Get matched with top movers in Van Buren, ME

Start by removing any obstacles in the moving path, such as side tables, lamps, or other furniture. If your couch has legs, unscrew them. Measure the couch and the stairway to ensure you have enough room; if it seems unlikely, examine the shape and size of the couch and decide whether it might fit better up the stairway and through doorways on its side, held diagonally, or moved in an upright position.

Consider putting the sofa on a dolly to go up the stairs. It should be able to fit upright on a standard dolly with wheels. You’ll still need to lift the dolly—with the couch on it—up the stairs, but it will reduce the physical strain. The person holding the dolly should pull the couch up, while the helper should be on the other side, keeping the couch secure and steady.

If you don’t have a dolly, the person in front should lift the couch slightly higher than the person in the back to create more stability. The person in the back should also be the stronger mover, as most of the weight will be distributed there.

The average cost to hire professional movers is approximately $1,700, but the total price can range from as low as $920 to over $12,000 depending on the move's complexity. For local moves, typically under 100 miles, costs generally fall between $920 and $2,530. Long-distance moves are more expensive, with prices ranging from $2,700 to $10,000 or more.

Several key factors influence the final cost:

• Distance and Home Size: The mileage of the move and the size of your home.

• Number of Movers: Hourly rates can range from $25 to $50 for one or two movers, increasing to $100 to $200 for a team of four or more.

• Services: Additional services like packing, unpacking, and storage will add to the cost.

• Specialty Items: Moving large or delicate items such as pianos, vehicles, or large aquariums incurs extra charges.

• Timing and Access: The time of year, your specific moving date, and the ease of access to your home can affect rates.

Don’t forget to account for other potential costs like moving supplies and tipping your movers.

It is not difficult to drive a U-Haul truck or other rental truck, and you don’t need an additional license on top of a standard government-issued driver’s license in most cases. However, those unaccustomed to driving large vehicles may have difficulty adjusting to the maneuverability of a rental truck. Parking can also be more difficult.

Renting a moving truck is often the cheapest way to move long-distance, with costs ranging from $1,000 to $2,100. For smaller moves with fewer items, a moving container can cost as little as $700. As the distance of your move increases, using moving pods or containers can become more cost-effective because you can ship them to your destination and avoid transportation costs like gas, mileage, and lodging.