Hiring Movers? This Is How Much Your Local Move Will Cost

Moving nearby? Don’t let the short distance fool you. While not as expensive as an interstate move, a local move still presents its own set of challenges. Hidden fees, insurance details and state regulations only complicate your moving process. To make it easier, we’ve laid out the basics of what to know (and look out for!) when it comes to your next local move.

What is a local move?

A local move is often referred to as an “intrastate move.” Just remember: the word intra means “within.” Therefore, an intrastate move translates to a move within the same state.

Average moving cost

The average cost of an intrastate household move is $2,300 for 4 movers at $200 per hour, according to the American Moving and Storage Association . This is based on an average weight of 7,400 pounds. Keep in mind – if you have three bedrooms or less, you may not need a crew of 4 movers. Fewer movers mean a lower hourly rate.

How the moving cost is determined

The cost of a local move is based on a flat dollar amount per hour. Factors that affect this hourly rate include labor costs (the number of movers required for the move); services such as packing or climbing an excessive number of stairs; assembling furniture; and extra add-ons (i.e. stretch wrap, felt pads and mattress bags). So make sure to ask the mover which add-ons are necessary for the move and whether they are included in the price.

Flat moving rate option

Local moving companies may offer customers a flat rate option (common in the State of Florida), in addition to an hourly rate option. A flat rate is typically the moving company’s estimated number of hours the move will take, multiplied by their hourly rate. Many times this fixed price includes the cost of add-ons as well. Tip: as someone who has hired moving companies for several local moves, I advise choosing the hourly rate option over the flat rate. In my experience, the hourly rate ended up being less expensive.

Tip: to ensure you receive a fair and accurate hourly estimate, the moving company needs to see your household belongings and inventory in-person. Do not accept a quote over the phone or internet.

Exception to the rule

Not all intrastate moves are created equal. In many cases, if a customer moves farther than 50 miles (or less, depending on the state), the move’s cost will be based on the weight of the shipment – similar to that of an interstate move – instead of based on the standard hourly rate. However, distance requirements for a weight-based move vary depending on the state. For example, what constitutes a local, hourly-rated move in Pennsylvania differs from that of a move in California. Your mover should be able to answer your questions about these distance requirements.

Travel fees

Don’t forget about the travel fees! For those moving from one city to another, be prepared to pay a travel fee in addition to the cost of your move. The travel fee covers the labor costs and fuel required for the moving company to get from home A to home B. It also covers the time required for movers to get from their storefront to home A. After all, movers need to be paid for their time on the road. For a local move, expect to pay a travel fee covering one hour’s worth of work.

Moving insurance

Entrusting your precious belongings to total strangers can spark anxiety for a number of reasons. What if your valuables arrive damaged? What if they break along the way? Or worse – what if they don’t arrive at all? While uncommon, damage does occasionally occur when moving from one home to another. For this reason, pay close attention to what kind of insurance (and how much) your moving company possesses.

Your local mover should carry workers compensation insurance, and provide you with proof of all insurance upon request. In addition to valuation coverage (detailed below), customers always have the option to purchase their own third-party insurance. I recommend checking your homeowners insurance provider for specifics. It also doesn’t hurt to take photos of your belongings before moving, in case something does get broken or go missing.

Liability and valuation coverage

Movers should also outline and email you a written explanation of their liability choices. These coverage options vary from state-to-state, but most moving companies offer customers several different levels of protection. Local movers typically include basic protection of .60 cents per pound cargo liability (Released Value Protection ) in their hourly rate price. Therefore, this coverage won’t cost the customer anything extra. Having this level of protection means that movers are liable for .60 cents per pound per article.

While opting for this protection may be more economical, this coverage typically only covers the bare minimum, as far as protecting your belongings are concerned. For example: should a 10 pound valuable arrive damaged, the item would be weighed and then multiplied by .60 cents (.60 cents x 10). This number ($6) would be the dollar amount that the moving company is liable for, regardless of the value of the item.

Usually, local movers will offer customers the option to purchase more comprehensive protection as well. Many recommend the Full Value Protection level of liability, which offers a more comprehensive form of protection. If your movers damage or lose a valuable item, this type of liability coverage means that the mover must replace your item or reimburse you with cash for its current value.

Coverage options vary from moving company to moving company. Either way – it’s important to discuss all your liability options with the moving company before signing any sort of agreement.

Be careful of moving scams

Be cautious of disreputable movers and their infamous moving scams. Unlike interstate movers, local moving companies aren’t regulated by the federal government’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Instead, local moving companies are regulated by the individual states, which each have their own licensing and certification requirements. I recommend learning about your state’s individual regulations before hiring a moving company.

Customers can check the Better Business Bureau for any complaints filed against the moving company. Also, I suggest checking to see if your moving company is associated with a larger van line or the American Moving and Storage Association .

Finding local movers

Looking for quality movers? Check Moving.com’s local moving quote tool to find reputable moving companies in your area.