Whether you’re moving a few blocks away or 50 miles to the other side of town, local movers are a great option to help you relocate. They’ll take care of the heavy lifting, and you can focus on settling in your new home. They’ll also handle any unexpected challenges that may arise during the move, saving you time and stress.
However, it’s important to know how much local movers cost so you can budget appropriately. In addition to hourly labor rates, moving companies typically charge a travel fee based on the distance of the move and the amount of goods you’re transporting. To save money, try to minimize the number of items you’re transporting by purging your belongings beforehand. In addition, consider reducing the size of your furniture to save on shipping costs.
If you’re packing your own boxes, look for discount moving supplies online. This will help you save on expensive tape, bubble wrap, and packing paper. If possible, also schedule your move during the week rather than on a weekend. This will lower your moving rates since most people tend to move over the weekend. It’s also wise to avoid moving on or near holidays, as these days are usually more expensive than others.
When getting estimates from local movers, be sure to specify the type of move you’re making and how many rooms you have. Then, ask what additional services you might need, such as packing and unpacking. Keep in mind that some local movers will offer these services for an extra charge while others may include them as part of their base rate.
Most local movers will include the cost of a standard vehicle as part of their estimate. However, larger vehicles can cost more. Likewise, some moving companies will charge for fuel on top of their per-hour or per-mile fees.
To ensure you’re working with a legitimate company, make sure you verify their license and insurance. Also, ask about their background and any specialties. For example, some movers have experience with specialized items like antiques and artwork, so you may want to find out if they’re familiar with these types of moves.
It’s customary to tip your movers, especially if they do an exceptional job. However, the exact amount you choose to tip is up to you and will depend on your budget. Typically, you should plan on tipping your movers 10% of their final bill. If they go above and beyond, you can even increase this amount.