How Much Should I Pay for a Mover?

Some moving companies charge by weight of the items being moved, hourly by the number of workers, or others charge by cubic feet or space that is taken up. 

Kevin Riley, the owner of highly rated Riley & Sons Moving & Storage in Philadelphia said his standard rate is $100 per hour.  That rate applies to moves less than 40 miles; when you’re traveling over 40 miles it is billed by weight. Usually there is a fuel surcharge as well, calculated by your mileage.

Julian Grefe, the office manager for A-rated Old City Movers in Philadelphia says that they charge by the hour with a two hour minimum. They require this so that they can cover their labor and operational costs.

“For a smaller move with a three-person crew, the rate would start at $110 an hour,” Grefe says.

What can influence the price?

“There are many different variables so we always talk to the customer, get an inventory of the items to be moved and discuss the architecture of the house to learn about the floor plan, stairs, and how close we can get the truck. This helps us determine how long it will take so we can give an accurate estimate,” he says.

You should also be aware of extra costs that can be added on. “There can be additional charges for moving oddities such as pianos, hot tubs, pool tables and grandfather clocks,” Riley says. “Moving furniture in through windows if it won’t fit up stairs or through doorways can also increase the cost.” Having the movers pack for you or provide materials will cost extra too.

Companies that charge by the hour will often adjust their rates as the floor numbers increase. Old City Movers has the same rate until the third floor, for the fourth floor and above the rate increases proportionally with each. “We do this to compensate for the duress the movers have to deal with. That money goes right to the guys,” Grefe says.

It's always smat to get at least 3 bids from local movers before hiring.