How to Hire Labor for Moving: Tips for Hiring the Best Pro

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.

What Type of Labor Does a Mover Offer?

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

• Long-distance house moving

• International house moving

• Truck loading

• Moving sheds or other large transportable structures

• Moving pianos or other large, high-value items

• In-home furniture moving

• Premium white glove moving

Can You DIY Moving Projects?

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.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire Labor for Moving?

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.

Tips for Hiring Labor for Moving

These tips for hiring the best movers will help you select a compatible, credible, and competitive company.

1. Plan Your Moving Project Ahead

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.

2. Check Your Mover’s Qualifications and References

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.

3. Interview Pros and Get Multiple Quotes

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. 

4. Get a Contract and Arrange Payments With Your Mover

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.

Questions to Ask a Mover

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.

1. Can you show me copies of your license and insurance?

2. Can you provide a list of contactable customer references?

3. Do you offer free in-home estimates?

4. Are your estimates binding or non-binding?

5. What services do you offer (i.e., packing, furniture disassembly, and reassembly service), and what do they cost?

6. Can you provide a breakdown of how you calculate the cost of services?

7. Do you use an inventory list to track all the items in the move?

8. How do you handle loss or damage complaints?

Choosing the Right Moving Labor

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.

After Your Mover Has Finished

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.