This month, I surveyed moving companies to see what inflation has done to the cost of moving house.

The quick and dirty answer is:

If you are moving within a few miles from your current home, the cost for a two or three-bedroom move is between $1000-2000.

The variables that bring it closer to $2000:

  • There are flights of stairs at either end of the trip.
  • There are tight corners that make moving hard at either end of the trip.
  • You are moving during peak season.

How many people? How many trucks?

Most of the movers I spoke to recommend a three-person crew. All expected that a three-bedroom move can generally fit in a single truck.

  • Rate per hour ranged from $129-250 an hour for three people.
  • One company suggested a four person crew for a three bedroom household. That was $325 an hour.
  • Some had truck or gas fees, from $75-110.

How long does it take to move?

Many of the companies had a three hour minimum charge. That tells me that some local moves may take less time than that.

Most expected that a move would take 5-7 hours for a three bedroom place. Again, stairs and tight corners slow things down.

What about busy season?

Eastern Massachusetts runs on the academic schedule. Because so many renters work in education, or attend college here, leases renew during the summer. Therefore, several moving companies have peak pricing for June, July, and August moves.

Most movers need a month’s notice for a summer move. They can hire extra staff, but they own a finite number of trucks.

Tips for movers:

Moving with children: 

Moving is very disruptive. If it is possible to keep children away from the movers, it is safer for everyone.

Children should have the opportunity to say goodbye to their current bedroom, and the property in general. Then they should be reintroduced to their new space after the furniture is placed in their new bedroom. If possible, one parent can occupy the children during the move. If not, try to recruit another adult to provide a distraction.

Depending on the age of the child, it is helpful to create a sense of continuity between the two homes. The younger the child, the more concrete information is needed. Show the child which bedroom is theirs and where the other family members will sleep. On moving day, bring the child into their new bedroom once the furniture is placed. Some children can help unpack and decorate; some will be too young.

Moving with pets: 

Most pets will settle into a new home as long as their people and their things are there. Some will attempt to run away, back to the previous property. Therefore, dogs should be leashed until you are confident that they are settled. Cats should be kept indoors until they are fully acclimated.

Pets do better away from the action. If your dog has a pet-sitter or walker, this may be a good day to keep the dog busy off-site. Cats and caged pets should be kept in one room with a closed door during the move. Empty one room and keep the pets in there (It can be a bathroom or other small space). Then prepare one room in the new home where the pets can be moved in, away from the movers. Depending on the distance between the properties, these pets can stay in the previous space until the movers are entirely completed or get moved into a single room while other rooms are still being unloaded. Open the interior door for these pets once you are finished going in and out of the house to limit the chances of escapees.

Real Simple created this post, which covers the essential moving tips. These apply to everyone.

  1. Get rid of some stuff
  2. Make a moving folder
  3. Pack as far in advance as possible
  4. Book early
  5. Schedule utilities for your new place
  6. Keep the essentials with you
  7. Invest in equipment
  8. Get a truck with a loading ramp
  9. Measure, measure, measure
  10. Snap lots of pics
  11. Unpack on a deadline
  12. Deal with all those packing supplies

Packing Tips for Moving

  1. Use the right size boxes
  2. And suitcases
  3. Put heavier items on the bottoms of boxes, lighter items on top
  4. Don’t leave empty spaces in the boxes
  5. Avoid mixing items from different rooms in the same box
  6. Label each box with the room it’s destined for and a description of its contents
  7. Tape your moving boxes well
  8. If you’re moving expensive art, ask your mover about special crating
  9. Take special care packing the kitchen for moving
  10. Grab a cooler
  11. Get your wardrobe in order
  12. Learn how to pack a TV for moving
  13. Wrap big or valuable furniture