You don’t have to move mountains, just your stuff! Well, maybe you do need to move a few heavy couches and a ton of boxes, but you get the idea.
Moving can be a real headache—even when it’s just a short distance.
Did you know that the average American moves about 11.7 times in their life?
And while you may think you’ve got it all under control, one thing that can make or break your experience is choosing the right short distance movers.
Think about it: it’s not just about shoving everything into the back of a truck and hoping for the best.
When you’re moving just down the block or across town, you want a team that gets your stuff from point A to point B quickly, carefully, and without any funny business.
No one wants a surprise bill at the end of the day or to find that their favorite lamp is shattered because it wasn't packed right.
So, how do you find the best local moving companies (or short distance movers) that are trustworthy, affordable, and won’t ruin your life?
Well, don't worry; we've got all the info you need to make sure your move goes smoothly!
Short distance movers near me are a dime a dozen, but finding the right one is another story.
You want someone who knows what they’re doing, who’s reliable, and who won’t make you pay an arm and a leg.
According to a survey, the average cost of a local move (one under 100 miles) is around $2,000, so you definitely don’t want to just pick any mover without doing your homework.
Now, if you're ready to find the best local moving companies and avoid the ones that might ruin your day, stick with us.
Stressed About the Move? Find the best moving companies and let the professionals handle it for you!
Know Exactly What You Need Before You Start
We know you’re probably thinking, “I just need to get this over with.” But spend a little time figuring out what you actually need.
Do you have a one-bedroom apartment or a massive five-bedroom house?
Are you moving heavy furniture or just a few boxes of old clothes? These details are crucial.
For instance, short distance moving companies (that’s what we’re after, remember?) might handle smaller moves differently than larger companies that do big, cross-country moves.
Some movers specialize in fragile items, while others have a truck that’s practically a mobile storage unit.
Think about it: do you need local movers near me who can also help you pack, or do you just need a couple of people to show up and load your stuff into the back of a truck?
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Do Your Homework (Don’t Just Google "Best Short Distance Movers Near Me")
When you search for short distance movers near me, you'll probably get a bunch of names, but you've to go deeper.
You can’t just click the first result and hope for the best. You need to check reviews, ask your neighbors if they've had any good experiences, and even ask your local Facebook group if anyone knows of affordable local moving services.
Even My moving journey and Google reviews are your friends here.
Here’s a pro tip: always look for companies that have been around for a while. Not saying you need to go with a dinosaur, but if a company has tons of reviews and a proven track record, they’re likely reliable.
You don’t want to end up with a company that’s been around for two weeks and doesn’t even know how to carry a couch.
Get Multiple Quotes (Because You Don’t Want to Overpay)
Now, here’s where it gets a little tricky: pricing.
Some movers might try to sneak in extra fees, and that’s when you get hit with surprise charges.
To avoid that, get at least three quotes. And when we say quotes, we mean actual written ones—no “We’ll let you know later” stuff. You’re not a bank, and you shouldn’t have to guess the price.
To make sure you’re comparing apples to apples, ask about all possible charges upfront. Things like:
- Will they charge extra if you have stairs? (Spoiler: most companies will)
- Do they offer packing services, or is that extra?
- What about insurance? Are your things covered if something breaks?
- And short distance moving quotes depend on the distance, the amount of stuff, and whether you need additional short distance moving services.
Need help finding top-notch short distance movers? Get a free quote now and start your stress-free move today!
Ask the Right Questions
By now, you should have a shortlist of the best local moving companies.
But here’s where you separate the “good” movers from the “great” ones: you need to ask the right questions.
Here’s a list of stuff to ask:
- Are you licensed and insured?”(Don’t skip this one. No insurance? No deal.)
- How long have you been in business?
- Can you give me an estimate on how long the move will take? (This helps you plan your day.)
Find affordable local moving services that fit your budget! Compare moving companies in your area and save big!
Get the Details Straight in Writing
Before you hand over any cash or sign anything, make sure you understand everything.
Read through the moving contract. Don’t just skim it.
It should include:
- The short distance moving company’s name and address.
- A detailed list of the services they’re providing.
- The price, including any potential add-ons.
- The delivery window.
By this point, you should have your professional movers for short distances picked out, and you should be feeling pretty good about things.
But here’s one more thing: let’s talk about tipping.
How Much to Tip Movers for Short Distance Moves?
We know it’s awkward. You’ve probably never tipped movers before, but tipping is a way to show your appreciation for a job well done.
The general rule for how much to tip movers short distance is about $20 to $50 per mover.
If they do a particularly great job—showing up on time, being careful with your stuff, being super friendly—feel free to go above that.
Need more details on tipping your movers? Find out how much to tip movers and show appreciation for a job well done!
Be Prepared for Moving Day (And Don’t Freak Out)
You've got your movers; the quotes are in, and everything's looking good.
Now, it’s time to get ready for the big day.
Here’s what you need to do:
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Declutter: Go through your stuff and toss what you don’t need. (your new place will thank you.)
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Pack: Start early, and don’t procrastinate. If you’re not going to pack yourself, hire the movers for packing services.
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Label Everything: Make sure boxes are clearly labeled so your local moving companies don’t have to guess where everything goes.
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Stay Hydrated and Fed: Moving is hard work, so keep everyone fueled and hydrated. It's like an Olympic event but with couches.
How Much Do Short-Distance Movers Cost?
So, you’re probably wondering, "How much is this going to cost me?"
Honestly, it's not as simple as giving you one magic number because a few things factor into the price.
But let's break it down, piece by piece.
The Basics of Short-Distance Moving Costs
When it comes to short distance movers, the price usually depends on a few key things:
Time: Movers usually charge based on the number of hours they work. The more stuff you’ve got, the longer the move takes.
Size of the Move: Are you moving a whole mansion or just a couple of suitcases? Bigger homes mean more work and higher costs.
Distance: Since we’re talking about short distance moves, the distance between your old place and your new place still matters, even if it’s just a few miles away.
Additional Services: Need help packing, disassembling furniture, or moving delicate stuff? Those things usually cost extra.
Time of Year: Just like with anything else, timing can affect the price. Moves in peak season (summer) might be more expensive because movers are in high demand.
Average Costs for Short Distance Moves
Based on everything we mentioned, here's what you can expect to pay for a short distance move (typically under 100 miles):
| Type of Move | Average Cost | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Studio/1 Bedroom Move | $250 – $600 | Small, quick moves for a one-bedroom apartment or studio. This is perfect for minimal stuff. |
| 2 Bedroom Move | $400 – $800 | It takes a bit more stuff and a little longer time, but it is still manageable for most movers. |
| 3 Bedroom Move | $600 – $1,200 | Typically, it takes a few hours, maybe more, depending on the size of the furniture and the number of boxes. |
| 4+ Bedroom Move | $1,000 – $2,000+ | Larger homes with more belongings. The movers will need more time and resources. |
| Hourly Rate | $100 – $150/hour | Most movers charge an hourly rate. You're paying for time spent plus a truck. The longer the move, the higher the cost. |
Note: This is just the ballpark, and your costs might vary based on factors like distance, extra services, and more.
Extra Costs to Consider
So, you’ve got your base cost figured out, but what about the little extras?
These might sneak up on you if you're not careful. Let’s go through some common ones:
| Additional Costs | Range | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Packing Materials | $100 – $300 | Boxes, tape, bubble wrap, and other supplies you might need. |
| Furniture Disassembly | $50 – $150 | Taking apart and putting together large furniture like beds or dressers. |
| Stair Fees | $50 – $100 | Charges for moving items up or down stairs. |
| Long Carry Fees | $50 – $100 | Charges for a long distance between your door and the truck. |
| Insurance | $100 – $200 | Extra protection for your belongings. |
Stay Cool During the Move
It’s happening—your stuff is moving! Stay calm, don’t micromanage, and let the movers do their thing.
If you’ve hired the right short distance moving companies, you’re in good hands.
