The Costs Behind Hiring Movers in NYC and Other Things to Know

The cost to hire movers in New York City varies by thousands of dollars depending on many factors. It can cost anything from $500 for a tiny DIY move to $8000 for a huge flat with full service options.

Here’s a breakdown to give you a general idea of what to expect:

Distance

It depends on where you are moving inside NYC but usually, moves are priced according to the distance traveled by the moving truck + moving labor, and other costs. 

• Local Moves: Typically involve moving within NYC or nearby. Costs are usually based on an hourly rate for the laborers.
• Long-Distance Moves: Moving to or from NYC to another city or state will cost more and is based on the weight and volume of your items together with the distance.
• Placement In The City: NYC is one of the most special places in the world. That being said, it is one of the trickiest for moving with its tiny allys, one-way streets, and no parking zones. These factors may affect your moving costs.

Size of the Move Affects Everything

We highly recommend downsizing your home goods as much as possible to save on the moving rates. Since things work by volume and size and the more you have the more space you will require in the moving truck, get rid of as much as you can as soon as you can. Here are some basic guidelines:

• Studio or 1-Bedroom: Usually less expensive. Fewer items and basic things.
• 2-Bedroom or Larger: Costs increase with the size of the apartment and the volume of belongings.

Time of Year

• Peak Season: Summer months and weekends are busier, so rates will always be higher. The same goes for the first and last days of the month when almost everyone’s contract ends. Plan ahead and try to save by moving at different times.
• Off-Peak Season: Fall and winter months mid-month will give you lower rates.

Services Desired

• Full-Service Move: This VIP choice includes all the packing, loading onto the moving truck, unloading, and even unpacking if you opt for this option. This is the most expensive option and you aren’t obligated to use all their services if you don’t need.
• Labor-Only: If you handle the packing and just need help with loading and unloading, it’s less costly. You basically rent a team of movers just to be the labor that moves your pre-packed moves into the truck.
• Mix of Both: If you want it all with iMoving you can have it all. Combine only the services you actually need for a personalized move. 

Additional Services and Costs

• Packing Materials: There will be extra costs for boxes, packing tape, and other materials. You can get all these things on your own and find them for free or better price than it will be to get them from the movers. 
• Special Different Items: Moving other unique items such as pianos, pottery, artwork, surfboards, sports equipment, or other special items might come with additional fees you should take into mind.
• Insurance: Basic liability is included, but additional coverage will cost more. You should consider the down payment that will be required when booking your move. Don’t forget to leave some budget for this as well. 

Access Issues

• Stairs or Elevators: Moving items up and down stairs or dealing with limited access can increase the cost. Things like narrow hallways, a lack of parking, multiple staircases, or other accessibility issues will bump up the costs drastically due to the extra work strain.

Local Moves:

• Hourly Rates: The usual hourly wage for movers ranges from $100 to $200 per hour for a team of 2-4 movers in NYC. This will vary based on the day of the week and time of year.
• Minimum Charges: Many moving companies have a minimum charge of around 2-4 hours or will refuse the job.

Long-Distance Moves:

• Flat Rates: For moving out of NYC, expect costs between $2,000 and $5,000 or more, depending on the distance and the amount of stuff.
• By Weight: Some companies charge based on the weight of your belongings, with rates around $0.50 to $1.00 per pound of items to be moved. Ask them how they figure their costs.

Additional Costs:

• Packing Services: Can range from $200 to $600 or more, depending on the amount of packing required.
• Insurance: Additional coverage can cost anywhere from $100 to $500 or more. It depends on the coverage level you want and the items you have.

In-Person Estimates

• Schedule an in-home visit for the most accurate quote. This allows movers to assess the volume and complexity of the move. Doing this with multiple companies will take time and effort and isn't the best use of your time.

Online Quotes

• Many companies offer online quotes based on the information you provide. Ensure you give accurate details for a more precise estimate. You can get these directly from the moving companies themselves but then won’t be able to combine multiple moving services from multiple vendors. 

Compare Multiple Quotes: Broker

• Get binding quotes from several moving companies to compare prices and services on iMoving. We are sure to check their reviews and verify the companies’ credentials on your behalf. iMoving is by far the best way to compare and contrast and only take what you need for a custom move.

Get Rid of Stuff

• Reduce the volume of items to move by donating or selling things you don’t need. The less you have, the less it will cost.

Flexible Timing

• Move during off-peak times or weekdays to potentially lower costs. Ask your movers what dates and times you can have that will save you money.

DIY Packing

• Pack your belongings yourself to save on packing service fees. This VIP option isn’t used by most families in the USA.

As you now know, the cost of hiring movers in NYC depends on the type of move, size, time of year, and additional services you want to book. Local moves cost between $100 and $200 per hour and long-distance moves to NYC range from $2,000 to $8,000 or more depending on the type of move.

We recommend getting quotes from multiple moving companies on iMoving to compare their services and costs and make the best-educated decision.