How Much Does it Cost to Hire Movers?

Before making a move, industry experts recommend homeowners know what documents they need, how they will be charged, and what their rights are once they've contracted a mover to transport their belongings.

Make sure you're up to speed before hiring professional movers, regardless of whether your move is across town or cross-country.

Hiring movers can be an intimidating experience if you've never done it before. When speaking with potential moving companies, ask them the following questions:

• Request a U.S. Department of Transportation registration number and/or motor carrier number. Twenty-eight states require movers to complete both state and U.S. DOT registration. You can search a federally registered mover’s complaint history at protectyourmove.gov.

• Obtain a copy of the tariff. It lists items for which you could be charged, such as a “stair” fee, packing tape and a “long carry” fee.

• Determine length of time in business. Seek out companies with established reputations.

• Ask for information on the moving crew’s status with the company. Are they employed by the company, temporary hires or casual laborers? Do they perform background checks on all?

• Request a copy of the mover’s bill of lading, liability insurance and valuation coverage policy. All movers must assume liability for the value of the goods they transport. “Released value” is a no-cost option that provides minimal protection, requiring movers to cover any damages at 60 cents per pound, per article. “Full value” is the most comprehensive option, but cost varies.

• Get a timetable for performing the move. It should include packing and arrival date.

• Determine whether the company performs the move or works as a household goods broker. A broker can’t represent himself as a mover, doesn’t own trucks and generally has no authority to provide an estimate on behalf of a specific mover.

The average intrastate move cost was $1,170, based on the same weight and a crew of four. Prices fluctuated depending on where you lived.

A binding estimate is a written agreement made in advance with your mover that clearly describes all services provided. It guarantees the total cost of the move based on the quantities and services written in the estimate.

A nonbinding estimate is what the mover believes the cost will be based upon the estimated weight of the shipment and additional services required. However, the final charges are based on the actual weight of your shipment, the services provided and the tariff provisions in effect.

Some movers offer a “guaranteed-not-to-exceed” estimate, which allows the consumer to pay the binding estimate or the actual cost, whichever is lower.

According to American Moving & Storage Association, movers bill you based on the weight of your shipment, the distance that you move, and other services that you require. For instance, the AMSA shows the average cost of an interstate move is about $5,630, based on an average weight of 7,400 pounds and distance of 1,220 miles.

Rules and regulations governing the moving industry depend on whether it’s a move within the state (intrastate) or one that requires crossing state lines (interstate).

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration oversees interstate movers and legally requires them to:

• Obtain licensing by FMCSA and display their U.S. DOT number in any advertising.

• Provide arbitration if consumer complaints can’t be resolved amicably.

• Give homeowners a copy of Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move brochure.

• Allow homeowners to review their tariff — a list of rates and charges — for a particular shipment.

• Furnish an accurate summary of their complaint handling procedures, including a phone number.

It’s important to note that FMCSA has no authority to resolve complaints against an interstate mover. However, the federal agency may investigate a specific mover if the agency receives multiple documented complaints.

The investigation may result in the mover’s license revocation and/or fines. To file a complaint against an interstate mover, call FMCSA at 888-368-7238.

Best practices mandate intrastate movers also follow federal standards, and most are subject to state laws. The American Moving & Storage Association recommends consumers check with their state’s moving association, public utility agencies such as a state’s department of transportation or commerce, Angie’s List and the Better Business Bureau before hiring.

AMSA sponsors a third-party dispute settlement program for its 3,200 moving company members. For a list of state moving associations and state-by-state regulations, visit moving.org.

Editor's note: This is an updated version of a story originally posted on March 12, 2012.

Have you moved recently? Tell us about your experience in the comments section below.