The right hire can make relocating simple and stress-free
Movers listed on Angi handle local and long-distance relocations, truck loading, furniture assembly, and specialized moves like pianos or international shipping for your home.
Moving costs range from $100 for single-item furniture relocation to $1,700 on average, with international moves reaching $10,000 or more depending on distance and volume.
You should confirm your mover holds proper state operating authority, USDOT licensing for interstate moves, and current insurance coverage before hiring them for your relocation.
Hiring a local moving company removes the physical strain from your shoulders and provides licensed professionals who protect your belongings with proper equipment, insurance, and moving expertise.
When you hire labor for moving, paying over the odds or being subject to a moving scam adds to the stress of relocating. Hiring a moving pro with the right licensing, insurance, and experience helps ensure things go smoothly. This guide will help you decide who to hire by the type and amount of items you need to move and the distance they have to travel.
You can hire laborers to move a wide range of items across various distances. Understanding the different types of movers and the services they offer will help you pick the one most suitable for your job.
Local house moving
Moving sheds or other large transportable structures
Moving pianos or other large, high-value items
Premium white glove moving
Moving by yourself can be a budget-friendly option—even when you factor in the cost to rent a moving truck. But packing, lifting, and transporting heavy items is time-consuming, tricky, and taxing. Even if hiring labor for moving isn’t the best for your bank balance, it can be better for your back, belongings, and peace of mind.
The average cost to hire movers is $1,700. However, costs depend on the number of items needing moving, their weight and size, and how far they have to travel. You might pay $100 to move an item of furniture from a downstairs room to an upper story, but international house moving costs could be $10,000 or more.
These tips for hiring the best movers will help you select a compatible, credible, and competitive company.
The earlier you can hire labor for moving, the better. It means you’ll have more dates to choose from. Winter can be the best time to move if you want to take advantage of low-season rates—and avoid moving boxes in scorching temperatures.
Know your planned move date, distance, any special service requests, and gather information on how much needs moving to help secure accurate quotes.
Narrow down your list of laborers by checking the moving companies have the right credentials and positive customer reviews. Familiarize yourself with moving rules and regulations. Local movers must have appropriate state operating authority, and long-distance movers should have a USDOT license and an MC number for making interstate moves.
You’ll also want to confirm they have a Certificate of Insurance (COI), and it’s a good sign if they’re certified by the American Moving & Storage Association (AMSA) or similar organizations.
You’ve narrowed down the list of potential prospects; now it’s time to compare the moving quotes from at least three companies. It’s not just about picking the lowest quote. You need to compare what services they offer.
It’s helpful if the company offers quotes following a free in-person or video-tour assessment. They typically provide more accurate estimates for larger moves. This is especially important if the company only offers a non-binding moving estimate based on educated guesses rather than a binding or a binding-not-to-exceed estimate.
Don’t hire labor for moving house without a contract. This offers peace of mind that your belongings will be protected and the move will happen without major hitches. The contract should also include payment details. These can vary, but you may need to pay a deposit to secure the date, make another payment before the move, and make a final payment after the job is complete.
Not sure where to start when interviewing companies on your hire shortlist? These questions to ask moving companies can help you pick the right people.
Can you show me copies of your license and insurance?
Can you provide a list of contactable customer references?
Do you offer free in-home estimates?
Are your estimates binding or non-binding?
What services do you offer (i.e., packing, furniture disassembly, and reassembly service), and what do they cost?
Can you provide a breakdown of how you calculate the cost of services?
Do you use an inventory list to track all the items in the move?
How do you handle loss or damage complaints?
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all best way to hire labor for moving. The best moving company near you depends on the goods you’re moving, the distance they’re traveling, and how much work you want the company to take on.
If the company with the most competitive price has solid references, the right licenses and insurance, and a clear outline of their services in a contract, it might be time to sign on the dotted line.
Once the movers have safely transported your belongings to their new location, there are a few things to cover before bidding the laborers farewell.
Inspect your items: Check your boxes and furniture for signs of damage or any missing items. While your contract might allow a few weeks or months to report issues, it can be easier to resolve if you report issues before the movers leave.
Settle any outstanding payments: You might need to pay the movers the final part of the bill. Always get proof of payment.
Tip (if appropriate): This is a great way to show appreciation for a well-done job. How much you tip your mover is typically 10% to 20% of the final bill.
Leave a review: It’s not mandatory, but it can help other prospective customers—and the company if you’re satisfied with their service.
I recently moved to another state and chose United Trust Van Lines after comparing several companies. Their team was punctual, professional, and extremely careful with my belongings. I was especially impressed with how they handled my home office setup and fragile items. Everything arrived on...
United Trust Van Lines, LLCShowed up on time and cleaned carpets well, but didn?t move furniture.
Voda Cleaning & Restoration of ColumbusA reliable team for moves across state. My switch to a new place needed careful lifting through tight hallways. The movers checked the doorway first, then carried heavier pieces with slow, controlled movements. Their patience helped prevent damage, and I?d choose them again.
**Would rate a 0 if i could** NEVER USE THIS COMPANY!!!!! They shattered my tv console and dresser, lost a mirror, and never finished the move. The broken furniture cost me over $600 to replace. They left me with 6+ hours of personal labor moving my 1BR apartment, when I was quoted a FULL...
All My Sons Moving & StorageI could not have moved without the help of Jen Stover! I was in my house for nearly 20 years, so the thought of clearing it out while working full time was overwhelming. Jen takes great joy in sorting and organizing while asking the hard questions with patience and compassion. Jen is...
Go and Stow Home OrganizingCouldn't have been a worse experience. 3 of my belongings were lost and 5 belongings were damaged. My furniture was clearly dragged across the ground. The movers couldn't move the furniture I paid extra heavy weight fees for so I had to help them move my own furniture. The manager gave me...
US Interstate and RailExcellent experience for me! They helped me a lot with my move. very reasonable price. Good communication with the office manager is excellent.
Goodview Moving and StorageI was concerned about my possessions safety throughout the move but Bridge View Van Lines took all necessary security measures to make sure everything arrived in mint shape I am really appreciative of their effort and commitment They made my long distance move seem simple
Bridgeview Van LinesThis moving company is the best in Columbus, Ohio! They rescued me when my movers didnâ t show up. Do not ever use Plane Movers! They never showed up for my move, claiming that I never signed the contract. They didnâ t call me to follow up, communication was awful. The people that work for...
All My Sons Moving & StorageOzie and Tyquese were great and worked fast. It was a good move
All My Sons Moving & StorageFrom average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
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