Moving costs in 2023, much like in previous years, are now influenced by new various factors. However, the reality is that moving is simple and affordable when doing due diligence and actually taking the time to research reputable moving companies. With that in mind, here are the main key factors that will impact the cost of hiring a moving company this year:
Distance of the Move
When it comes to long-distance moves, the cost is often calculated based on the distance traveled and the weight of your belongings. On average, a cross-country move can range from $2,000 to $8,000 or more, depending on the volume of items being moved, distance involved, and moving services hired.
Calculating Weight of Belongings
When it comes to local moves, reputable moving companies usually charged by the hour while long-distance moves are based on the weight or volume of items being transported. For instance, a one-bedroom apartment may cost around $600 to $900 for a local move, whereas a larger home could range from $1,000 to $3,000.
Additional Moving Services
Extra services such as packing, unpacking, furniture disassembly & reassembly, as well as specialty item handling, incur additional costs. These services offer convenience and peace of mind but can elevate the overall cost of your move, depending on the extent of the moving services requested.
High Season vs Low Season
The timing of your move can impact its total cost. Moving during high season, such as mid-summer or on weekends, tends to be more expensive when compared to off-peak low season times. However, prices also vary due to market demand and availability. A last-minute move will always be expensive. Book your move ahead of time!
Basic Insurance vs Full-Value Coverage
Professional moving companies offer various levels of liability coverage. Opting for a more comprehensive coverage translates to a higher cost for your move. With most moving companies, full-value protection typically costs an additional percentage of the declared value of your possessions but hey…you can’t put a price on peace of mind, right?
Accessibility & Specialty-Item Handling
When movers arrive to your home on moving day, factors such as having difficult access points, stairs, elevators, or the need for special handling of bulky and fragile items can contribute to a higher bill when this information is not disclosed to the moving company when the move was quoted. Be up-front and don’t lie to moving companies when quoting your move as this will delay your move, will prevent movers from getting the job done in a timely manner, and you will end up paying more.
Customer Reviews and Services
Reputable moving companies charge higher rates due to their experience, quality of service, and additional services offered such as packing and unpacking services. Unfortunately, people usually get lured into signing a lowball quote despite the red flags being there, such as having too many 1-star customer reviews or being asked to pay a large reservation deposit. You have no idea how many last-minute calls we’ve received over the years of distress customers looking for same-day movers because they just got scammed.
Packing Materials & Additional Fees
Some moving companies provide packing materials while others charge extra for boxes, wrapping materials, and other packing supplies such as mattress covers. However, we do encourage you to watch out for potential extra charges when you’re being rushed by the salesperson when going over the items you will be moving…remember, if the inventory list is off, you will end up paying more on moving day as additional items will be charged at a higher rate. It is always better to be upfront and transparent when quoting your with moving companies.
Conclusion: Moving Is Affordable When Done Right
Obtain at least 3-4 quotes from local moving companies so you can compare services and pricing. Ensure all quotes include all potential charges and services to avoid surprises on moving day. When choosing a professional moving company, base your decision on the company’s reputation, years of experience, and reviews for reliability and quality service. Don’t focus only on getting the lowest price, but on the quality of moving services and reputation…remember, you get what you pay for.
