How Much Do Movers Cost? Use Our Moving Cost Calculator to Find Out

What Affects the Price of Your Move?

Factors That Can Increase Costs:

• Large home, more rooms = more labor hours – The bigger the space, the more there is to pack, move, and organize. Extra bedrooms, living areas, or storage spaces add hours of labor and sometimes require a larger crew. If you’re moving from a multi-story home or one with a garage or basement, expect the total time (and cost) to increase accordingly.
• Stairs, elevators, tight access – Navigating stairs or long carry distances between your home and the truck can slow things down. Apartments with elevators, limited parking, or narrow hallways also take more time and care. Movers charge by the hour, so these small access challenges can make a noticeable difference in the final cost.
• Specialty items (pianos, safes, large furniture) – Heavy or fragile items require special equipment, extra manpower, and additional protection. Pianos, gun safes, sectionals, and oversized furniture pieces often involve special handling fees because they can’t be moved with standard techniques. These items may also require disassembly and reassembly.
• Need for packing, disassembly, or storage – If you choose full-service packing, need your movers to disassemble furniture, or require temporary storage, these add-ons increase the overall cost. While they save time and stress, they add labor hours and sometimes additional truck space. For most families, these services are worth it for the convenience and peace of mind.
• Moves on weekends or month-end (high demand) – Moving companies are busiest on weekends and at the end of the month when leases turn over. Because demand is higher, prices during these windows can be slightly elevated, and booking availability may be limited. Scheduling a midweek or mid-month move is often more affordable and flexible.
• Short-notice bookings – Last-minute moves can be tough to schedule — especially during peak season. If you need a crew on short notice, you might pay a premium due to limited availability. Booking early not only locks in your preferred date but also gives you time to plan and potentially save on costs.

Factors That Can Lower Costs:

• Smaller spaces, fewer items – The less you have to move, the faster the job goes. Apartments, condos, or minimalist homes usually require fewer movers and less truck space. Decluttering or donating unused items before your move can make a big difference — every box and piece of furniture you remove saves both time and money.
• Easy access (ground floor, driveway parking) – When movers can park close to your door and move items straight to the truck without stairs or long walks, everything moves faster. Easy access can trim hours off your move, reducing the total labor time — and your final bill.
• You pack yourself – If you handle your own packing ahead of time, your movers can focus solely on loading and unloading. This can significantly cut down on hourly costs. Just make sure boxes are well-labeled and packed securely so your team can move efficiently and safely.
• Weekday, mid-month move – Moving during off-peak times — typically mid-month and weekdays — often comes with better rates and greater flexibility. Demand is lower, which means you can get your preferred crew and schedule without the premium that comes with weekends or month-end rushes.
• No storage or specialty needs – Moves that don’t require temporary storage or special equipment are simpler and faster. If everything fits neatly into the truck and goes directly from your old home to your new one, you’ll enjoy a smoother process with fewer billable hours and no extra service fees.

Why Are Some Moving Companies More or Less Expensive?

Higher-Priced Companies May Offer:

• Full-service moves (packing/unpacking) – Premium moving companies often handle everything — from packing your belongings with professional materials to unpacking and setting up your new home. This full-service approach saves time, minimizes stress, and ensures your items are handled correctly from start to finish.
• White-glove service and specialized handling – Some movers provide what’s known as “white-glove” service — a higher level of care for delicate or valuable items such as antiques, art, glass furniture, or electronics. These teams use specialty packing methods, custom crating, and extra padding to guarantee safe transport without a scratch.
• Larger, more experienced crews – A skilled, well-trained crew can move faster, safer, and more efficiently than a smaller, inexperienced team. Higher-end companies invest in consistent training, background checks, and long-term employees — so you’re not relying on day laborers or temporary workers for your move.
• Better equipment, newer trucks – Reputable movers maintain newer, well-equipped trucks and professional-grade tools — such as lift gates, padded dollies, and secure tie-down systems. This equipment protects your furniture, speeds up the process, and reduces the risk of damage during loading and unloading.
• Guaranteed arrival times or flat rates – Many higher-priced movers offer guaranteed arrival windows or flat-rate pricing for peace of mind. You’ll know exactly when the crew will show up and what you’ll pay, even if the move runs long. That reliability and transparency can make a big difference, especially for larger or time-sensitive relocations.

Cheaper Movers May:

• Use smaller or less-trained crews – Lower-cost companies often save money by sending smaller teams or hiring less-experienced movers. While this can reduce the hourly rate, it usually means the move takes longer — and the risk of accidental damage or delays increases.
• Rely on older equipment – Budget movers may operate older trucks and worn-out equipment, which can slow down the process and increase the risk of breakdowns or damage. Professional, well-maintained equipment makes a big difference in speed, safety, and reliability.
• Offer minimal or no insurance – Some low-cost movers provide only the bare minimum coverage — or none at all — for your belongings. That means if something breaks or goes missing, you might have limited protection. Always confirm what’s included in the quote before booking.
• Exclude fuel/travel in their estimate (surprise fees) – It’s common for cheaper companies to advertise low hourly rates but leave out important costs like fuel, travel time, or supplies. These surprise add-ons can quickly erase any upfront savings. Transparent pricing ensures you know the full cost before moving day.
• Not include basic protections like padding or shrink wrap – Some budget movers skip essentials such as furniture blankets, padding, or shrink wrap to save time or materials. While small items might be fine, larger furniture can easily get scratched or scuffed without proper protection.

How We Price Our Services

We offer two options:

Full-Service Moving (Includes Truck)

• Movers + truck
• Fuel, equipment, travel time included
• Packing/unpacking available

Hourly rates vary by crew size — see exact breakdown here:
👉 Hourly Pricing ›

Labor-Only Moving (You Provide the Truck)

• Ideal for PODs, U-Hauls, or in-home rearranging
• Just need help loading/unloading? We’ve got you (see link above).

Want to Know What to Expect?

Frequently Asked Pricing Questions

Q: Is there a minimum?
Yes — all services have a 3-hour minimum.

Q: Do you charge travel time?
Yes, but it’s minimal and disclosed upfront.

Q: What’s included in the hourly rate?
Movers, truck (if applicable), equipment, padding, shrink wrap, and fuel.

Q: Do I have to pay more for stairs or elevators?
Only if they significantly slow the move — we’ll estimate that ahead of time.

Q: Do you offer fixed-price moves?
We don’t do flat rates — it helps keep pricing flexible and fair.

Is It Worth It?

You can absolutely rent a truck and call a few friends.
But if you want speed, safety, and zero headaches — it’s worth hiring a crew that does this every day. We’re fully licensed, insured, and local to Redmond.

Let’s Get You Moving

“We’ve helped thousands of families and businesses move quickly, safely, and without surprises. We’d love to help you next.”