Moving can be one of the most stressful experiences in life. If we weren’t expert movers, even we would feel some dread when a move arises.
Between packing up all your belongings, figuring out logistics, and getting settled into a new place, the costs of hiring professional movers often adds anxiety to an already overwhelming process. If you’re planning an upcoming move in Dallas, Texas, you’re likely wondering “how much do movers cost?”
As Dallas’s most reliable luxury movers, we stay on top of the latest industry moving costs, and are here to help you create a budget for your next move.
Cost Factors to Consider
The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Reputable moving companies take numerous factors into account when providing cost estimates. With the average local and long-distance move in Texas ranging between $800 and $10,000, there’s quite the range to plan for.
However, understanding some basic industry pricing can help you budget appropriately and avoid sticker shock when the time comes.
Home Size Impacts Moving Quote
The first major variable that affects moving costs is the size of your home. A one-bedroom apartment will generally cost less to pack and move than a five-bedroom house.
You have to be careful trusting sources like Angi that cite unusually low moving cost estimates that fall below industry standard, and do not reflect the actual cost for your specific move.
For the most accurate moving estimate, it is best to contact us directly for a customized quote based on your unique needs.
Distance Drives Up Costs
Distance is another prime cost factor. Local moves within a 50-mile radius tend to be relatively inexpensive, while long-distance or cross-country relocations will take a bigger bite out of your budget.
Thumbtack estimates the average cost of an intrastate move (under 100 miles) at $1,800, compared to $5,000 for a cross-country haul over 1,000 miles.
Extra Moving Cost Estimates to Watch
Even if you’re just moving down the street, there are accessorial charges that can drive up the total. Movers often charge extra fees for packing services, shuttle trucks for tight spaces, carrying items long distances, disassembling furniture, or navigating stairs or elevators.
Aside from the manpower alone, you’ll have to scrounge up supplies like boxes and packing materials. According to Apartment Guide, just moving out of a one or two-bedroom home can cost you $237.50 in packing supplies. Multiply that by the number of rooms you’re moving and you can add that cost to the tally as well.
What About Storage Fees?
Sometimes your home may not be ready in time or you have just accumulated too many things to move into your new home. Unless you plan on having a massive garage sale, you’ll need to find reliable storage. In Texas, the average 10 X 10 storage unit will cost you around $113 per month. If you want to go any larger or invest in climate-controlled storage, you can expect the costs to reach as high as $5,000.
What’s the Average Cost of Movers Per Hour?
According to recent cost data from MoveBuddha, the average cost of movers in Texas is approximately $103 per hour. This hourly rate typically includes the labor costs for a crew of 2-3 movers and a truck.
The total hourly rate for movers for your specific move will depend on factors like the size of your home, how prepared you are, and the travel distance involved.
A one-bedroom apartment move might only take 3-5 hours, while a larger 4-bedroom house could require 8 hours or more of labor. Using the $103 average, you can expect to pay somewhere between $300-$500 for a small, local apartment move in Texas or $800-$1,000 for a bigger home relocation within the same city. Long distance moves will cost more due to transportation fees on top of the hourly labor rates.
Movers Cost Scenarios
We can throw stats and numbers at you all day, but without some concrete examples, it can be difficult to really picture the cost of moving out of your home.
Picture this! Let’s say you’re moving from a two-bedroom apartment in Uptown Dallas to another unit 10 miles away. Based on average prices, you might pay around $600 for the labor alone. But if the movers also pack all your belongings, that could tack on an extra $200 to $400. And if they have to use a smaller shuttle to access your building, expect another $100 or so in fees.
On the other end of the spectrum, imagine you’re relocating a four-bedroom home from Frisco to San Antonio – roughly 275 miles. For that distance, you’d likely pay at least $2,000 just for transportation costs. Add in packing services, furniture disassembly, and potential storage fees, and your total could easily exceed $5,000.
Of course, these are just rough estimates for illustration. Most moving companies provide free in-home or virtual consultations to assess your specific needs and provide a binding quote upfront.
Payment Options for Movers
When it comes to payment, most professional movers accept multiple options to cover the costs. Element Moving & Storage allows customers to pay with cash or postal money order at the time of delivery. Credit card payments can also be arranged in advance with your dedicated relocation specialist.
Always Do Your Research Before Any Move
No matter how big or small your move, it’s wise to get at least three different quotes to compare prices and service offerings. Don’t simply go with the cheapest option – make sure you hire a reputable, fully licensed and insured company with positive customer reviews. A little extra investment can save you from even bigger headaches down the road.
Moving is already hard enough without financial surprises throwing an extra wrench into the process. By understanding the key factors that impact pricing and budgeting accordingly, you can take some of the stress out of this major life event.
With proper planning and reasonable expectations, the cost of hiring professional movers is simply the price of convenience and peace of mind as you settle into your new home.
If you need help from the best, contact us. Our movers are always ready to fit you into our schedule.
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