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A High Level Guide to Understanding How Movers Calculate Costs

June 13, 2019

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A High Level Guide to Understanding How Movers Calculate Costs

Your New Haven Moving Company presenting a high level guide to understanding how movers calculate costs.

One of the primary questions on your mind during a move may be: what will it cost for me to hire movers? Overall, costs are typically determined by the type of move, volume of shipment, services required and the company you choose. Of course, every organization varies but there are some basics to pricing structures that can help you prepare and know what to expect when planning your move.


Calculating Local Moves


If you’re moving to a new neighborhood or city that’s close to your current location, this will be considered a local move. In these circumstances, movers generally charge an hourly rate, which can vary between $25 to $50 per mover per hour.


A common way to determine how many movers you need is based on the number of bedrooms you have. Typically, you’ll need one more mover than the amount of rooms in your home. For example, for a one-bedroom apartment, you’ll likely need two movers, which could cost $100/hour.


Calculating Long Distance Moves


If your move is more than 100 miles, you’ll need to work with long distance movers. In most cases, these moves are calculated based on load weight and distance transported. While all companies differ, you are typically charged a rate per pound and a rate per mile.


The national average rates for long distance moves are 50 cents per pound and around 75 cents per mile. And it’s important to note that the mileage rate usually decreases the farther you will travel.


Always Ask about Extra Fees

There can be extra fees involved during your moving process. We suggest getting an in-home estimate to receive the most accurate assessment of your belongings so you can plan accordingly. Some of the common services and extra fees include:


Packing materials and service: You can hire moving companies to help you pack your belongings but this is not included in the overall move. You can also purchase supplies moving supplies from companies including boxes, bubble wrap, furniture blankets and tape.


Furniture assembly and disassembly: Furniture such as dressers and entertainment centers can be extremely bulky to move and may need to be disassembled before fitting into the truck. Always ask if this is included in the moving hourly rate or if this is an extra fee before you sign your contract.


Stairs: Some moving companies may charge extra if the movers need to carry items up flights of stairs. Companies may charge an extra fee per-step, per-flight or per-turn depending on the object they're moving. Always ask about this during the estimation stage.


Insurance: Insurance is crucial to protect your items in case of damage or loss. The standard insurance provided by movers is known as Released Value Protection and covers at a rate of no more than 60 cents per pound. Ask the company about their additional coverage plans and associated costs to ensure your belongings are protected. For example, if you have a high-value item, such as a piece of workout equipment, you may need more coverage than the standard.


If you have questions about your upcoming move and want to receive an estimation, get in touch with our local moving Fairfield team today.

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