Moving just a few blocks away? Don’t let the short distance fool you—local moves can still put a dent in your wallet if you’re not prepared. Whether you’re relocating across town or just down the street, understanding your local moving cost can help you avoid stress, surprise fees, and last-minute chaos.
Let’s break it down so you know exactly what to expect—and how to keep your move budget-friendly.
So, What Counts as a “Local” Move?
Typically, a local move is any relocation within a 50–100 mile radius. It’s usually handled in one day and often priced differently from long-distance or interstate moves. That said, just because you’re not crossing state lines doesn’t mean it’s cheap.
What Affects Local Moving Cost?
Local moves are usually priced by the hour. But other factors can push the total higher than you might think. Here’s what goes into that final price tag:
1. Hourly Rates
Most movers charge by the hour, which includes the crew, the truck, and all the equipment. Expect to pay anywhere from $90 to $150 per hour for a two-person team.
2. Crew Size
The bigger your home, the more movers you’ll need—and the higher your hourly rate. A studio might only need two movers, while a 3-bedroom house might require four or five.
3. Time
The total number of hours can be affected by how far your two locations are from each other, how much you’re moving, and how easy it is to access each location (think stairs, elevators, parking distance).
4. Packing Services
If the movers are packing your stuff for you, expect an additional charge. They’ll also charge for packing supplies unless you provide your own.
5. Special Items
Moving pianos, heavy safes, or fragile antiques? You’ll likely face extra fees for the added labor or equipment needed.
Average Local Moving Cost Breakdown
Here’s what a local move might cost, depending on your home size:
- Studio or 1-bedroom: $300–$600
- 2-bedroom: $600–$1,000
- 3-bedroom: $1,000–$1,500+
Want something more tailored? Use this local moving cost calculator to get a custom estimate based on your location and move details.
Ways to Lower Your Local Moving Cost
You don’t have to overpay. A few strategic moves (pun intended) can help you cut down costs without sacrificing quality:
- Declutter first: Less stuff = less time and fewer boxes to move.
- Book early: Prices spike at the end of the month and on weekends—schedule mid-month or mid-week if you can.
- Do your own packing: Handle the packing yourself and get free boxes from local stores or neighbors.
- Label everything: Organized boxes help movers work faster, saving you time and hourly fees.
- Compare companies: Always get 2–3 quotes to avoid overpaying. Read reviews, check for hidden fees, and verify insurance.
Watch Out for Hidden Fees
Even a local move can come with surprise charges if you’re not careful. These include:
- Fuel surcharges
- Long carry fees (if movers have to carry items a long distance from the truck to your door)
- Stair fees
- Disassembly or reassembly fees
Ask up front what’s included in the quote, and get it in writing.
Final Thoughts
Just because a move is local doesn’t mean it’ll be low-cost. The key to staying on budget is knowing what factors into the local moving cost and planning accordingly. From hourly rates to packing materials, it all adds up—but with the right strategy, it doesn’t have to break the bank.
Ready to figure out what your move might cost? Use this easy local moving cost calculator and get a personalized estimate in minutes. It’s free, accurate, and way easier than guessing.