If you're planning a local move to Queens, you might wonder about the cost involved and how to budget for it effectively. Moving can often come with unexpected expenses, but understanding the breakdown of costs can help you plan and manage your finances more efficiently.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll delve into the various factors that contribute to the price of your local move, providing you with valuable insights and tips to ensure you spend your money wisely.
So, let's dive in and explore how to budget smartly for your upcoming move with the assistance of reliable local movers in Queens.
Table of Contents
What Is the Cost of a Local Move?
Moving locally is less expensive than moving across the country, but it still comes with its own set of costs. The volume of goods will determine your moving bill, the services you need, and the distance traveled (a local move is under 100 miles).
Learn more about typical moving costs to start planning your budget for a move today!
What Are the Local Moving Charges?
Local movers usually charge a flat hourly rate of $100 for a two-person moving crew. A three-bedroom house of average size can be moved with a two-person moving crew. However, a large home may require three or four men (costing about $50 per hour more).
The cost of moving is directly proportional to the time the movers take to load up the truck, drive to your new house, and unload your goods. You will pay more if you have large amounts of furniture to disassemble, reassemble, or stack boxes.
Additional Services
You may be charged extra for moving services. You may be charged extra for the following:
- Stair carries
- Furniture disassembly & reassembly
- Disconnecting and reconnecting appliances
- Elevator Carriers
- Long Carriers
- Shuttle service (when goods are transferred into a smaller truck because the larger truck can't fit through your street or park close to your home).
- Moving special items like a grandfather clock, piano, artwork, antiques, or pool tables
- Packaging supplies include upholstery blankets, bubble wrap, and shrink wrap.
Ask about any possible extra charges when you receive an estimate in-house from the moving company. Your quote will be more accurate if you provide as much information to the surveyor.
Packing Services
Consider packing services if wrapping and boxing your household's belongings makes you nauseous. You can expect to pay between several hundred and up to several thousand dollars for packing services provided by your movers or a separate firm (on top of the cost of other moving services). The weight of the goods determines the cost of packing, how long it takes to pack, and the price of the supplies.
You can find the average packing costs in the table below. Remember that these figures were calculated using an online moving calculator and do not represent the prices of any specific company.
| Size of Residence | Packing Labor | Packing Materials |
| One-bedroom apartment (3,500 lb) | $218 | $105 |
| Two-bedroom apartment (5,000 lb) | $320 | $150 |
| Three-bedroom apartment (7,500 lb) | $468 | $225 |
| Three-bedroom house (10,000 lb) | $625 | $300 |
| Four-bedroom house (15,000 lb) | $937 | $450 |
| Five-bedroom house (20,000) | $1250 | $600 |
Packing Supplies
You must purchase the necessary supplies if you decide to pack your items. It can be expensive to purchase these items from a moving supply retailer. A three-bedroom standard home's packing kit can cost several hundred dollars. This does not include bubble wrap or specialty cartons such as mirror boxes, wardrobes, or blankets to protect your furniture.
Some of these items may be included in the moving services that you hire. Ask the movers what they'll provide and what additional costs may be added to your bill.
Insurance
This standard liability insurance is called Released Value Protection. The insurance only pays $0.60 per pound for damaged or lost goods. To increase protection, you can purchase extra coverage through your mover or a third-party carrier. You should ask any potential mover about their insurance options and associated costs.
Truck Rentals
Renting a truck is a good option if you plan to do a DIY move. Renting a truck can be more affordable (especially for local moves), but it takes more energy, time, and strength to complete. It's always a good idea to ask friends and family for help when moving without professionals–especially when it comes to the heavy lifting.
Prices for a truck rental will vary depending on your home's size. Here are some examples from the website of a major truck rental company:
- 10 feet (suggested length for apartment moves): $19.95
- 17-foot home (two- to three-bedroom): $29.95
- 20-foot (four-bedroom home): $39.95
You will be charged $0.99 per mile after the initial daily rate. You may be required to fill up the gas tank (usually about half) before returning the truck.
Other costs of truck rental include:
- Insurance
- Rental Tax
- Environmental fee
Renting moving tools such as dollies, straps, and hand trucks for moving furniture and appliances is often possible through the truck rental agency.
How to Save Money on Your Local Move
Free supplies are available. You can find free moving supplies rather than paying for expensive boxes. Use old linens and blankets to cover furniture and old towels for cushioning. You can also find sturdy cardboard boxes at grocery, book, and liquor stores. Be careful when packing glassware or other breakables in used boxes. Make sure you reinforce the bottom of them with lots of tape.
Reduce the amount of stuff you own. Sorting through your clutter and reducing your load is the easiest way to reduce your moving costs. The less you need to move, because you will have less to pack or rent a truck, you can save money by reducing the amount of stuff you have to transport. You can make some extra money by selling your items online, having a garage, or having a donation sale.
Compare quotes. Compare quotes as soon as you can to save money and shop around. Don't hire the cheapest moving company. A quote drastically lower than others can be a warning sign of a scam. Get at least three in-house quotes from different moving companies before you decide on the price and service.
Conclusion
Moving in Queens can be an exciting but costly endeavor. We have provided a comprehensive breakdown of the costs of a local move, helping you budget effectively and avoid unexpected expenses. We have covered everything from the hourly rates charged by local movers in Queens to additional services like packing and insurance.
Choosing a reliable moving company ensures a smooth and stress-free move. That's why we highly recommend Big Mike's Moving Companies Queens. With our professional and experienced team, we can handle all your moving needs efficiently and with the utmost care.
So don't let the fear of overspending hold you back. Use the valuable insights from this guide to plan your budget wisely and make your local move to Queens a seamless and affordable experience. Get in touch with Big Mike's Moving Companies Queens today to receive a personalized quote and start your moving journey with confidence.