Are you relocating in Boston? Whether you’re buying a house, moving for work or family, or just changing neighborhoods for a better lifestyle, there’s no doubt that as exciting as moving can be, it’s also stressful!
It isn’t just hard to move, it’s also expensive: the average cost of movers nationwide is $1,400 for a local relocation, but there’s a big range that depends on many factors. As you plan your big move, you have probably already thought about whether hiring movers in Boston is the right choice.
A professional moving company is worth the investment to save time and reduce the worry, stress, and physical exhaustion of your move. You don’t need to break your moving budget, either; affordable movers and hourly rates make it easy to get the moving help you need within your budget.
Here’s what you need to know about Boston moving company rates including how to estimate the cost of your relocation. Just remember this guide only covers local moves. These are relocations within 100 miles or the Greater Boston area which are completed same-day by the same crew. Long-distance moves usually have flat-rate pricing instead of an hourly rate.
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Biggest Factors Affecting Your Boston Movers Cost
Boston moving companies usually charge an hourly rate for local moves which how long it takes to complete your relocation is the biggest factor determining your total cost. Some of these factors may be within your control to reduce the cost of movers in Boston.
How Far Is the Move?
The first question a relocation company will ask you is the distance between your origin and destination. Your move will need to be within their local moving guidelines for hourly Boston movers rates. Note that you pay the same hourly rate for travel time as you do for loading and packing.
When Is Your Boston Moving Day?
The date of your move plays a big role in determining average Boston moving company rates. Along with the number of movers, it’s one of two major factors determining the hourly rate, not just your total moving cost!
Boston area mover rates are usually highest during these times:
- Peak moving season (April to September) when about 80% of all household moves occur
- Weekends are usually busier and more expensive with about 38% of moves happening on Friday and Saturday alone
- The 1st, 15th, and 30th may have higher rates as these are the dates most people move due to leases ending
What Are You Moving?
To give you an accurate Boston moving quote, the movers will need to know what you are moving including the type and volume of your belongings. The more information you can provide, the better! The company should offer a free virtual or in-person assessment, but you may also provide an inventory.
You probably already realize that the amount of belongings is a big factor when you’re paying a movers cost per hour. However, consider whether you have belongings that will be challenging and more time-consuming to load and unload.
Some items may need custom crating, extra prep work, or assembly/disassembly which adds to the total time and cost. You may have items that are large, heavy, and/or delicate like a piano or oversized furniture which requires extra movers, special care, or specialized moving equipment.
How Many Movers Are Needed?
Most Boston local moving companies have a standard hourly rate that includes two movers. If you need more, you will pay a higher hourly rate, but your move will be faster and more efficient.
Good movers will help you choose the right crew size to keep your cost as low as possible and complete your move quickly.
Are There Accessibility Issues?
How easy it is to load and unload the truck is a critical but overlooked factor when estimating the cost of Boston house movers. How close can the truck park to your home? Will the truck need to be parked on the street? Do you have a single-story home?
Multi-story homes and units that are not ground level can take longer to move. Whether there is an elevator or loading dock or the movers will need to use stairs needs to be considered as well as how close your unit is to the stairs, whether there are a lot of tight turns, and other challenges.
Do You Need Packing Services?
Packing is widely considered the most stressful thing about moving. It’s also the most time-consuming: about 15-20 hours for an apartment or up to 75 hours for a single-family home!
If you aren’t up for packing, Boston packers and movers can help. You’ll pay the same hourly mover rate plus materials which can add about 75% to 100% to your local moving cost. However, that assumes the movers are doing all the packing. If cost is a concern, you can get customized packing solutions: full packing, partial packing, and even unpacking services!
Handle the rooms or belongings you feel comfortable doing yourself and let the experts handle fragile, expensive, or difficult-to-pack items for your peace of mind.
Will You Need Storage?
If your move is complicated, short-term or long-term storage may be a smart investment to reduce the stress of your move. Boston moving and storage companies can provide secure storage services as part of your move which is more convenient and often more affordable than self-storage!
Make sure you discuss your storage needs with Boston local movers to get an estimate.
Good Reasons to Hire Movers in Boston vs DIY Moving
According to a survey of people who moved recently, 43% who did their last move on their own said they would never do it again. The hardest parts? Getting furniture through doors and moving furniture up and down stairs. By comparison, 94% of people who hired professional movers said it was worth it.
Not sure if it’s worth it to hire movers in Boston, MA? Consider these benefits:
- Professional movers are experienced and use the right equipment and supplies for a faster, smoother move and reduced chance of damage
- Moving day is fast and easy when it’s executed by a professional team according to a plan
- You can customize the help you get with movers by the hour to stay within your moving budget
- You avoid heavy lifting and repetitive bending
- You can add services like storage, unpacking, and furniture arrangement to eliminate worry and stress
- Professional packing, loading, and unloading saves you hundreds of hours during your relocation
- You won’t need to rent and drive a large moving truck on congested and tiny residential roads in Boston
How Much Do Movers Cost in Boston? | Moving Company Rates & Boston Moving Quote
Your moving company cost can be estimated by figuring out the number of movers you will need and the general number of hours your move will take.
To estimate your Boston moving cost, you will need to know the hourly mover rate. This will depend on the company, moving date, services, and crew size, but the national average is $25 to $50 per hour for two movers.
When you request a quoted hourly rate from a local moving company, make sure you note how many movers are included and the minimum number of hours. Ask about the rates for additional movers. Finally, you can use the estimates below to get an idea of what it will cost to hire professional movers.
Remember this is just a rule of thumb to estimate your Boston movers cost. Your relocation may have other costs depending on the company and the type of help you need. This includes a City of Boston moving permit which costs $69 for non-metered spaces and $109 for metered spaces.
How much does it cost to move a one-bedroom apartment in Boston?
It normally takes 3 to 6 hours with a standard crew of two movers for a studio or one-bedroom apartment. You can multiply the company’s standard two-mover rate to get an idea of what your move should cost.
How much do movers cost for a 2 bedroom apartment?
You will usually need three movers and about 6 hours to move a two-bedroom apartment. The hourly rate will be higher, but your move won’t take much longer.
How much does it cost to move a house in Boston, MA?
A general rule of thumb is you will need 4 Boston house movers for a smaller home and about 4 to 7 hours. For a large home, it can take a crew of 4 or 5 movers about 9 to 12 hours.
Ways to Save Money on Boston Moving Services
- Sell or donate furniture and other items you don’t want to move. Check our guide to donating furniture in Boston for organizations that can pick it up!
- Handle as much prep work and packing as you can. You can remove and wrap furniture legs, disconnect appliances, and handle light packing.
- Place items and boxes close to the front door or garage to reduce the number of back-and-forth trips in the house.
- Be ready for the movers when they arrive. Don’t save anything for the last minute!
- Be as flexible as possible on your moving date when booking movers. Ask if you can get a lower rate by changing the day you move.
How to Choose the Best Local Moving Company in Boston
Moving is hard enough, you shouldn’t be worried about hidden charges, damaged belongings, or delays. Here’s what to look for in Boston moving companies you can trust.
- Licensed and insured (make sure you verify!)
- Positive online reviews (you can ask for references)
- Years of experience in the area
- Low claims rate
- Dedicated fleet of trucks and specialized equipment
- Transparent, affordable rates without hidden fees
- Services you need
- Uniformed, trained, and background checked movers
Mass Bay Movers was founded in 2015 and has grown tremendously with two locations, a fleet of 12 trucks, and a large and talented team. Our fully vetted team of 50+ drivers and movers in Boston complete more than 2,000 relocations every year. We’re proud of the 5-star reviews we have earned thanks to our commitment to professionalism, transparency, and reliability!
Tips for an Easy Boston Move
These tips can make your relocation easier and less stressful!
- Use moving apps to stay organized, keep an inventory of what’s in boxes, and manage your to-do lists.
- A moving binder can help you stay organized and keep important documents close at hand. Keep vet records, school records, leases, estimates, contracts, important receipts, and more in your binder.
- Set up or transfer utilities 1-2 weeks before your move. At a minimum, water and electricity should be turned on before you move in. Check our guide to Boston utilities to find out how!
- Make sure you know your rights if you need to break a lease in Massachusetts.
- Tipping movers in Boston isn’t required, but always appreciated! You can reward the team for a job done well with this rule of thumb: $5 per hour per mover or $25 per mover. Consider whether the movers worked quickly, were friendly, went above and beyond, or handled very heavy or oversized items.
- Don’t forget to get a City of Boston moving permit! You can do this online. A standard permit will reserve 2 parking spaces for a single day (7am to 5pm) but you must apply at least two weeks but no more than 4 weeks from your moving date. There are also specific rules to follow when you post the signs!
- Download our free Ultimate Boston Moving Checklist to stay on track!
Ready for a seamless and stress-free move? Call the 5-star Boston movers at Mass Bay Movers for a free, affordable estimate and the top-notch customer support you deserve.
