What is a Local Move?
A local move is typically defined as any relocation within 100 miles or within the same metro area. Local moves are usually charged by the hour rather than by weight or distance.
Average Cost: Most local moves cost between $800-$2,500 with professional movers, or $300-$800 for DIY moves. The average American spends $1,250 on a local move.
Timeline for Local Moving
4 Weeks Before
- • Get quotes from 3+ local moving companies
- • Give notice to current landlord (usually 30 days)
- • Start decluttering and donating items
- • Reserve moving truck if doing DIY
- • Order packing supplies
2 Weeks Before
- • Confirm moving company or truck rental
- • Start packing non-essential items
- • Arrange utility transfers (same-day turnover)
- • Update address with important services
- • Reserve elevator or loading dock if needed
1 Week Before
- • Pack remaining items except daily essentials
- • Defrost refrigerator if taking it
- • Confirm move-in details with new place
- • Get parking permits if needed
- • Clean current place or schedule cleaners
Moving Day
- • Do final walkthrough of old place
- • Be present for movers or start loading truck
- • Document any pre-existing damage at new place
- • Test utilities and appliances at new home
- • Return keys to landlord or agent
Cost Breakdown
| Item | Studio/1BR | 2BR | 3BR+ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local movers (hourly) | $400-$800 | $800-$1,500 | $1,200-$2,500 |
| DIY truck rental (1 day) | $100-$200 | $150-$300 | $200-$400 |
| Packing supplies | $50-$150 | $100-$250 | $150-$400 |
| Cleaning | $100-$200 | $150-$300 | $200-$400 |
| Deposits (new place) | $2,000-$3,000 | $3,000-$4,500 | $4,000-$6,000 |
Choosing Local Movers
Local moving companies charge by the hour, typically $80-$120/hour for 2 movers and a truck. Here is how to find reliable movers:
Get In-Home Estimates
Reputable movers will visit your home to assess the job. Avoid companies that only provide phone estimates - they often lowball and add charges later.
Compare at Least 3 Quotes
Prices can vary by 50-100% between companies. Get quotes from national chains and local companies. Check Google reviews, Yelp, and Better Business Bureau ratings.
Understand the Rate Structure
Most charge a 2-4 hour minimum. Clock starts when they leave their location and ends when unloading is complete. Confirm if there are travel fees, stair fees, or heavy item charges.
Check Insurance Coverage
Basic coverage is usually $0.60/lb. A 50-lb TV worth $1,000 gets only $30. Purchase full-value protection or check if your renter/homeowner insurance covers moves.
DIY Local Move Tips
- 1.Right-size your truck - 10ft for studio, 15ft for 1BR, 17ft for 2BR, 20-26ft for 3BR+
- 2.Recruit help early - Need 2-4 people. Offer pizza, beer, or pay $20-30/hour
- 3.Rent dollies and equipment - Furniture dolly and appliance dolly prevent injuries
- 4.Pack everything first - Don't pack on moving day. Have everything boxed and ready
- 5.Load heavy items first - Heaviest items in front against cab, lightest in back
- 6.Reserve parking - Get parking permits for both locations to avoid long carries
Money-Saving Strategies
Move mid-week
Monday-Thursday moves are 20-30% cheaper than weekends. Month-end dates are most expensive.
Declutter before moving
Fewer items = fewer hours. Donate or sell 20-30% of possessions to reduce truck size and time.
Free boxes from stores
Ask grocery stores, liquor stores, or bookstores for boxes. Check Craigslist or Buy Nothing groups.
Pack yourself
Movers charge $50-100/hour for packing. Do it yourself and save $200-$600.
Negotiate overlapping leases
If possible, overlap leases by 1-2 days to avoid rush fees and move at your own pace.
Bundle services
Some movers offer discounts if you also book cleaning or packing services together.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Underestimating time needed
A 1-bedroom apartment typically takes 3-5 hours with movers, 8+ hours DIY. Add 1-2 hours if there are stairs, parking is far, or you have lots of stuff.
Not reserving elevator or parking
Many buildings require 48-72 hours notice for elevator reservations. Street parking permits also need advance booking. Last-minute scrambling wastes time and money.
Forgetting to measure doorways
Measure large furniture and all doorways, stairwells, and elevators. You may need to disassemble beds or leave furniture behind if it won't fit.
Not scheduling utilities properly
Schedule utility shutoff at old place and turn-on at new place for the same day. Otherwise you may pay double or arrive to a home without power/water.
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