you want them.

  • Assembly

    • Talk with your moving company to make sure they come with a tool set. Assemble everything yourself to decrease the moving cost.

  • Unpacking

    • As you settle in, continue to unpack boxes and find the right place for everything. Before the movers leave, make sure every box is placed in right room to make the unpacking process as efficient as possible.

To achieve the cheapest move possible, limit the labor hours worked by being prepared and only utilizing the movers for the loading and unloading. See how long it takes (on average) for movers:

Average Moving Labor Price Chart

If you only need movers for moving a single piece of furniture, expect to pay a 2 hour minimum or an added travel fee. On average, expect to pay $50-$100 per worker, per hour. This is strictly a labor cost, and does not include a moving truck or equipment. Confirm there are no hidden charges and that you understand every charge on the estimate. Some common hidden charges from moving companies to watch out for:

  • Fuel Surcharge

  • Cargo Insurance

  • Transportation Fee

  • Stairs Fee

  • Equipment charges (dollies, straps, tape, moving pads, shrink wrap, etc.)

Household goods movers are prohibited from moving certain items. These items include batteries, alkaline and lead-acid (automobile), household cleaning products, corrosive chemicals or poisons, lawn and garden chemicals, flammables and explosives, live animals or plants, gas and oil products, compressed gas cylinders, wax candles, illegal items or substances, and ammunition including gunpowder.

Each moving company has its own list of non-allowable items, and the items considered hazardous might vary between providers. For example, some moving companies may be willing to transport cleaning products if they don’t contain harsh chemicals. It is important to ask your moving company for a complete list of dangerous items you cannot move. If you are unsure whether an item can be moved or not, a good rule of thumb is: if it can’t be thrown away in the normal trash or recycling, movers likely won’t move it. It is crucial to understand the list of non-allowable items and to separate these prohibited items from the rest of your belongings to avoid any issues during the move.

The cheapest movers aren’t always the best

When planning a move, it is important to do background research on a moving company to ensure that you are working with a reputable and trustworthy team. Here are some reasons why it is important to do background research on a moving company:

  • Avoid scams: Unfortunately, the moving industry is full of scams, and doing research can help you avoid falling victim to these scams.

  • Protect your belongings: You are entrusting your belongings to the moving company, and you want to make sure that they will be handled with care and arrive at your new home safely.

  • Save money: Doing research can help you find a moving company that offers fair prices and doesn’t overcharge for their services.

Here are some ways to do background research on a moving company:

  • Get recommendations

    • Ask friends and family members for recommendations for moving companies they have used in the past and had a positive experience with. Your real estate agent may also be able to offer a recommendation.

  • Research online

    • Use online resources, such as the BBB, Yelp, or Trustpilot, to research moving companies and read reviews from past customers.

  • Get multiple quotes

    • Contact several moving companies to get written estimates. This will help you compare prices and services to choose the best options for your needs.

  • Check licensing and insurance

    • Verify that the moving company is licensed and insured by checking their credentials in the FMCSA registered mover database.

  • Investigate standards and training programs

    • Ask if the company completes background checks on the people coming into your home.

By taking these steps, you can find a reputable moving company that will help make your move as smooth and stress-free as possible.