Moving can be tough, especially when trying to budget for everything. One of the big ones to consider is the cost of hiring professional movers. Costs vary greatly. If you’re moving in New York you’re probably looking for local movers Westchester to make the process smoother.
This guide will break down the costs for you. Knowing what to expect will help you plan and make better decisions. Let’s get into the financials of moving and how your local Westchester movers fit into your budget.
What’s the Cost?
The thrill of starting fresh in a new place is great. Renting or buying a home is next but you still need to budget to move.
The cost of a move can vary greatly. The cost of a move depends on:
How to avoid moving surprises and estimate your moving costs.
Average Moving Costs
According to Angi, a home services booking website, the national average cost of hiring local movers was $1,714 when this was written. Angi defines a local move as one within the state borders and takes up to two hours to drive — or about 100 miles.
The U.S. Census Bureau says 79% of people who move stay in the same area or county. So the national average is based on that. If you move further than average, your cost will be higher.
Let’s break down moving costs by distance.
Local Move
HomeAdvisor’s digital marketplace for home service providers, HomeAdvisor, said a local move cost around $912 to $2,532 when this was written. This includes the cost of two professional movers and a truck rental.
You can save money if you want to do the physical work yourself. Move.org says renting a truck to move locally costs, on average, $150. Larger trucks and longer distances will cost more. This sounds like a good deal but there are still costs to consider, gas, moving supplies, taxes and sometimes a fee per mile.
Long Distance Move
HomeAdvisor estimated the national average cost of a cross country move at $4,802, ranging from $2,645 to $6,994. Costs can be $10,000 or more if you move far or have a lot of stuff.
A long distance move is generally considered a move of 100 miles or more. You can rent a truck for this type of move but hiring a moving company will save you time and stress. It’s worth investing in a professional moving company to pack and transport your belongings. They’ll be in transit longer so it’s a good investment.
What is the Hourly Rate of Movers?
Moving.com says the average hourly rate for one or two movers is $38 to $75. This is based on local moving.
If you own a truck or container you can only hire labor movers to load and unload it. The cost of the movers is included in the overall moving estimate.
Tipping is customary for movers. You should tip at least 10% or 20% of the total cost depending on how well they do.
What Affects Moving Costs
National averages are helpful but the final cost of moving will be based on you and your situation. Consider these.
Home Size
Moving into a larger home with more stuff takes longer. Local movers charge by the hour. Some, like full-service long distance moving companies, charge a flat fee based on the weight of your shipment. Your home size will impact the cost.
You’ll pay less to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment and more to move a multi-bedroom single family home.
Distance
Mileage is another big factor that affects the cost of moving. Local moves are easier and less expensive than long distance moves.
In most cases the higher travel costs like tolls, gas and hotel rooms for your moving crew are included in your quote.
Hire Movers or DIY?
You can save money by doing some of the work yourself. Consider your options on three levels:
Renting a moving truck. Renting a truck like U-Haul or Penske and driving and lifting heavy stuff can save you money.
Moving container service. Renting a moving container (like U-Pack or U-Box) is a good option. You (or labor-only movers) will load the container at your home. A qualified driver will pick up the container and transport it to the new location for unloading.
Hire professional movers. It’s more expensive but this is the best option for long or complicated moves. Get at least three estimates before choosing a moving company to avoid overpaying.
Truck Size
Standard truck sizes are available for rent. Renting a bigger truck costs more.
Small: A 10 or 12 foot truck can move a one-bedroom apartment.
Medium. These trucks are 14 to 20 feet. Mid-size moving trucks can move larger apartments or condos up to three bedroom homes.
Large: Trucks over 26 feet can move three to five bedroom homes.
Moving Supplies
You can save money by buying these for free or from “Buy Nothing” groups or grocery stores. You can buy second-hand or for free from grocery stores and “Buy Nothing Groups.”
Make sure to have a box cutter and garbage bags handy when you unpack. You can keep everything organized and get rid of packing materials you can’t reuse.
If you’re moving, buy or rent furniture pads, tie-down straps or cables. Professional movers usually have these on hand. It’s worth investing in heavy-duty work gloves to protect your hands when lifting those boxes.
Time of Year
The peak moving months are spring and summer so be prepared to pay more and book your date as early as possible. Between Memorial Day and Labor Day many moving companies are booked up.
It will be tough due to the winter weather and school schedules but booking during the off-season can save you money.
Specialty Items
Moving companies charge more for heavy, expensive or delicate items like hot tubs, pianos, aquariums or safes. Climate controlled storage is required for some items like musical instruments and wine collections that can be damaged in extreme temperatures or humidity.
There’s an extra charge if you want to ship a vehicle like a car or a boat.
Additional Services
The base rate of a moving company only covers the moving cost. Additional services like packing, unpacking and reassembling furniture cost more.
Can Moving Expenses be Deducted?
No, in most cases. Only active duty military personnel can claim moving deductions under the current tax code. If you’ve moved permanently due to an order from the military you are eligible for a moving deduction.
Conclusion
Moving can be overwhelming. From hiring a reputable moving company to buying the right moving supplies, there’s a lot to consider. And as we’ve seen, the cost depends on your specific situation. Knowing the moving cost can help you plan your budget and avoid surprises whether you’re moving long distance or locally in Westchester.
To have a stress free move, you need to choose a reputable and reliable moving company and that’s where Abreu Movers Westchester comes in. We’re committed to top notch service and customer satisfaction and we’ll work with you to fit our services to your specific moving needs and budget.
Now that you know what to expect when moving, why let it scare you? Start fresh with confidence by letting a professional moving company handle your move. Contact Abreu Movers Westchester today and let us help you with your next move.
Eric Chandler is a versatile entrepreneur with expertise in both writing and the moving industry. With years of experience as a writer, he has a talent for crafting engaging content on various subjects for major publications and online platforms. Eric also owns a successful moving company that provides reliable and efficient services to clients across the country. His extensive knowledge of the moving process, from packing to delivery, has earned him a reputation as a trustworthy moving expert.
