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MOVING COSTS

How Much Do Movers Cost?

Moving costs depend on two things: the type of move and the scope of the job. Local moves are billed by the hour based on crew size, labor time, and access conditions. Long distance moves are priced as a flat rate based on shipment volume, mileage, and services.

This page breaks down exactly what goes into a moving estimate so you can budget accurately and spot pricing that doesn’t add up. Whether you’re moving across town or across the country, understanding the math behind your quote helps you make the right decision.

LOCAL MOVES

Average Local Moving Costs

Local moves are billed by the hour. The total depends on crew size, how long the move takes, and logistics like stairs, elevator reservations, parking, and walking distance from the truck to your door. Most local moves have a 2 to 3 hour minimum.

A typical hourly rate runs $140 to $180 per hour for a 2-person crew with a truck. Across the industry, labor alone commonly falls around $30 to $50 per mover per hour. When a truck is included — which is the standard setup — that lands closer to $70 to $90 per mover per hour depending on crew size and scope.

Common factors that increase local move cost: stairs, long carries, oversized items over 150 pounds, packing services, and difficult parking or loading conditions.

HOME SIZE	TYPICAL COST
Studio / 1 Bedroom	$500 – $1,000
2 – 3 Bedroom	$1,200 – $2,000
4 – 5 Bedroom	$2,000 – $3,500

LONG DISTANCE MOVES

Average Long Distance Moving Costs

Long distance moves (100+ miles or across state lines) are priced as a flat rate based on shipment volume, mileage, and service needs. The two biggest cost drivers are distance and shipment size.

Typical totals (example: ~1,000 miles)

Home Size	Typical Cost
Studio	$1,500 – $2,200
1 Bedroom	$1,800 – $2,500
2 – 3 Bedroom	$3,000 – $5,500
4 – 5 Bedroom	$5,500 – $8,500+

Cost ranges by distance

Distance	1–2 BR	3–4 BR
100 – 250 mi	$1,200 – $3,500	$2,500 – $5,500
250 – 500 mi	$1,800 – $4,500	$3,500 – $7,000
500 – 1,000 mi	$2,500 – $6,500	$4,500 – $9,000
1,000 – 2,500+ mi	$3,500 – $9,500	$6,000 – $13,500+

These are general planning ranges for full-service moving (loading, transport, unloading). Your item list and service level matter as much as distance.

INCLUDED IN YOUR QUOTE

What’s Covered in Every Poseidon Estimate

✓

Loading and Unloading

All items on your item list are loaded and unloaded by the crew. Oversized or specialty items that require additional equipment should be disclosed in advance.

✓

Furniture Wrapping and Protection

All large furniture is wrapped in heavy-duty moving blankets and secured with stretch wrap and tape. Floor runners and door jamb protectors are standard.

✓

Transportation, Fuel, Tolls, and Mileage

All standard transportation costs are built into your quote. No fuel surcharges, toll surprises, or mileage add-ons.

✓

Disassembly and Reassembly

Beds, tables, desks, and shelving are disassembled at pickup and reassembled at delivery for items listed in your estimate.

✓

Basic Liability Coverage

Standard protection at $0.60 per pound per item is included at no additional charge. Full-value and transit damage protection are available as upgrades.

COST FACTORS

What Can Raise or Lower Your Cost

Some of these are within your control. Others are based on logistics.

TIMING

When You Move

Peak season (May through September), end-of-month weekends, and holidays cost more because demand is higher. Midweek and off-season dates are significantly cheaper. Shifting your date by a few days can drop you a full pricing tier.

ACCESS

Building and Parking Conditions

Stairs, narrow hallways, long carries from the door to the truck, elevator restrictions, and limited parking all increase labor time. Walk-ups and buildings without freight elevators take longer than ground-floor homes with driveway access.

VOLUME

Size of Your Move

More items mean more time, more truck space, and potentially a larger crew. For long distance moves, volume directly affects the flat rate since pricing is built around shipment weight and cubic footage.

SERVICES

Packing, Storage, and Add-Ons

Full or partial packing, storage, specialty boxes (TV, mirror, wardrobe), custom crating, junk removal, and extra stops all add to the total. Each is priced separately and optional.

SPECIALTY

Heavy and High-Value Items

Pianos, safes, gym equipment, marble furniture, and anything over 150 pounds may require additional crew members or specialized equipment. Artwork, antiques, and fragile items may need custom crating or white glove handling.

DELIVERY

Timeline and Truck Options

Standard delivery windows are included in long distance quotes. Guaranteed delivery dates or dedicated truck use can be arranged as a premium option for moves that require a specific arrival date with no flexibility.

ESTIMATE TYPES

Binding vs. Non-Binding Estimates

Understanding the difference helps you choose the right quote structure for your move.

FIXED PRICE

Binding Estimate

✓ Locked pricing when item list and services stay the same
✓ Changes to scope require an updated quote
✓ Packing billed separately based on actual usage
✓ Built from the itemized list you approve
✓ Best for: long distance and interstate moves

VARIABLE

Non-Binding Estimate

✓ Final total reflects actual labor time and services
✓ Materials billed based on what is used
✓ Access conditions can affect total time
✓ Common for hourly local moves and packing jobs
✓ Best for: local moves with flexible scope

SAVE MONEY

Tips to Lower Your Moving Costs

A few smart choices and early planning can significantly reduce your final bill.

✓

Declutter Before You Pack

Fewer items means fewer boxes, less truck space, and less labor time. Sell, donate, or toss anything you don’t need at the new place.

✓

Book 4 to 6 Weeks Ahead

Early bookings get better rates and time slot options. Last-minute bookings often come at higher demand tiers.

✓

Move Midweek or Off-Season

Mid-week dates (Monday through Thursday) and off-peak months (October through April) offer the lowest rates. Shifting by a few days can drop you a full pricing tier.

✓

Pack Non-Fragile Items Yourself

Books, clothes, linens, and décor are easy to box yourself. Save the professional packing crew for fragile and high-value items.

✓

Disassemble Furniture Before the Crew Arrives

Taking apart beds, tables, and shelving before movers arrive reduces on-site labor time and directly lowers hourly costs.

✓

Source Your Own Boxes

Free or low-cost boxes from local stores, friends, or online marketplaces reduce supply costs. Use professional boxes only for fragile and specialty items.

QUESTIONS

Moving Cost Questions Answered

Request a free quote with your move details — home size, addresses, date, and any special requirements. We’ll give you a transparent estimate with no hidden fees. The more accurate your item list, the more accurate your quote.

For long distance and interstate moves, a binding estimate gives you price certainty. For local hourly moves where the scope may flex on move day, a non-binding estimate is standard and often more practical.

At Poseidon Moving, no. Our quotes include transportation, fuel, tolls, mileage, furniture wrapping, disassembly and reassembly, and basic liability coverage. Optional add-ons like packing, storage, and specialty handling are priced separately and disclosed upfront.

Tipping is not required but is a common gesture of appreciation. A typical range is $20 to $40 per mover for a standard local move, and $40 to $80 per mover for long distance. The amount is entirely at your discretion based on service quality and move complexity.

Yes. Our labor only service lets you supply the truck or container while we supply the crew. This removes the truck cost from the equation and is popular with people who’ve already rented a U-Haul, booked a PODS container, or have employer-arranged transport.

We offer competitive rates year-round with significant savings during off-peak dates. Our residential and commercial moves are priced transparently with no inflated base rates to discount from. The best way to save is to move midweek or during off-season months.

GET YOUR PRICE

Ready to see your exact cost?

Flat-rate or hourly — no hidden fees, no surprises. Tell us about your move and we’ll give you a transparent number. Call (866) 565-1516 or request a quote online.

Get a Free Quote →
Call (866) 565-1516

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Poseidon Moving – Manage Your Move on the Go

Get ready to take control of your moving experience with Poseidon Moving. Learn how easy it is to request a quote, manage your account, update move details, and book your move—all online.

Our step-by-step guide makes the process simple, so you can focus on what matters most. Discover how we streamline everything for a smooth, hassle-free move from start to finish.

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Poseidon Moving Cares

The Team Behind Your Seamless Move

Every successful move begins with the people who make it happen. Our team is dedicated to delivering exceptional service, ensuring your move is not just about getting from one place to another, but about creating a smooth and stress-free experience.

With a focus on care, precision, and a personal approach, each member of our team brings expertise and a commitment to making your move as effortless as possible. From packing to delivery, we treat your belongings with the utmost respect, making sure everything arrives safe and sound.

When you work with us, you’re working with professionals who truly care about your journey.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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How much do movers cost per hour?

Most local movers price hourly based on crew size, truck needs, and access conditions. A common range is $140 to $180 per hour for 2 movers, with a typical minimum of 2 to 3 hours.

How much should you tip movers?

Tipping is optional, but many customers tip when the crew is professional, careful, and efficient. A common guideline is $20 to $50 per mover for a local move, or about 5% to 10% of the total job for larger moves. If your move has lots of stairs, long carries, heavy items, or packing, tipping toward the higher end is more common.

How much does moving insurance cost?

Most moves include basic liability coverage at no extra charge, but it is limited. If you want more protection, upgraded coverage is typically priced based on the value of your shipment and the coverage level you choose. Many customers estimate roughly 1% to 2% of the declared value as a planning range, then confirm the exact cost during the quote because it varies by move type and coverage option.

Do movers charge travel time?

Sometimes travel time is included, and sometimes it is billed as part of the total hourly time. The best practice is to confirm in writing how travel is calculated before booking.

What is the cheapest day to hire movers?

Mid week and mid month dates are often more affordable than weekends and end of month dates. Off season months, often October through April, can also be less expensive.

What should I do to get the most accurate quote?

Share a detailed inventory, confirm access conditions like stairs, elevators, and parking, and list any specialty items and requested services ahead of time. The more specific the details, the more accurate the estimate and the fewer surprises on moving day.

Moving Cost Calculator

Watch Our Movers in Action: Poseidon Moving Expertise

Your stories are our success – see what our customers have to say.

How Much Do Movers Cost?

Average Local Moving Costs

Average Long Distance Moving Costs

What’s Covered in Every Poseidon Estimate

What Can Raise or Lower Your Cost

Binding vs. Non-Binding Estimates

Tips to Lower Your Moving Costs

Moving Cost Questions Answered

Ready to see your exact cost?

Poseidon Moving – Manage Your Move on the Go

Moving Tips

Poseidon Moving Cares

The Team Behind Your Seamless Move

Quick Links

What's New

Frequently Asked Questions

Moving Resources

Moving Help

Specialty Services

Contact

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