A local move’s price comes down to how much you’re moving, how many movers and hours it takes, and access at both ends. Below is what local moving and hauling jobs have actually cost, plus how to avoid the common surprises.
What people actually pay — GigNGo data
| Typical range | $63 – $500 |
| Median | $150 |
| Full span seen | $45 – $500 |
Based on 23 recently posted Moving & Hauling jobs on GigNGo. Prices vary by scope, location, and materials.
What drives a local move’s price
Most local movers charge by the hour, scaled to crew size — two movers and a truck for a small apartment, more for a house. The clock is affected by stairs, long carries from the door to the truck, elevators, and how well you’re packed when they arrive.
Moving vs junk hauling
If part of your job is getting rid of things, hauling is priced by volume (how much of the truck you fill) rather than by the hour. Separating “move this” from “haul this away” up front keeps both jobs efficient and the quote accurate.
How to keep the cost down
Be fully packed and labeled before the crew arrives, disassemble furniture yourself, and reserve the elevator if you’re in a building. Every minute the crew isn’t carrying is a minute you’re paying for. Move small/fragile items yourself to shrink the load.
What changes the price
- Crew size and number of hours
- Volume of belongings (and any junk to haul)
- Stairs, elevators, and long carries to the truck
- How packed and ready you are on move day
- Bulky/special items (piano, safe, appliances)
- Distance between the two locations
- Day of week/month — month-end is busiest
How to hire a good pro
- Get an itemized estimate, not just an hourly rate
- Tell them about stairs, elevators, and parking up front
- Separate “move” items from “haul away” items
- Confirm whether packing materials are included
- Ask about coverage/insurance for your belongings
- Read recent reviews and confirm they’re reliable on timing
- Be packed and labeled before they arrive to save hours
FAQ
How much does it cost to hire local movers?
Local moves are usually billed hourly by crew size. A small apartment with two movers is at the low end; a full house costs more as hours and crew grow.
Is hauling priced differently than moving?
Yes. Junk hauling is typically priced by how much of the truck you fill (volume), while moving is priced by the hour.
How can I lower my moving cost?
Be fully packed and labeled, disassemble furniture yourself, reserve the elevator, and move small or fragile items on your own.
When is the cheapest time to move?
Mid-month and midweek are usually cheaper and easier to book than month-end weekends, when demand spikes.
Should I tip movers?
Tipping is customary for movers, especially for hard jobs with stairs or heavy items. It’s a courtesy, not a requirement.