Moving Company Cost Per Hour: Complete 2025 Pricing Guide

Whether you're making a local move to a nearby town or relocating across state lines to the other side of the country, moving is stressful. Hiring professional movers can help take away a lot of that stress. They can help pack your belongings, transport them out of your home, and ensure they arrive at your new home safely and securely, without you having to rent a moving truck, worry about packing supplies, or do the heavy lifting. However, hiring local moving companies does take a little work. One important thing to understand before hiring movers is the cost per hour of a moving company.

In this article, we'll cover average moving costs per hour, how to estimate your total cost, how to save money on your move, and more. If you have a move coming up, keep reading to learn what you need to know to plan your budget and get the best price, as well as how to find the best moving services.

Average Moving Company Hourly Rates 

The exact moving costs a company charges vary from one company to the next. However, understanding the average per-hour mover's costs will help you better understand what to expect to pay and may help you spot a company that charges more than the average price.

Moving costs are sometimes calculated as a price per hour. This may cover the total cost per hour for the team or be a cost per hour per mover. The larger your home, or the more demanding the move, the more movers you may need. The average moving cost per hour varies by region and could also vary depending on the time of year. For instance, the hourly rate may be higher during the peak moving season.

The moving company's cost per hour is likely to cover the fees for the movers and the moving truck. Larger and long-distance moves not only require more time and additional movers but may also necessitate an extra truck rental or extra trips back and forth.

The moving service's hourly fee may not cover other expenses, such as packing supplies, specialty items, or storage. Local movers cost less than movers crossing state lines for long-distance moves as well. Some companies offer a free moving cost calculator to help you better estimate your moving costs.

Factors That Affect Hourly Moving Rates 

While the average moving company cost per hour can give you an idea of what you might expect your moving costs to be, there are some additional factors that might impact this hourly rate. While some long-distance movers might charge additional costs for mileage, others may factor this into their hourly fee. So, a long distance move might cost more per hour than a local move.

Other factors, such as the accessibility of your home, might also increase your moving expenses. For example, if you have a lot of stairs or the hallways are narrow, your moving costs may be higher. Some moving companies may charge an elevator fee or a higher rate if your building has an elevator. The availability of parking for the moving truck is another factor. If the moving team has to park far away and walk, you can expect to pay a long-carry fee for the additional time and effort.

When you hire a moving company, you may choose to pack your own belongings and simply have the team load its moving trucks and transport your belongings. Or, you may opt to hire the professional movers to pack your home. You'll pay full-service movers not only for their time but also for their supplies.

You can also opt to pay for them to disassemble and reassemble your furniture. If you have specialty items, such as pool tables or pianos, these may raise your hourly fee. Not only do these take more time and effort, but they may also require additional packing materials to ensure proper movement, so you can expect to pay extra for these specialized moving services.

Finally, when you move, it will impact the per-hour rate. Moving during the off-season will likely mean a lower hourly cost compared to moving during the peak moving season.

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Additional Moving Costs Beyond Hourly Rates 

In addition to the per-hour rate, most local moving companies also charge for other expenses. Travel fees may apply, especially for a long distance move. These likely won't apply with a local move, as a certain distance is often covered in the hourly fee. Packing supplies, like boxes, pads for specialty items, and tape, are often an additional cost.

Packing services are often an additional fee, but this moving service can save you time and stress during your move. Many local moving companies offer packing services as an additional per-hour cost, or it may be factored into the total cost of your local or long-distance move.

In some cases, you may need to store your belongings in between when you move out of your old home and when you move into your new one. In this case, you'll likely pay an additional fee for a storage facility. The cost may vary depending on the amount of space you require. Specialty items, such as pool tables, pianos, or other valuable items, may incur an additional fee if they aren't included in the hourly rate.

When budgeting for a move, it's also important to consider the costs of purchasing insurance to protect yourself and your belongings during the process, as well as planning for tipping movers. You can either tip a fixed price based on the total cost of your move or plan to tip an hourly rate per mover involved in your move. Tipping movers isn't required, but it is customary, especially for a long-distance or challenging move.

How to Save Money on Hourly Moving Costs 

If you're looking to save money on hiring professional movers, there are a few areas where you can cut costs. If your moving date is flexible, aim to hire movers during the off-season. During peak season, moving companies are in higher demand and may charge more per hour or for the overall service.

In the months leading up to your move, consider decluttering anything you don't need or won't want in your new home. That way, you aren't paying to pack and move items that you might wind up getting rid of anyway. While packing services can make your move faster and easier, they'll also raise your moving estimate. Doing your own packing and getting creative with your packing supplies, such as checking local social media groups for free moving boxes, can also save you money.

When your movers arrive, if your belongings aren't ready to go, you may incur additional fees or increase the cost of your move, as it takes the team longer to pack your home. To avoid this, make sure you're ready to go when they arrive. Creating a moving checklist for yourself ahead of your move can help you stay on track and be ready.

Another way to save money is to shop around and compare quotes from different companies to ensure you're getting the best deal. Finally, make sure that you understand how to avoid common moving scams to avoid wasting your money or risking your belongings.

Why Professional Movers Are Worth the Cost 

While it will raise your moving costs compared to doing it on your own, hiring professional movers can make the entire process easier, faster, and less stressful. Whether you're embarking on a long distance or local move, hiring movers means you won't need to ask friends or family to help you move your belongings.

No worrying about carrying heavy furniture up and down stairs, damaging valuable items, or renting a moving truck and navigating fuel costs. Instead, professionals handle the heavy lifting, long distance driving, and coordination of moving your belongings for you.

In the case of full-service movers, you'll save even more time and energy. If you're working during your move or if you have kids, gathering packing materials and packing up each room can be overwhelming. But with a full-service moving company, the movers handle everything for you. If you have a complicated move, they can help.

They'll figure out where to park to unload their trucks and how to navigate narrow stairwells or busy elevators. If there's a gap between when you move out of your existing home and when you can move into your new one, they can help you coordinate with a container company or storage unit.

Not only does hiring reputable Phoenix moving companies save time and stress, but it can also protect you from liability. If a friend, neighbor, or family member suffers an injury while helping you move, you could be at risk of a lawsuit. With reputable movers, insurance covers any accidents, while insurance that you purchase for your move can protect your belongings in the event of damage. If you drop your dresser or fail to secure your couch when moving on your own, you'll be liable for the cost of replacing it.

Finally, hiring professional movers can help protect your large or valuable items. Professional movers know how to handle even the toughest items and can help you transport your precious belongings to your new home.

Hiring the Right Moving Company 

Moving company cost per hour varies from one business to the next, from one area to the next, and even from one season to the next. Understanding different cost factors can help you budget effectively for your move. Hiring local professional movers might raise the overall cost of your upcoming move, but it will also save time, money, and stress. It could also safeguard your belongings and valuables, as well as protect you from liability.

Choose Muscular Moving Men & Storage for Your Next Move

If you're getting ready for a move, we can help. Contact Muscular Moving Men today for a free, personalized moving quote that fits your budget and needs. If you'd like to discuss your moving needs, call us today at (877) 434-8668.