How Much Does a Moving Company Charge to Pack and Move Your Items?

Movingโ€”what a whirlwind, right? Whether youโ€™re heading across town or across the country, the cost of hiring a moving company can feel like a mystery wrapped in cardboard boxes. But letโ€™s break it down and make sense of it all. After all, no one likes surprisesโ€”especially when it comes to their wallet.

The Price Tag: What Affects Moving Costs?

Hereโ€™s the thing: the price of your move isnโ€™t just pulled out of thin air. Itโ€™s based on several factors, and understanding these can help you plan better (and maybe even save a few bucks).

  • Size and Weight of Your Belongingsย : Think about itโ€”moving a studio apartment is going to cost a lot less than moving a five-bedroom house. Why? Bigger homes mean more stuff, which means more labor, more time, and sometimes even more trucks. For instance, a large move might require two 26-foot box trucks or even a full 52-foot semi-truck and trailer. And trust me, bigger trucks mean bigger bills.
  • Stairs and Accessibilityย : Got a third-floor walk-up? Movers might charge extra for the extra effort. Those flights of stairs arenโ€™t just tiring for youโ€”theyโ€™re hard work for them too.
  • Time and Laborย : If youโ€™ve got heavy furniture or delicate items that need extra care, the movers will factor that into the cost. You could be looking at an additional $200 to $500 if the jobโ€™s more complex than usual.

Unpacking the Cost ofโ€ฆ Well, Unpacking

Letโ€™s not forget about unpacking. Itโ€™s one of those things that sounds simple but can really add up. For a two-bedroom home, unpacking services might cost anywhere from $250 to $1,500. Why so much? Well, itโ€™s labor-intensive. Think about all the little tasks: disassembling furniture, reassembling it at the new place, and making sure everything ends up where itโ€™s supposed to go. And if youโ€™re moving long-distance, the total bill for unpacking can climb to $1,000 or more.

Oh, and hereโ€™s a fun twist: some companies charge based on theย volumeย of your stuff, not the weight. So, if youโ€™re a fan of collecting bulky items (hello, antique furniture enthusiasts), you might want to keep that in mind.

Want to Save? DIY Packing Might Be Your Best Bet

Packing isnโ€™t cheapโ€”no surprises there. But you can cut costs if youโ€™re willing to roll up your sleeves. For starters, some moving companies charge extra for packing materials, so why not source your own?

  • Where to Get Boxesย : Check with local stores or your workplace for empty boxes. Many places are happy to give them away for free.
  • Packing Suppliesย : Stock up on tape, bubble wrap, and other essentials from your local supplier. Sure, the moving company can provide these for you, but theyโ€™ll charge a premium.

DIY packing can save you a decent chunk of change. Just make sure youโ€™re packing smartโ€”fragile items need extra care, and heavier items should go in smaller boxes to avoid accidents (and back injuries).

Local vs. Long-Distance Moves: Whatโ€™s the Difference?

Hereโ€™s where things get interesting. Local moves are typically cheaper than long-distance ones, but the pricing structure can vary. Local moves are often charged by the hour, while long-distance moves factor in mileage and time.

The size of your home, the number of bedrooms, and the type of move youโ€™re planning all play a role. And honestly, you might be surprised at how much the costs differ between the two. A move across town? Manageable. A cross-country relocation? Thatโ€™s a whole other ball game.

Timing Is Everything: Whenโ€™s the Best Time to Move?

Did you know that about 70% of moves happen between Memorial Day and Labor Day? It makes senseโ€”summerโ€™s warm, the kids are out of school, and schedules are a bit more flexible. But hereโ€™s the catch: peak season means higher rates.

If youโ€™re looking to save, consider moving during the fall or winter months. Sure, it might be chilly, but the rates are generally lower, and movers have more availability. Plus, moving off-season can help you manage overlapping mortgage payments if youโ€™re buying a new home. Win-win, right?

Planning Ahead: Your Moving Game Plan

Moving costs can spiral if youโ€™re not careful, so planning ahead is key. Hereโ€™s a quick checklist to keep things on track:

  • Start budgeting 12 to 14 weeks before your move.
  • Research and book moving companies earlyโ€”donโ€™t wait until the last minute.
  • Schedule travel arrangements and appointments in advance.
  • Decide what to take and what to leave behind. (Pro tip: donate or sell items you no longer needโ€”itโ€™s a great way to declutter and earn a little extra cash.)
  • Stock up on packing supplies and start packing non-essentials early.

The final cost of your move will depend on the size of your home and the type of service you choose. But with a little planning, you can keep things manageableโ€”and maybe even stress-free.


Moving can feel overwhelming, but it doesnโ€™t have to break the bank. By understanding what goes into the cost and making smart choices along the way, youโ€™ll be ready to tackle your move with confidence. And hey, isnโ€™t that what itโ€™s all about?

Call Us Now