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Moving Costs

Average Moving Costs of a Long Distance Move

The moment you decide to move there will be thousands of questions that will flow through your mind.  Knowing the average moving costs of your move up front should ease some of that burden.   Figuring out how much your move will really cost can be really frustrating that regardless of how thorough you are.

Average Moving Costs
Average Moving Costs

Also, the move distance between the two homes  in-state or less than 150 miles (local) or long distance or more than 150 miles will affect your average moving cost.

How Much Does Moving Cost?

The truth is, you may not get the right answers to all the pressing issues at the beginning of your preparations, but you must know the price of your incoming move in advance so that:

– set up your moving budget the way you’re supposed to

-understand all miscellaneous charges that can incur
– prevent any unpleasant cost related surprises at the end of the relocation;
Don’t Forget!  The only way to get an accurate estimate of the costs of your move is to have your chosen moving company perform an expert visual inspection of your home and give you a precise price quote.

The approximate costs of moving you’ll find in this article should serve as a useful preview of what your actual moving quote will look like. In reality, these approximated values can only be used as guidance because the real-life moving company rates will be dependent on the region where you live, your town or city, the moving company itself, and the specifics of your own local or long distance move.

Moving company costs on average

In most cases, moving house with the help of a professional moving company is the preferred way to approach the numerous challenges of that significant period in one’s life. As a rule of thumb, turning to the pros for assistance will eliminate plenty of stressful guesswork and will make the entire house relocation much faster and easier.

The only drawback is that you will have to pay for their moving services but that often proves to be a disadvantage in disguise the moment you calculate the potential risk and dangers of self-moving, add up the lost time in doing it all by yourself, and include the possible irreparable damage to your nervous system.

So, what are the average full service moving costs?

Once your move is bound to cross state lines or exceed the 150-mile radius, it’s already classified as an interstate move and the approximate costs of moving across the country will be calculated differently than short distance relocation cases. In practice, cross country moves are much harder to be generalized as far as preliminary expenses are concerned because of three major price formation criteria that work at the same time:

-distance you are moving from and to

-quality of moving company

-size of shipment

-additional fees (most should be avoided like shuttle fees and long haul)

-if you need packing

-your dates – very few long distance movers will offer guaranteed dates

The cost to move furniture, for example, will be calculated based on the weight, size, and nature of your home furniture. Expect to pay more if you need experienced packers and movers to handle bulky, super heavy or antique furniture pieces. The cost of moving furniture will also be dependent on the specific conditions in your home such narrow corridors and staircases, smaller doorways or unavailability of an elevator. For instance, if some of the furniture pieces will have to be disassembled, the furniture moving costs will be respectively higher.

1-bedroom apartment. The cost of moving out from a 1 bedroom apartment to a new home located 500 miles away is around $1500, while moving to a new address 1000 miles away should cost you roughly $2000. Both these prices have been calculated for a shipment weight of 3500 lbs.
2-bedroom apartment or house. The average moving costs for a 2 bedroom apartment or house are roughly $2000 (500 miles) and $2500 (1000 miles). Both costs have been approximated for a shipment weight of 5000 lbs.
3-bedroom apartment or house. The average moving costs for a 3 bedroom house or apartment are approximately $2600 (500 miles) and $3500 (1000 miles). The shipment weight for both values has been rounded up to 7500 lbs.
Please keep in mind that the above mentioned average moving costs per mile and average moving costs per pound can only be used as reference values due to the case-by-case nature of residential moving. As mentioned above, approximate moving company costs can still be useful for forming a general idea of just how strong a hit your budget will take. For much more accurate price estimation, get free quotes by filling out our quick moving costs calculator.

According to U.S. Census statistics, 19 million American households pack up and move each year. In 2010, Worldwide ERC, the Worldwide Relocation Association, reported the average professional household move cost $12,230.

The dollars and cents that go into those moves vary greatly depending upon a number of factors:

Distance of the move – using local movers vs. long distance movers
Need for packing supplies and services
Size/weight of the household being moved
Weight matters
When it comes to a professionally handled interstate move – one that takes you from one state to another – load weight and distance traveled are the two biggest factors in determining the cost of your relocation.

The weight of your items is actually measured on a scale. Before the move, the empty truck is weighed; you may ask to accompany the driver to the scale during the weigh-in to ensure everything is on the up-and-up. Your mover should provide you with an “empty weight” receipt or certificate. The truck will be weighed again once it is loaded with your items.

A reputable mover will provide a cost estimate prior to your move. The estimate you receive will only be as good as the information you provide. If you have a shed full of bikes and tools that you failed to mention when the movers did their estimate, the estimated weight of your load won’t be accurate. Likewise, estimates given over the phone are not as accurate as those given in person. Companies can “guess” what your load will weigh based on an average 1- or 2- or 3-bedroom home, but if your home is minimally furnished or jam-packed with items, the estimate will be off.

Longer move, higher price tag
To get an idea of moving costs, consider these examples:

The fee for moving an average 1,000-square-foot, 3-bedroom apartment (goods weighing 5,500 pounds) from Boston to Miami would be approximately $4,400 to $4,900. The same 1,400-mile move for a 2,800-square-foot, 4-bedroom household (20,500 pounds) would likely cost $14,600 to $15,600. Same distance, different loads.

For comparison, consider that moving a 1,000-square-foot, 3-bedroom apartment (5,500 pounds, same as above) 200 miles from Boston to DC would cost roughly $3,200 to $3,700. Same load, different distance.

Beyond weight and distance, you may find one or more of these fees applied to your move:

A transportation surcharge if the moving company pays workers more for working in metropolitan areas, where labor costs are often higher.
You may opt to purchase full value protection insurance for your belongings. (Released value coverage is provided by movers at no cost, but protection is minimal – just 60 cents per pound per article lost or damaged.)
Charges for moving heavy items such as automobiles, boats, riding lawnmowers, snowmobiles or pianos.
Additional charge for specialists brought in to disconnect gas mains or disassemble/assemble pianos and pool tables.
Additional charge if the movers have to walk more than 75 feet from door to truck or need to use stairs or an elevator.
Additional charge if your street is too narrow to accommodate the moving truck; movers may need to shuttle your belongings from your home to the truck via a smaller truck.
Be sure to ask your moving company’s sales representative about these add-on costs. Are there things you can do to avoid or reduce them? Working with the city to reserve parking space right outside your door, for instance, may prevent a surcharge.

Remember that the fees you pay to your movers are only a portion of what your total move will cost you. You also must factor in your personal travel and accommodations, on-the-go meals, the cost of new vehicle registration and driver’s license, utility hook-ups, and carpet and drapery installation.

Moving from one home to another can be a tedious job. Before you start thinking about making the move, there are three things that you might want to consider:

I. Budget
The financial burden can be pretty large, and can grow depending on the place you’re moving to; be it a move within the same city, between states, or to a different country.
II. Number of People
Whether you’re single or moving with your family, the total cost to move will vary depending on the cubic feet of items being moved; which directly impacts the size of the moving truck you use or the amount of movers you may need. It might be helpful to write down the number of items being moved, along with their weight and size before moving onto getting an estimate.
III. Time
The next thing to focus your attention on should be the time it takes to actually make the move. If the move is not properly planned, it can become a stressful production. One way to plan for the amount of time it will take for the move is to consider how long it will take to move large items, time spent loading everything onto the truck, time spent moving all of your items to your new location, and time and effort unloading the truck.
How does our moving calculator help?
It can be difficult to estimate the cost of a move. There are so many things that pop up that most people don’t consider. How will you ever be able to calculate an accurate estimate of your moving costs? Try the Monster Movers moving calculator which will provide you with a free moving estimate. It makes the task of budgeting for a moving company’s assistance easier than ever.
Our online moving calculator gives an estimate that will take the hassle out of hiring a moving company. However, there are always unexpected expenses so be sure to budget for that. The moving calculator will calculate:
Approximate time taken to get from one destination to the next
Number of movers that will be required based on large items, like furniture
Estimated weight of the load
Fuel charges
Level of difficulty involved

With regards to average moving costs – remember hiring the cheapest or most expensive movers won’t guarantee any level of service.  You really have to look at what moving services your movers offer to find the best movers for you!

Being a Mover

Think You Are Cut Out to be a Mover? Find Out Here

Think You Are Cut Out to be a Mover?  Find Out Here

mover
Moving Furniture isn’t about Muscle

 

Every spring moving companies receive calls from college student athletes requesting employment opportunities.  One by one, the students come in and shortly ( usually after a week or two of “moving” ), they leave.  Don’t get me wrong – there are those few crew members that stick it out – those that handle the everyday precarious positions that moving twists, turns, bends, squeezes, rotates, wrenches, and distorts your body.

  1.  Its not about muscle.  Being strong is of course an important  characteristic of being a mover but not the most crucial.  Many mover wannabees who are “jacked” don’t understand how they cannot hang with other movers.  The answer is:
  2. ENDURANCE is #1.   Twelve hours, up and down flights of stairs.  This is not easy – period, let alone carrying boxes, couches, mattresses, desks, safes, appliances, etc.  Then, when you think you can take a break – get up the next morning and do it again.
  3. Spacial Recognition is key.  Some great movers have excellent space recognition skills and can negotiate objects easily.  Think a huge game of 3D Tetris with really heavy things.
  4. Kindness and Compassion above all else.  Moving is extremely personal.  Essentially, movers are coming into someones home and taking everything they own.  You can only begin to imagine the intense feelings that sometimes accompany this difficult job of a mover.  Being kind and compassionate, treating the furniture like it belongs to your grandmother – this is what a great mover can do.

The best moving companies hire movers who frankly just love to move.  They love the daily challenge that moving a person’s household goods comes with.  Those are the movers I would want to move my home.

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7 Common Misconceptions About Moving Companies

7 Common Misconceptions About Moving Companies

Moving Companies have a notorious history of scamming consumers.  Even movers with stellar customer reviews have been known to take advantage of customers.  This handy-dandy article will guide you through 14 of the most common misconceptions about moving companies so you can protect yourself.

  1. All movers that operate are licensed.  Licensing of moving companies requires the movers to have insurance as well as a drivers license, etc.  Make sure your mover is licensed and check the numbers!  There are estimates of approximately 25% of movers are not licensed, which usually means the company in uninsured
  2. All moving companies do background checks on their employees. A simple CORI check is so easy these days – find a mover who, at least, checks to make sure employees are not felons.
  3. All long distance movers are created equal.  Long distance movers need a specialized license awarded by the DOT.  Find  a long distance mover that gives a flat-rate price and guaranteed moving dates, trust me.
  4. The movers are responsible for any damage.  Moving companies are responsible, by law, for $.60/lb/article.  Essentially if you have a table that weighs 100 lbs – you mover is responsible for $60.  The best moving company offers full replacement value coverage as well – you know you are getting great movers or they would not offer this option.
  5. All movers are shady.  Some untrustworthy moving companies have really ruined this industry’s reputation.  Truthfully, most moving companies are going to do a great job for you but consumers expect there to be an issue.  Relax, hire Monster Movers.
  6. Moving companies are disorganized.  These days, movers have updated systems like truck tracking, moving company software and advanced logistical systems that make the industry much more smooth and organized.
  7. Moving companies are too expensive.  Whether you have a small studio moving in-state or a large home going across the nation – moving companies are always the better option.
movers
Movers
moving help

MOVING IN THE SNOW

MOVING IN THE SNOW BY MOVER HELP

Moving in the snow is probably one of the most annoying things in the entire world. Carrying a 200 lb. dresser across slippery ice – a problem for most moving companies but movers in Boston and other New England movers have been practicing the art of “moving in the snow” for many cold, frost-bitten years. Our moving crews have been moving for over 37 winters of snow and are happy to share some really important moving tips for those wintery months.

  1. SAFETY IS NUMBER ONE – There are so many things that can go wrong during winter moves. But safety of the crew members, you and your furniture is the top priority. We highly recommend hiring movers during winter months. The inside of your home and the truck itself can get as slippery as the ground outside and most people don’t realize this until its too late. All of our moving crews carry shovels, rock salt and sand with us but you should always call your mover anyway and make sure they have these things handy.
  2. DRIVING A MOVING TRUCK IN THE SNOW – Unless you are an expert truck driver – don’t do it. I have seen other moving trucks literally slide down the hills of Boston. Snowy roads are not something for an awkward moving truck to be travelling in – leave this feat to the experts. In the case that you do get stuck – call roadside assistance immediately and place the orange markers out. Our moving trucks get winter overhauls but renting a truck you may be shocked to find the lack of winter snow tires and/or moving chains.
  3. BE PREPARED – Things you will need for a move in the snow – ice melt/salt, sand, shovels, window scraper, floor and truck runners to minimize slipping, heavy-duty gloves – hands get slippery in the winter too.
  4. DON’T RISK IT – I remember a customer who wanted us to move a hot tub that had just been unhooked ( leaking water ) across a football field of ice an down icy steps. We did everything we could to get that across but the ice was a foot deep and did not melt with all of our salt, ice melt and sand. We did our best without it but in the end we needed to use a crane to get that bad Larry out. Sometimes there is nothing that you can do about the weather – better safe than sorry.
  5. WATCH THE WEATER – It can change drastically. A sunny day in the North East can easily turn into a blizzard before your offload.
  6. WINE BOTTLES BREAK IN COLD WEATHER – I know, it’s not fair. If you are doing a long distance move – or one that is going into storage during winter months, please make sure you hire a mover with climate-controlled storage or your expensive wine collection could be ruined. Also, overnight storage is not recommended for bottled liquids. They may break overnight in the cold.
  7. ELECTRONICS and PLANTS DON’T LIKE SNOW – Like wine, plants don’t fair well during winter month moves. When hiring long distance movers in Boston or other snowy cities, make sure your mover is using climate-controlled storage facilities and not offloading your shipment into a warehouse. Electronics generally do fine in the winter but may need a thawing period.
  8. TURN THE HEAT ON – Make sure your heat is on in the new house or this will only prolong your moving issues.

Moving in the winter can be a challenge but by following our mover help, you will be prepared to weather any winter storm.

Moving in the Snow
Moving in the Snow
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Moving with a Pet

 

Moving with a Pet

Moving with a Pet
Moving with a Pet

 

Somehow my post on moving with a pet ended up longer than my previous post about moving with kids…  The actual moving with a pet does present more of a challenge – unless your kids are “animals” too.

Here is a long-winded list on how to handle moving with a pet.   The first section of this post is really for moving long distance with a pet.  If you are moving close-by you can skip to the bottom of the post to where I discuss getting your new pet acclimated to his/her new abode.

If you are hiring movers, make sure your pet is at a relatives house or  put in an area of your house so they do not feel threatened by the new movers.  Also, when the movers are there, it may be unsafe if a pet is running around.  Let your movers know that you have a pet and hire pet-friendly movers.

 

Section 1 – Long Distance Moving with a Pet

Call the vet and schedule an appointment as soon as you can. If you wait until the last minute you may not get an appointment – my vet is scheduled 3 weeks in advance
If your pet has a condition your vet will suggest treatment or sedation techniques for the ride/flight.
You will need vaccine records and licenses if you are traveling.  If you are moving to Canada – you will not cross the border without this.  I should mention those moving to Hawaii will need to quarantine their pet for months before their move.  This can be an annoyance most are not aware of.
If you are flying, you will need a sedative for your pet.  I don’t suggest putting your pet on a plane in winter as it gets really cold for them.  My vet has always given me a light sedative so my pets are not “out cold” but they are comfortable – this really eliminates the stress of the situation.. This is also helpful if you have a pet that you know doesn’t travel well, is cage aggressive or could bite movers.
Get copies of vet records and vaccination certificates. You need to have actual license papers for any long distance moves or when you are flying with your pet.  If your pet has a rabies tag – this does not count!  They won’t let you fly without paperwork from your vet.
If your pet is traveling by air, you will probably need a health certificate from the vet, and there may be a time requirement so plan accordingly.

Make your airline reservations directly with the airline if you are flying to your new destination with your pet. Cats and small dogs can often fly in a small carrier with you in the cabin. Larger pets and large carriers may require transport in the cargo area. The latter is probably the most stressful and dangerous mode of transportation for your pet–see Warnings below, and check out How to Minimize Risk to a Pet in the Cargo Area of an Airplane.
Confirm they accept pets. Keep in mind airlines have very specific regulations for pets transported in the cargo area. They will not allow a pet to fly in temperatures in departure, layover or destination cities if the temperatures are too hot or too cold. It may be a pleasant 75 degrees F in Atlanta but it may be 40 degrees F in Chicago. The decision may not be made until the day of your flight.
Travel on the same flight as your pet if your pet is going to be in the cargo area. Ask the airline if you can watch your pet being loaded and unloaded into the cargo hold. When you board the plane, notify the captain and at least one flight attendant that your pet is traveling in the cargo hold. If the captain knows that pets are on board, he or she may take special precautions.
Find out what additional cost is involved.
Inquire if you must fax your vet records beforehand (always keep a copy with you).
Ask what specific maximum carrier measurements are allowed. Your pet should be able to turn around freely and not be cramped. Food and water should be available for cargo transported animals. You may be able to buy a cheaper carrier online so shop around if you have time.

Section 2 Local Moves with a Pet

Schedule your dogs to be groomed the week you leave. They will smell clean, their nails will be trimmed so not to ruin your car’s interior and you won’t be taking a dirty dog into a new home. Consider having long hair dogs shaved or heavily trimmed. You may also want to give your cats a good brushing, since they might shed more when they’re stressed.
If you are sensitive to scents, make sure you agree on the fragrances/cologne spray used. Some shampoos also help with shedding and itching. Ask your groomer. You don’t want your dog itching for the entire trip. Not only is it noisy but it is also hard on the pet since the dog may not have enough room to scratch.
Make your grooming appointment early and don’t wait until the last week. You’re making special requests and you should give them plenty of notice about what you want done so they can schedule the appropriate amount of time and personnel needed Make your reservations early to make sure you can bring your pet and get one of those rooms. The most important thing is to speak with someone directly at the hotel. Make a note of their name and department. Get a direct phone number if you can. Do not make assumptions based on what you read online!.  Make sure to plan ahead and book pet friendly hotels!

Make a list of things you will need for the road and make sure they aren’t packed to go on the moving truck. Always bring a plastic bin with your pets things with you while you are in the process of moving.  Give your pet  plenty of love during th e move.Let them sleep in the bed, take them for walks, take time out to play and feed them their favorite food or treats. It will improve their spirits for the actual move day. Pets are often the last thing on people’s minds during a stressful move. The pets begin to feel unloved and neglected which can bring about more stress and bad behaviors.It is not uncommon for pets to refuse food and water while away from home or in a stressful situation. Keep a close eye on their intake. Try to take time every few hours during moving and travel to walk your pet, set out food and water and try to get them to drink. If their appetite doesn’t improve, you should contact a vet. Some sedatives can cause your pets to become thirsty and if not addressed they become dehydrated. Make sure they have access to plenty of water.Keep a log of when and how much sedative you give. It will prevent you from double dosing should you forget in all the chaos of moving.

Here is a moving checklist to help you decide what to do when with your pet.