How Much Do Movers Cost Per Hour?

Written By Melanie Morris

Updated: February 6, 2026

Published on July 28, 2025

A mover and his customer reviewing a moving contract

If you’re getting ready to move, one of the first considerations you have is probably how much movers cost per hour. We’ve got the answer for you — the national average cost for labor-only movers is $81 per hour, while local full-service moves average $120 per hour, based on MovingPlace’s internal data.

However, those prices are just the baseline. The true cost of your move often factors in other considerations and can be much higher. Fortunately, this blog breaks down everything you need to know about how much it costs to move.

Service TypeTypical Hourly CostWhat’s Included in the CostLabor-Only$81/hourLoading and unloading services
You provide the moving truck or storage containerFull-Service Moving$120/hourLoading, transportation, and unloading services
The company provides the moving truck

Author

Melanie Morris

Melanie Morris is an editor and writer at MovingPlace, where she uses her observational skills honed from over 7 years of experience (and too much detective fiction) to demystify moving and make sure typos remain at a minimum. Moving from the southwest to head up and down the west coast and back again has also given her plenty of moving experience. Now, she makes sure that even if you’re just moving down the block, you have the accurate tips and know-how to make your relocation a breeze.

What Factors Can Influence Movers’ Hourly Rates?

Movers’ hourly rates can have a wide range based on several factors. While we’ve gone over the national average moving rates, you may find that your quoted cost is much higher or lower. Here’s what moving companies consider when creating your quote:

Service type: Labor-only moves tend to cost less because they don’t include a provided moving truck. Full-service movers provide everything for the relocation, so your cost includes transportation services.
Location: The overall cost of living affects your quoted price. It’s usually more affordable to move to low-cost-of-living areas than in major cities like San Francisco or New York City.
Distance: The distance between your old and new addresses affects how long it takes to complete the job. If you’re moving across the country or long-distance, prices can increase considerably.
Seasonality: Moving during peak seasons also increases costs, while moving in less busy months typically reduces them. Though not a hard-and-fast rule for every market, summer months and weekend moves usually have the highest costs.

Other Costs to Keep in Mind?

Some companies may charge additional fees, so a moving quote may look higher than the estimated hourly costs. Expect to pay the hourly moving charges for the entire duration of the move, plus any extra fees. Common additional fees include:

Tipping: While you don’t have to tip your movers, it’s customary and greatly appreciated for a job well done. Many people take 5% to 10% of the overall move cost and divide it evenly among movers.
Insurance: You don’t have to add extra insurance to your move, but it’s a good idea if you have expensive items. Moving companies only provide a base liability coverage for $0.60/pound of damaged items. Paying for extra insurance means you have coverage and peace of mind if an accident happens.
Staircases or elevators: Multifloor moves always complicate loading and unloading. Many movers charge extra for stairs — usually after the first flight — but what counts as a “flight” can vary by company. It’s best to check your mover’s stair policy to avoid surprises. The good news? Your quote through MP already includes stairs, as long as you answer the stair-related questions accurately during booking.
Long carry: Sometimes, there’s no convenient way to park a moving truck next to your home’s entrance. In that case, movers have to carry everything farther and charge accordingly.
Oversized items: Oversized or heavy items, like pianos, pool tables, or antique furniture, require special care and equipment to move safely. Moving companies often charge extra fees to handle these items.

Quick Tips for Reducing Moving Costs

With extra planning and effort, you can cut your moving costs. Just follow our tried-and-true methods to streamline your move and enjoy that extra cash left in your pocket.

Start decluttering early to minimize how much movers have to load and unload. Start sorting through your belongings to determine what you want to keep, donate, recycle, and dispose of around 4-6 weeks in advance.
Shop around for moving supplies to get the best prices on moving boxes.
Get multiple quotes to compare costs, services, and reviews.
Review quotes carefully to identify the total cost breakdown. It should include transportation charges, labor costs, any insurance coverage, and details about extra fees that may apply.
Consider renting your own moving truck and choosing labor-only services if your move isn’t complex. If you’re moving locally and don’t mind driving a truck, you can often save significantly.
Use a moving container like PODS, especially for long-distance or out-of-state moves. They tend to be more cost-effective than full-service movers.
Move during off-peak seasons to reduce your overall cost. These can vary based on location, but usually mid-week and winter moves come with lower rates.
Have everything ready on moving day to prevent delays that could increase hourly charges.