Quick take: How much do local movers cost?
- A two-person local mover will typically charge between $100 and $250 per hour, with most totaling between $400 and $2,500.
- The final price depends on the city you’re in, your home’s size, how long it will take to move your items, and if you opt for add-on services.
- Moving in high-demand markets like NYC and LA tends to cost more.
- Use the sections below to find the cost breakdown for your specific city or move type.
Here’s the thing: Local and long-distance moves aren’t billed the same way. If you’re moving out of the city or across state lines, movers will base their quote on weight and mileage.
That’s not the case for local moves. For that, you get billed by the hour. That’s why Oz Moving (and other moving companies) have a hard time providing an exact quote upfront. We’ll need to assess how long a job will take from start to finish.
We also need to know how many crew members we need to send. If your move requires more than two people, you’ll probably have to pay more. It all depends on how big your home is and if it has accessibility issues. If your building has no elevators, we’ll have to send more movers to bring your stuff down a flight of stairs.
Keep in mind that the term “local” might not mean the same where you’re from. Moving in Manhattan, for example, has different logistical issues than in suburban Connecticut or Los Angeles. So the pricing could be different, even though they’re all technically local moves.
Even we have to admit: Hourly moving rates can get confusing. So if you’re moving for the first time, we can only imagine your frustration. But Oz Moving operates in five local markets. So we’re in a good position to provide the basic information you’ll need.
For a broader overview of moving costs by distance, location, and home size, see our complete moving cost guide.
How Local Moving Costs Are Calculated
Here’s what we can tell you about local moving costs and how they all fit together.
Hourly Pricing Structure
Most local movers bill by the hour. Here are the details.
- Base Rate: Most local movers charge a base hourly rate that covers both the crew and the truck.
- Standard Setup: In most cases, you get two movers and a truck. If you have a large home, the moving company will send more workers.
- Typical National Rates: Local moving costs around $100 to $150 per hour. But rates might be higher or lower in the city you’re based in.
- Minimum Hours: Most movers set a minimum, usually 2 to 3 hours.
What Factors Affect Total Time?
Any of these factors can slow down the moving process. That means higher costs.
- Distance: Even a “local” move can cover 30 or more miles in a spread-out metro like LA.
- Volume: The workers need to be compensated if they’re moving more items than normal.
- Building Access Issues: Movers have to account for issues like long elevator wait times and parking limits.
- Added Services: Add-on services like packing, furniture disassembly, and specialty handling are billed separately.
What’s Included in a Local Moving Service?
When you sign up for our local moving service, you pay for labor (loading and unloading), the moving truck (including fuel), and basic valuation coverage (limited liability).
Here’s a list of what’s not included.
- Packing Services: You’d have to pay more if you want the movers to pack and unpack moving boxes.
Learn More About Packing Services - Specialty Handling: Valuable items like pianos, safes, and artwork are handled differently.
- Stair and Long Carry Fees: You’ll have to pay extra if you live in a hard-to-access building.
- Permits and COIs: You have to secure permits and a Certificate of Insurance (COI) if required.
- Gratuity: It’s customary to leave a 18% to 22% tip.
Are you moving within New York City, Brooklyn, New Jersey, Connecticut, or Los Angeles? We have over 30 years of experience working in these areas. Let’s talk about the complexities of local moving in those areas.
Local Moving Costs by City
Every city is different as far as moving costs go. Let’s look at the different cost drivers per city as well as the price range for each one.
New York City Moving Costs
Cost: $400 to $2,000
Moving in New York City is complicated and expensive because of all the logistical challenges. Below are just a few of the things you’d have to consider.
- COI Requirements: Many buildings require movers to provide a Certificate of Insurance before entering. Most moving companies will take care of this for you. But an upscale NYC condo might have high liability limits. If that’s the case, you could end up paying more.
- Elevator Reservations: Elevator reservations are necessary in most NYC buildings. Violating these rules can lead to heavy fines. Your movers could even be turned away at the door. That’s why you’ll need to book an elevator.
- Parking and Loading Zones: The city has strict parking rules because curb space is at a premium. It’s especially difficult in Manhattan and parts of Brooklyn and Queens. So you’ll want to talk to your movers about parking arrangements for moving day.
- Walk-Ups: Some brownstones and buildings don’t have freight elevators. That’s why some moving companies add stair fees.
Most NYC local moves run $400 to $2,000 or more. It all depends on your apartment size and the neighborhood you’re moving from and to.
For a full breakdown of NYC moving costs by apartment size and borough: How Much Does Moving Cost in NYC?
Get a Free Moving Quote for New York City
Brooklyn Moving Costs
Cost: $350 to $400 (small apartment); $1,500+ (large home)
While it’s part of NYC, Brooklyn deserves its own entry. Why? Because access and pricing can vary dramatically here. For example, moving to a Park Slope brownstone presents a different challenge than that in a Downtown Brooklyn high-rise.
Here’s a list of some issues you might come across.
- Walk-Up Brownstones: These are everywhere in Brooklyn. And if the movers have trouble walking up flights of stairs, they’ll have to charge extra.
- Narrow Streets: Areas like Cobble Hill or Carroll Gardens have narrow streets. This prevents full-size trucks from parking close.
- Borough-to-Borough Moves: Trips to Manhattan or Queens involve crossing a bridge or tunnel. Toll fees aren’t included in your local moving costs.
Brooklyn local moves usually start at $350 to $400 for a small apartment. Larger homes with more rooms and tougher access can raise your bill to $1,500 or more.
For borough-specific pricing and what to expect: How Much Do Brooklyn Movers Cost?
Get a Free Moving Quote for Brooklyn
New Jersey Moving Costs
Cost: $350 to $1,500
New Jersey covers a lot of area. Areas like Jersey City and Hoboken are a bit like NYC given how dense they are. But suburban towns farther out are much easier to work in.
Because the state is so varied, pricing depends heavily on where you start and end.
- Cross-State Moves: NJ-to-NYC moves mean paying tolls, securing permits, and fulfilling COI requirements on the NYC side.
- Suburban Access: Parking and building access are usually easier in the suburban areas. So there’s a chance that you won’t have to pay as much.
- County Differences: Pricing shifts a lot by county. North Jersey near NYC runs higher than Central or South Jersey.
Local NJ moves usually fall between $350 and $1,500. The total depends on your home size and how close you are to NYC.
For a full NJ pricing breakdown: How Much Do Movers Cost in NJ?
Get a Free Moving Quote for New Jersey
Connecticut Moving Costs
Cost: $300 to $1,200
Connecticut is a cross between a suburban and semi-rural market. That usually means easier access and lower hourly rates than NYC.
Distances within the state can run longer, though. Since distance affects moving time, truck mileage, and labor, moving here can get expensive.
- NYC Metro Transfers: Many CT moves involve trips to or from the NYC area. That extra mileage and complexity can raise costs.
- Seasonal Spikes: Demand climbs in summer and around school-year transitions. This is pretty common in Connecticut suburbs. We don’t advise you to move during peak season.
- Coastal Towns: Greenwich, Darien, and Westport carry higher costs of living. Local mover rates in those towns reflect that.
Most CT local moves run between $300 and $1,200. A small in-town move sits at the low end. A larger home or a trip to the NYC metro pushes you toward the top of that range.
For a detailed CT pricing guide: How Much Do Movers Cost in CT?
Get a Free Moving Quote for Connecticut
Los Angeles Moving Costs
Cost: $400 to $2,000
Los Angeles is such a big place. So much so that a local move can cover 30+ miles. And since you’re getting billed by the hour, you should have some extra cash on hand just in case. It could take several hours before movers can make it to your new place.
Below are some of the factors you should consider when moving in LA.
- Traffic: Moves during peak freeway hours take longer and cost more. Timing your move around rush hour helps.
- Neighborhood Access: Hillside homes in the Canyons or Silver Lake have narrow driveways and limited truck access.
- Parking Permits: Denser areas like West Hollywood or Santa Monica often require parking permits.
- Peak Demand: Summer months and month-end lease turnover push prices up across the city.
Local LA moves usually run $400 to $2,000 or more.
For a full LA moving cost breakdown: How Much Do LA Movers Cost?
Get a Free Moving Quote for Los Angeles
Local Moving Costs by Move Type
Other than residential, there are two other types of moves: commercial and storage. Both are priced differently, so they’re worth discussing.
Local Office and Commercial Moving Costs
A local office or commercial move requires more crews and equipment. These also happen after work hours or on weekends. It’s done this way so business operations don’t suffer. But this results in higher moving costs.
Here are the factors that affect pricing.
- Office Size: The number of workstations, IT equipment, and modular furniture systems all affect the number of movers and hours needed.
- Building Access: The moving company will check if there’s access to loading docks and elevators. It will also make sure you have all the requirements (like COIs) sorted.
- Scheduling: After-hours or weekend work means higher labor rates.
- IT Handling: Disconnecting and reconnecting equipment is billed separately from the physical move.
Here’s what NYC office moves tend to run, based on size. A small office starts around $1,500. A mid-sized office falls between $3,000 and $7,000. A large or multi-floor move can easily top $10,000.
For a full office moving cost breakdown: How Much Do Office Movers Cost in NYC?
Get a Free Commercial Moving Quote
Local Storage Costs
Sometimes people need to store their stuff in between moves. For example, some need to move out before their new place is ready for occupancy. That’s when temporary storage comes in. You can have the moving company take care of your items and have them delivered when you’re ready.
Storage costs in NYC tend to run considerably higher than national averages. That’s mostly because of real estate pricing. How much you pay will depend on the following.
- Unit Size: Prices scale from small lockers up to full-room units.
- Borough and Neighborhood: For instance, Manhattan storage costs more than the outer boroughs.
- Climate and Specialty Storage: Storing valuable items like art, wine, and furniture costs more because they need special handling.
- Access and Amenities: How often you visit and what the facility offers affect the monthly rate.
For a full NYC storage cost guide: What Are the Storage Costs in NYC?
You can also see the full storage services page.
How to Save Money on a Local Move
There are practical ways to lower local moving costs. Below are seven tips on how you can do just that.
- Book Mid-Week and Mid-Month: There’s more demand on Fridays, weekends, and the last few days of the month when leases turn over. You’ll save money by booking when there’s less demand for moving services.
- Book Early: Reserve your date at least 3 to 4 weeks out. Prices tend to increase the closer you book to moving day. For reference, Oz Moving’s market peaks in the summer, from June to August.
- Declutter Before the Crew Arrives: You want movers to go in and out of your home as quickly as possible. Remember that you’re billed by the hour. Decluttering makes sure the movers can work faster.
- Be Ready on Moving Day: Have boxes packed, furniture prepped, and pathways clear before the movers show up.
- Understand Your Building’s Requirements: Arrange COIs, elevator reservations, and parking arrangements in advance. This helps you avoid day-of delays.
- Get at Least Two Written Estimates: You’ll want to do some research. Beyond the hourly rate, you’ll want to see what else is included in your moving package. Some companies might have low hourly rates but require people to pay add-on fees.
- Do What Makes Sense Yourself: Pack clothes, linens, and books on your own to cut hours. Leave specialty items like mirrors, artwork, and furniture assembly to the pros.
Why Choose Oz Moving for Your Local Move
Not all movers understand what “local” really means. What do we mean by that?
- In Manhattan, it means handling COI requirements and freight elevator windows.
- In Brooklyn, it means threading a truck through a block of parked cars on a one-way street.
- In LA, it means planning around traffic before the crew arrives.
Claiming to be a local moving expert shouldn’t be a marketing tagline. You’ll want to work with a company that truly understands the market that it’s in. If not, then you’ll end up spending more than necessary.
How Oz Moving Prices Local Moves
We start with a free walkthrough, either in your home or online. From there, you get a transparent quote with no hidden minimums.
Oz is licensed across the regulators that matter in each market (NYS DOT, NJ PC, CTDOT, and CAL-T).
These are the reasons why Oz Moving is worth partnering with.
- Decades of Experience: We have over 30 years of experience operating in NYC. We’ve got deep knowledge of the five boroughs’ building rules, permit steps, and seasonal demand.
- Wide Service Area: We serve all of NYC’s five boroughs, Westchester, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Los Angeles.
- Proven Scale: We have over 200 movers and 50 trucks. And in our 30 years of operation, we’ve completed over 500,000 moves.
Here’s what we have to offer as part of our local moving service.
- Transparent Quotes: We’ll tell you how much your move will cost and all the included perks.
- COI Handling: We’ll help coordinate with your building to see what their moving requirements are. It’s worth pointing out that we’re already familiar with building requirements in the metro.
- Flexible Scheduling: We offer flexible scheduling. So if you’re doing a commercial move, we can do it in the evenings or on weekends.
- Trained Crews: Our movers know how to deal with walk-ups, freight elevators, and narrow streets. We also know how to work with specialty items like artwork.
Ready to get a number for your move? Get a free quote from Oz Moving. We’ll give you a clear estimate based on your specific needs and location.
Tips to Lower Local Moving Costs
Looking for more ways to save? Here are three extra tips that go beyond the basics above.
Source Reusable Boxes
Sometimes it’s cheaper to rent than to buy disposable moving boxes. Plus, you don’t have to deal with disposal afterward.
Read: Where to Rent Reusable Plastic Moving Boxes.
Sell or Donate Bulky Furniture
Get rid of heavy couches or dressers you won’t need in the new place. This will speed up the moving process since there are fewer items to move.
Read: How to Get Rid of a Couch.
Have a Plan
Having a well-thought-out plan can help you prevent costly mistakes. Make sure you prepare weeks before your big move. Don’t be afraid to ask your mover for advice.
Read: 5 Common Moving Mistakes to Avoid in NYC.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much should I tip local movers?
Tipping is customary but not required. The standard is 18% to 22% of the total bill. That’s roughly $20 to $50 per mover for a half-day move. Cash is preferred.
How far in advance should I book local movers?
For most local moves, 3 to 4 weeks is a reasonable minimum. Book 6 to 8 weeks out if you’re moving in June, July, or August, or at the end of the month.
Do local movers charge extra for stairs or elevators?
Many do. Stair fees sometimes apply after the first flight. Some buildings charge elevator reservation fees that get passed on to you. Ask about both before booking.
Is a binding estimate better than a non-binding one?
A binding estimate locks in your price no matter the conditions. A non-binding one can go up if the move goes longer than planned. For local moves, non-binding hourly estimates are common. Just confirm the rate and any minimums.
Are local moves covered by insurance?
Basic valuation coverage, or limited liability, is typically included. Full-value protection costs extra. For high-value items, consider upgrading your coverage.
How much do local movers charge per hour?
A two-person crew runs about $100 to $150. A three-person crew runs $150 to $250.
Is there a minimum number of hours for local movers?
Yes, most local movers set a minimum. It’s usually 2 to 3 hours. Ask about the minimum when you book.
Is local moving cheaper in NYC, Brooklyn, NJ, CT, or LA?
Yes, rates vary by market. Connecticut and New Jersey suburbs tend to run lower. New York City and Los Angeles sit higher. Compare your area with our NYC and LA cost guides.
How much does it cost to move an office locally?
Small offices start around $1,500. Mid-sized offices run $3,000 to $7,000. Larger jobs can top $10,000. See our office moving cost guide.
How much does short-term storage cost during a local move?
It depends on unit size and location. NYC rates run higher than the national average. See our NYC storage cost guide.
