No, Movers don’t charge by square feet or boxes.
The factors that stimulate the moving cost are the distance, movers, weight or sometimes the cubic foot of the belongings that are moving. As for long-distance moving, movers estimate the move by the cubic feet of the stuff or total weight of the belongings to ensure the moving cost.
On the other hand, for short-distance moving, several movers, distance of the destination, and total time of moving are the factors to consider for fixing moving costs.
In this blog, we’re going to give everyone of you, either you are a newbie mover, or a clever one, an elaborate idea about movers’ charge and the factors that dominate it.
How Do Movers Charge?
Depending on the type of moving (long distance, local) movers’ estimate of moving charge may vary.
For short-distance moving/local moving, the number of movers, the number of needed moving vans, and the total hour of moving stimulate the moving estimate. Here you need at least 2 movers where each mover charges $25-$125.
And the total moving cost can be $200-$1000 for a studio moving with 2 movers for 4 hours. This cost will increase if the number of movers or the number of moving vans increases.
On the other hand, for long-distance moving, the mover’s charge depends on the distance of moving, the weight of belongings, and additional things needed to provide such as packing, storage, and so on.
For example, I had to move my Chinese arts with a delicate packing as they were fragile. I had to pay additional charge for specially for their protection. Here, a distance of up to 1000 miles a single studio moving may cost up to $3024.
Square Foot vs Cubic Foot
Square foot is measured by the length and width of any object. But here, it illustrates the size of the house or room from where you are moving and includes the weight of the belongings inside it, the required movers to move those, the needed time of moving, and so on.
It’s estimated that an average 2000 square foot house moving cost is $2000-$9000. Sometimes, movers estimate a $12-$16 per square foot moving charge.
On the other hand, cubic feet are more acceptable for long-distance moving. Your total belongings are measured in cubic feet (height, width, length) and then the average moving cost per cubic foot is calculated.
In most cases, a studio can be 200 cubic feet, one bedroom can be 300 cubic feet. And it charges for a single bedroom moving $950-$5100.
How Do Movers Estimate Cost?
Along with distance, movers, and time several factors are present while estimating moving costs. The total cost may vary a bit from the estimated value but must be within range. These include-
By Cubic Foot Estimates
Here movers calculate the cubic foot including the height, width, and length of the belongings. And give a cubic foot moving estimate. However, the total cost of moving may vary gradually from the estimation. This process isn’t approved by DOT (Department of Transportation).
Suppose, the movers estimate a cost for 250 cubic feet at $1000, and on moving day it becomes 350 cubic feet as it’s usual that you thought one of your belongings fit in one box but it takes two boxes to fit and on and on. So, the cost will increase rapidly.
By the Weight of Your Belongings
It’s an approved process of cost estimation by DOT (Department of Transportation). It takes place in two stages.
First, while confirming your moving the movers provide you a chart of belonging and you need to mark them what you have. And then they tell you the estimated cost of this according to the usual weight of the items. Also, they can do it by inspecting your location.
Then on the moving day, they weigh the moving van first and after loading your stuff they weigh the van. And minus the individual weight of the van from the total weight. And calculate your total expense. Here, the expense might be similar to the estimated one.
Suppose you have 3750 pounds of belongings and need to move 1100 miles then the total moving cost will be around $2550.
By the Hour
It’s usually applicable for local moving. Here the total time of moving includes packing, loading, traveling, unloading, unpacking, and others.
For example, a single-bedroom move requires almost 4 hours and it charges $200-$1000. On the other hand, a two bedroom or three bedroom moving needs 6-7 hours, here the cost rises up to $3500.
Factors That Impact Movers’ Charge
Not always the estimated charge is the final charge of moving. There are certain factors available that may increase the total cost of moving even sometimes change gradually. That involves-
Weight of Belongings
A little weight change can change the cost for both long and short-distance moving. The heavier your belongings, the more transportation and mover costs you need.
Volume of Items
It determines how much mover you need, number of moving vans it requires to move and so on. This fluctuates the total expense of moving. Suppose the cost of a single room moving isn’t going to be the same as the expense of an entire house moving.
Distance Matters the Most
Usually, a local move isn’t going to cost the same as a long-distance move. In long-distance moving movers may add additional fuel costs but do not always vary from mover to move.
Suppose a 5 bedroom house requires $7500 for short distance moving but for long distance, it increases up to $17,000 depending on the distance.
Season: Regular or Peak?
Movers charge high during the peak season such as summer, weekends, and end of the month.
At that time, the moving demand was higher than the number of movers and there was less availability of movers. That makes the charge high.
On the other hand, on regular days the cost is quite low and there you get a bunch of discounts too. I have had my lesson there once, after that, I never even needed to move in peak season!
How Do Interstate (Long Distance) Movers Charge?
Interstate moving is taken counter for the moving distances up to 100 miles. And calculated with the distance, weight of belongings, and other additionals. That is-
- If movers pack for you or give you materials including tapes, boxes, and blankets then you need to pay the charge if it’s not a full-service moving. As it’s going to be a long way moving, packing by the movers is the best option to secure the moving.
- If the distance is long or extends the estimated distance on that time charges may increase.
- Also, if there are stairs, hallways, and a shuttle needed to cross while moving, the movers may add these costs with the total charge too.
- For long-distance moving, there may be situations when you need to store your stuff. So, mover charges may also include that.
Basic Movers Charge For Weight vs Cubic Feet Moving Estimates
If you hire a renowned mover then the scam of charging won’t take place here but it can be difficult when you hire a scam moving company. No matter what the weight or cubic feet is. A well-known mover must give you an almost accurate moving estimate.
When mover charge depends on weight. It means the total weight of your belongings. No matter what the number of stuff you have, the total weight is everything. Also, USDOT approves the process. Even they sent a third party to measure the weight while moving. And the estimated binding cost is almost similar to the final cost.
On the other hand, when it comes to cubic feet it’s not approved by DOT. But it doesn’t mean it’s a bad option to choose. If the movers are renowned, then you must get the facility from here. As they can measure the move and estimate the free space of the moving van.
Suppose you have stuff of 100 cubic feet but somehow on the moving day, it ends up with 200 cubic feet. In that case, the cost may almost double. On the other hand, if the mover estimates the cost for 250 pounds then adding extra boxes without additional weight won’t cost more.
What Are the Minimums?
Minimums are the base amount of any move that doesn’t depend on how many movers worked, how many things you move, or the weight of the stuff. It’s the basic charge of a small move such as a single item move, relocating inside a home, and others. Even minimums are applicable for local and long-distance moving.
For example, if you hire a mover just to move a piano then you need to pay a base amount. It doesn’t matter if it takes an hour or not but you should pay.
Moving is a frustrating task and the charges are more typical to calculate. But if you hire professional movers then the expenses may become a bit easy for you. But if you get trapped by any scam moving company then the moving may become furious.
Moreover, in the above blog, we untie the facts on how you can get a proper estimation of moving costs and related facts with that. Let us know about your experience through the below connect section.
FAQ
Do All Moving Companies Use the Same Calculation Method?
No, all moving companies don’t use the same calculation method.
It varies from company to company. Some calculate based on weight, working hours, number of movers, distance of the move, and so on. Others may use the volume method to calculate. But no matter what the calculation method is, if you select a professional mover then there will be no chance of any scam.
Do Moving Companies Offer Discounts?
Yes, moving companies offer discounts.
But not all the moving companies offer discounts and it’s not mandatory. It’s an optional one that moving companies won’t publicly offer. They offer you over the phone or on the desk when you visit them and can ask them for an offer.
How Much Does It Cost to Move a 2,000 sq ft House?
$2000-$9000 costs to move a 2000 sq ft house.
There are several factors present to understand including the weight of the belongings, the required number of movers, moving distance, type of moving, and so on. Typically it’s estimated that a 2000 sq ft house must have the weight of furniture or stuff that may cost a move at least $2000.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire Movers for a Day?
Up to $8000 costs to hire movers for a day.
It depends on the number of required movers, type of moving, distance, weight of the belongings, time of the moving, and so on. Usually, a mover charges $25-$125 for an hour and there must include the charge for belongings, travel costs, and others. Also, long-distance and short-distance mover costs aren’t going to be the same.
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