When it comes to local moving, the short distance may fool you into thinking that it will be an easy task. It’s not. Moving never is. The advantage of the local moving is that you can do it on your own. Theoretically, if you have a lot of free time on your hands. The easiest way to move is to hire a local moving company. It can be maybe even cheaper since the local moving has many fees, details and state regulations that can complicate your moving process. This guide will help you to asses the local moving cost.
What is local moving exactly?
The expression “local moving” is regarding relocation that has a short distance.
More specifically, it means a radius of moving of about 50 miles from your current to your new home. If you are moving to a different neighborhood in the same city, it will be a clear example of the local move.
Also, local relocation is often referred to as an “intrastate move” that translates to a move within the same state.
An exception to the rule
Not all local moves are equal. The distance that separate local move from the long-distance relocation is different from state to state. For example, what constitutes a local move in Pennslyvania can be a totally different move in California.
In most states, the distance under 50 miles is considered as a local move, but in some states, that distance is even shorter.
That’s why you should see what are the distance requirements that constitutes local move in your state. That way, you will see should you be exploring the local moving cost, or you will need to prepare yourself for hiring long-distance movers.
What is the average local moving cost?
The local moving cost is based on the hourly rates of the movers.
The number of movers and the time that movers spend on loading, transporting and unloading your belongings will dictate the total cost of local moving.
On average, local moving companies has a fee of around $25 per hour, per movers. It will take approximately 6 hours that 3 movers relocate a two-bedroom apartment. The local moving cost with this characteristic will cost you about $450.
Ask for in-house estimation
The hourly rates can be higher if there are many relocation obstacles that can make move harder or longer.
An excessive number of stairs, narrow hallways, hard accessibility to the moving truck are just some of the things that can slow your relocation.
That is why is so hard to determine the exact local moving cost. Every move is unique in its own way and has its own challenges.
To get a clear idea about how moving locally will cost you, request the in-house estimation from the local movers.
When its representative arrives at your home, he will asses how much your move will approximately cost.
Based on the amount your stuff and relocation obstacles, he will estimate how many movers you will need and for how long.
Decrease the cost of local moving by decluttering
Keep in mind that more stuff that you have to move will require longer work hours and more manpower.
A good way to decrease the local moving cost is to pack only the items that you really need. When you start packing your home, you will see just how many things you don’t even use.
Decluttering your home is a great way to cut your moving expenses.
Travel Fees
If you are moving from one city to another in the same state, that will increase the cost of local moving.
In this case, you will have to pay travel fees to your movers. That means that you will be paying an hourly rate of your movers for the time that they are spending on the road, plus the gas money.
When you are moving within the same city, you won’t have to pay additionally for the gas. Still, the time that movers spend transporting your belongings from your current to your new home will be counted.
Tips for movers
Of course, you should include the tips for movers into the total moving costs.
While tipping is not mandatory, it is a common courtesy.
The tips should be in the range between 5%-15%. Make sure to divide the sum between the movers in a way that everyone gets an equal part. Surely you won’t tip movers that you are unsatisfied with. Still, if their work was great, tipping your movers is a great way to show them that you are happy with their performances.
Creating a moving budget for a local relocation
When you have the estimation about how much is the cost of local moving, you can calculate your moving budget. Of course, hiring movers isn’t the only cost of local moving.
Your local moving budget should include:
- The cost of hiring movers
- Travel Fees
- Tips for the movers
- Packing supplies if you are packing on your own
- The cost of the packing services if you want to use this additional service from your movers
- The cost of purchasing additional insurance if necessary
Choose your local movers wisely
While they are many reliable moving companies on the market, there are also those who will try to take advantage of you. Recognizing the fraudulent company is the first step to avoid moving scam.
While the long-distance companies are under the federal government’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulations, the local movers aren’t.
The individual states are regulating the local moving companies. While the licensing and certification requirements are similar for all states, it’s not the same. Control of the moving companies is loosened in some state, which is creating the perfect playground for many moving scams. Learn about your state’s individual regulations and find the moving company that fulfills all the requirements. Pay attention to the customer’s reviews and reputation of the company. Reputable companies care a lot about their image, so they won’t risk it by engaging in moving scams.