Whether you're relocating to a new home or office space, it's crucial to understand the costs involved in the process. In this guide, we will delve into the various expenses associated with relocation and shed light on how to manage your budget effectively.
We understand that finding reliable local movers in Brooklyn is essential to any successful move, and we will explore their services and costs in detail. By the end of this guide, you'll clearly understand the expenses you can anticipate, enabling you to plan your budget accordingly. Let's dive in!
What Is the Cost of Moving?
The excitement of starting anew in a different place is exciting. Renting or buying a home is likely your next step, but you must still budget to move.
The average cost for a move can vary widely. The cost of a move depends on several factors.
The distance you are moving.
You'll need to consider the size of your house and how much stuff you have.
Either employ a professional mover or do it yourself by renting a moving truck.
Average Moving Costs
According to data from the home services booking website Angi, when this article was written, the national average cost for hiring local movers was $1,712. Angi defines a local move as one within the state borders and takes up to two hours to drive — or approximately 100 miles.
The U.S. Census Bureau estimates that 79% of people who relocate stay in the same area or county. As a result, the national average cost reflects this. If you move a distance above average, your bill will be higher.
Let's examine moving costs based on distance to get a better estimate.
The Costs of Moving Local
HomeAdvisor's digital marketplace for home service providers, HomeAdvisor, reported that a local move costs on average between $914 to $2,530 when this article was written. This estimate includes the cost of two professional movers and a truck rental.
You can save money by moving yourself if you want to do the physical work. Move.org reports that renting a truck to move locally costs, on average, $150. Larger trucks and long distances will cost more. This might seem like a good deal, but there are still costs to consider, such as gas, supplies for moving, taxes, and sometimes a fee per mile.
The Cost of Moving Long Distances
HomeAdvisor estimated the average national cost of a cross-country move at $4,798, ranging from $2,652 to $6,982. Costs can reach $10,000 or even more if you move long distances or bring many items.
A long-distance relocation is generally defined as a move that covers 100 miles or greater. Although you can rent a truck for this type of move, hiring a moving company will save you time and stress. It's worth investing in a professional moving company to safely pack and transport your items. They'll be in transit longer, so it's a good investment.
What Is the Hourly Rate of Movers?
A typical hourly rate for hiring one or two movers is between $38 and $75. This estimate is based upon the cost of local moving.
You can hire only labor movers to help you load and unload your truck or container if you own one. The cost of hiring movers is included in the overall moving estimate.
Tipping is customary for movers. It's recommended to give at least 10% or 20% of the total price, depending on how well they perform.
Factors to Consider on Moving
Although national averages are helpful, the final cost of moving will depend on you and your situation. Consider these variables.
Home Size
Moving to a larger house with more possessions takes more time. Local movers often charge by the hour. Some, like full-service, long-distance moving companies, charge a fixed fee that considers the weight of your shipment. Your home's size will affect the cost.
You can expect to pay less to move to a studio or one-bedroom apartment and more to move to a multi-bedroom single-family house.
Distance
Mileage is also a major factor that determines the cost of moving. Local moves are easier and less expensive than long-distance ones.
In most cases, the higher travel costs, such as tolls, gas, and hotel rooms for your moving crew, are included in your quote.
Hire Movers or DIY?
You can save money by doing some of the work yourself. Consider your options on three levels:
Renting a moving truck. Renting a truck and doing all the heavy lifting can save you money.
Moving container service. Renting a moving container is a good option. You (or only labor-only movers) load the container at your home. A professional driver picks up the container and is transported to the new location for unloading.
Hire professional movers. It's more expensive, but this is the best option for long or complicated moves. Get at least three estimates before choosing a moving company to avoid paying too much.
Truck Size
Standard sizes of moving trucks are available for rental. Renting a bigger truck costs more.
Small: A truck of 10 or 12 feet can be used to move a one-bedroom flat.
Medium: The size of these trucks ranges from 14 to 20 feet. Mid-size moving trucks can transport the contents of larger apartments or condos, up to three-bedroom houses.
Large: Moving trucks that are larger than 26 feet can accommodate moves of three to five-bedroom homes.
Moving Supplies
You can save money by buying these items second-hand or finding them for free at the grocery store. These items can be purchased second-hand or for free from grocery stores.
Be sure to keep a box cutter and garbage bags handy when unpacking. You can then keep everything tidy and dispose of packing materials that you cannot reuse.
If you plan to move, buy or rent furniture pads, tie-down straps, or cables. Professional movers usually have these items on hand. It's worth investing in heavy-duty work gloves to protect your hands while lifting those boxes.
The Time of the Year
The busiest moving months are spring and summer, so be prepared to pay more and book your date as early as possible. Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, many moving companies are booked up.
Booking during the off-season can save you money, but the winter weather and school schedules will make it difficult.
Specialty Items
Moving companies charge more for heavy, expensive, or delicate items such as hot tubs, pianos, aquariums, or safes. Climate-controlled storage is necessary for some items, such as musical instruments and wine collections, which can be damaged in extreme temperatures or humidity.
There will be an additional charge to ship cars, boats, or other vehicles.
Additional Services
The base rate of a moving company usually only covers the cost of moving. Additional services, such as packing, unpacking, and reassembling furniture, are more expensive.
Can Moving Expenses Be Deducted?
No, in most cases. Only active duty military personnel can claim moving deductions under the current tax code. If you've moved permanently due to an order from the military, you are eligible for a moving deduction.
Conclusion
Understanding the costs associated with your move is vital when budgeting and planning for a successful relocation. Whether hiring professional movers in Brooklyn or opting for a DIY approach, it's important to consider factors such as distance, home size, truck size, moving supplies, and additional services that may impact the overall cost. By considering these variables and obtaining multiple quotes, you can make an informed decision that fits your budget and ensures a smooth transition to your new home.
If you're looking for reliable and experienced movers in Brooklyn, consider contacting Buy The Hour Movers. With our dedication to excellent service and expertise in the industry, we can handle your move with professionalism and efficiency. Take the stress out of your next move and contact Buy The Hour Movers today for a personalized quote and a hassle-free moving experience.
