Being able to determine the cost of a move can be very helpful for most people. To estimate costs, you need to understand how moving companies charge for their services. The methods used will vary depending on the type of moving company and the kind of move.
How Local Movers Charge
If you are moving locally, you will generally be charged by the hour.
The hourly charge will often be for the truck and two movers to handle all your possessions.
The amount you are charged for this will vary depending on the company and your location.
Movers in larger cities will charge more per hour than those in smaller cities.
On average, you can expect to be charged between $90 and $120 per hour.
However, this amount can change if you are going to rent the truck yourself. In these cases, you will pay around $60 to $80 per hour on average.
The hourly fee you are charged will start from the moment the movers arrive at your property.
It will also include the time it takes for them to drive from your old home to your new one.
With this being the case, you need to find out what happens if there is traffic.
Some local moving companies will reduce the rate if there is traffic.
However, most will not, and you need to navigate this by booking the moving company for times when there will be less traffic.
There are also some other fees that local movers will charge.
These additional fees include a fee based on pickup location.
If there are any obstacles the movers face at the pickup or drop-off location, you will be charged an additional fee.
It is recommended that you check what these additional fees are before you hire the moving company.
While most local moving companies will charge by the hour, there are some that charge based on the size of the move.
These movers have calculated how long it will take to move a set amount of items and charge you based on this.
When providing an estimate, these movers will ask for an inventory or the size of your home.
How Full-Service Movers Charge
Full service movers and Packers charge differently and will not work on an hourly fee.
These movers will take the weight of the shipment and the distance of the move into account when charging.
Many long-distance movers also offer additional services for a fee, and this will be added to the charge.
On average, you will pay around $0.70 per pound of household goods that are moved 1000 miles.
Most full-service movers will use weight as their primary cost determination.
However, some use cubic feet instead.
The problem many people face with estimating the cost of a long-distance move does not know how much everything will weigh.
However, if you want to reduce the costs, you should get rid of any heavy items.
Bulky furniture will increase the weight of the move, and you might not want it in your new home.
Anything that you can get rid of, you should as this will reduce the overall costs you face.
When it comes to the distance of the move, the costs will vary depending on the mover.
Most movers will charge a set fee for 1000 miles and increase this fee the further you need to go. It is recommended that you find out more from the moving company before you agree to use them.
If you are going to use any of the additional services offered by full-service movers, you will be charged an additional fee.
The most common additional service is a packing service.
When you use this service, the movers will pack all your possessions for you, which save you a lot of time and effort.
The cost of this will vary depending on the moving company and the amount they need to pack.
With the packing service, you will be charged for the time it takes to pack and the packing materials.
Most movers offering this service will not use any packing materials you provide.
The cost of the packing materials will vary depending on what has been used.
As with local movers, long-distance movers may have additional charges for obstacles in your home.
This will include small doorways and elevators that do not work.
You may also be charged an additional fee if they have a hard time finding somewhere to park at either location.
Wrap Up
Before you move, you will want to get a rough idea of the costs of hiring a moving company.
To do this, you need to understand how moving companies charge for their services.
Local movers will generally charge by the hour while long-distance movers will combine distance and the weight of the consignment.
There are additional costs for obstructions and additional services that you also need to be aware of.
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