2023 Study: Where and How To Earn the Most Money From a Moving Labor Side Hustle

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Key Findings

  • In 2023, a typical moving company earns between $90 and $150 per hour on average, or from $244 to $407 per move
  • The average amount a moving labor company earned on HireAHelper in 2023 is $113 per hour 
  • Mover earnings in 2023 are highest in Birmingham, AL where average hourly earnings on a labor-only move reached $146
  • Vermont is the state where movers earn the most on average in 2023 – $193 per hour
  • The state with the greatest demand is Mississippi, with 434 moves per moving company registered in the state
  • Killeen-Temple-Fort Hood, TX has 392 moves per moving company registered in the metro, the most favorable demand ratio in the country

When we released our last study of starting a moving labor company as a side hustle, it was a great time to get into the business. Home sales were at an all-time high, and the number of Americans who moved that year inched up for the first time in a decade. 

However, after only one year, the housing market has cooled off. And even though sales of newly built homes are still up 6%, home sales as a whole aren’t as high as last year.

The cost of moving has also grown 4% in 2023 (ahead of inflation rates), and this is actually good news! It means movers’ earnings have most likely also increased. So if you’re interested in adding a side hustle to your income, starting a moving labor company is well worth considering.


What Is a Moving Labor Company, and Can It Work as a Side Hustle?

Most of us think of movers as people who pull up in their own truck, pack and load people’s possessions, drive them to the new location, and unload everything there. While that is true of some moving companies, it certainly does not represent all of them.an illustration of an anthropomorphized moving box filled with money

Full-service movers (as they’re called in the industry) do exist, but considering they tend to offer the whole service package, they also charge significantly more. (These are the huge van line companies.) As most people are keen to spend as little as possible on moving, “moving labor” companies have become increasingly common.

Moving labor companies are often responsible for loading, unloading, and, sometimes (though rarely), packing up people’s possessions. And, because people who move tend to book their own container or moving truck to save money, no driving is involved!

Why is labor-only so profitable?

Sounds interesting? Here are a few more reasons why moving labor is a good choice for a side hustle.  

  • You don’t require a special mover’s license in most states
  • No need to invest in your own truck or spend money on gas 
  • With almost half (48%) of all moves taking place on the weekend, you can keep this side hustle alongside your main job or your studies
  • Despite being at their highest last year, moving costs (AKA your potential earnings) have increased again in 2023

First Move: Getting Started and Where To Find Customers

Much like with any business, you’re going to need to put some effort into setting up your moving labor company and attracting customers.

The first thing you’re going to need is another crew member, as two-person crews are industry standard!

That’s because helping people move becomes much faster and easier when it’s not just you lugging all the heavy items in and out of the truck. Based on our stats, over 80% of labor-only moves are carried out by teams of two people. 

We’ve put together this handy table that compares typical avenues new moving labor companies can pursue on their way to establishing themselves in the industry.

Platform Pros Cons
Craigslist Most popular classified ads website with millions of visitors daily

Typical starting point for people looking for movers

Costs money to post ads as a business

Customers can be flakey, often looking to pay as little as possible, and can end up being very hard to service

Yelp Popular with people looking for local businesses

Business owner tools let you upload logo/team photos to boost credibility

No actual online booking, you just get “leads” 

You’ll have to deal with lots of messages, emails, and phone calls from people just looking for a quote

HireAHelper Completely free to register, no membership fees or cancellation fees

Your very own landing page for customers to see your rates and availability

Insurance and 7-day-a-week customer service for you and your customers

A fee is charged per every order booked through the platform in exchange for the customer assistance and other benefits
Own website Entirely up to you how to present your company, brand, and services

You keep all the money you earn, no fees or commission rates

You need to create, design, and maintain the website

All the customer service, marketing, and insurance falls on you


Website, domain, and hosting all cost money

If you’re serious about your side hustle or are considering getting into the moving industry fully, there’s nothing stopping you from pursuing multiple or all of the above options at once. There might also be other options or uniquely popular places/websites to find customers where you live.


Fast Facts About Moving Company Earnings in 2023

Here are some estimates on moving marketplace earnings.

Keep in mind that companies like HireAHelper will provide you with your own company profile, customer service, and claims coverage with no listing fees whatsoever. For jobs on sites like Yelp, you’re totally on your own — so factor the cost of breaking even a single item without someone to cover it for you into your calculations.

When do I need to be free?

If you’re a student or already have a job, you’re probably not going to jump into the moving industry as a full-time gig. And that’s exactly why being a mover is such a great job.

Almost half (48%) of all the moves booked via HireAHelper in 2023 took place on either Saturday or Sunday. So, if you’re free on a weekend, you can take on jobs when the demand for moving services peaks.

 

“…you should also remember how supply and demand of moving services will impact your future jobs. Demand where you live will determine how much you can charge for services and how easily you can grab a share of the market.”

 

How much revenue do movers make per hour?

In 2023, the average amount a moving labor company earned on HireAHelper is $113 per hour (after fees). That rate is based on the service of two movers loading and unloading a customer’s belongings and does not include potential tips

According to Forbes, local movers usually charge between $50 to $250 per hour in 2023. Yelp’s most recent estimates have a midpoint of $147 per hour. ConsumerAffairs, on the other hand, puts the cost for a local move at $80 to $100 per hour, with the move executed by a team of two people.

Based on HireAHelper figures, a typical labor-only loading and unloading type move takes two hours and 45 minutes, which equates to $289 you and your partner can earn per move (or about $145 per person on a two mover job).

Let us assume that, as a newly founded moving company, you won’t be able to charge rates like that immediately. Even so, if you charge $250 per move, and can pick up four to five moves over the course of one weekend, you and your partner-in-moving can make $1250 total ($625 each). Not bad at all, in this economy!


Cities & States Where Movers Earn the Most

As is the case with almost any product or service, the price people are willing to pay for moving services varies depending on where in the country you are. Check out the map below.

Top Cities for Mover Profits

Based on moves booked via HireAHelper.com from January through September 2023, the city with the highest average earnings for movers is Birmingham, AL where hourly earnings for local moving labor companies averaged $146 per hour. Movers in Buffalo, NY and Boston, MA both made an average of over $140 per hour so far in 2023.

Other cities in the top 10 include two cities in OhioCincinnati, OH ($135 per hour) and Dayton, OH ($131 per hour). Salt Lake City, UT ($129 per hour) and Milwaukee, WI ($128 per hour) round off the list.

Top States for Mover Profits

Those are the top cities, but what about the top states?

At the state level, the top three highest average hourly earnings are in Vermont ($193 per hour). West Virginia ($170 per hour) and Iowa ($162 per hour). It’s worth bearing in mind that these states aren’t the most populated, meaning the number of moves/market size wouldn’t figure to be especially large.

On the flip side, movers in states such as Nevada ($89 per hour), Texas ($96 per hour), and Arizona ($100 per hour) had comparatively lower average earnings. In contrast, these are the states with significantly higher moving activity and therefore have significantly more opportunities to enter the market.

The same can be said are other states with lower hourly earnings like Florida and Georgia (both $109 per hour), and North Carolina ($110 per hour).

See prices for local moving labor. Read real customer reviews. Easily book your help online.


Movers Wanted: States and Cities With Greatest Demand for Moving Services

It’s good to keep your eye on earnings, but you should also remember how supply and demand of moving services will impact your future jobs. Demand where you live will determine how much you can charge for services and how easily you can grab a share of the market.

To understand where the demand for moving services and their supply is most favorable, we looked at the number of people moving annually (the demand), and the number of companies in the moving industry (the supply) in each state and major metropolitan area.

Among metropolitan areas, Killeen-Temple-Fort Hood, TX stands out as having by far the highest number of moves per registered moving company — 392. Another Lone Star State metro, Lubbock, TX, is in 9th place with 177. 

 

“Based on our stats, over 80% of labor-only moves are carried out by teams of two people.”  

Charleston, WV is in second place with a ratio of 278 moves per moving company. And as mentioned earlier, West Virginia is also the state where mover earnings are among the highest in the country. 

Two metros from Arizona, Yuma, AZ (252) and Prescott, AZ (240), make the top 10 with their favorable moving demand-to-supply ratio. One of the most populated metro areas, Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX ranks in the 12th spot with 168 moves per each locally registered moving company.

Looking at the size of opportunity in the moving services market at the state level, Mississippi (434) and Kansas (431) are clear winners with over 430 moves per moving company registered in each state.

Arizona (322), Arkansas (311), and New Jersey (306) are towards the top of the ranking, all with over 300 moves per moving company.


Convinced? Here Are Some Practical Steps to Get Moving

If you think you have what it takes to help people move, we have some resources for you.

First off, here’s a guide for starting up your own local moving labor company. Within, you’ll find all you need to know about how to register a business, pricing your services, finding customers, tools you need for your new side hustle job, and a lot more.

Have your own truck and want a license to do the driving part of the job as well? Here’s a guide for starting a full-service moving company, explaining all the steps for starting a moving business with links and references to the licensing authorities in each state. 

Once you’ve got a handle on things, you can also list your company on HireAHelper to help you start getting those first customers.

 

Sign up here!

 


Sources and Methodology

General mover earnings were estimates were compiled using indicative rates from HireAHelper, Yelp, Forbes, and Consumer Affairs.
Mover earnings by state and city were calculated based solely on data from moves booked and completed through the HireAHelper platform and their partner sites. Earnings figures are indicative of the amount earned minus fees.
The number of moving companies was calculated using the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Business Survey (count of companies listed under “Transportation”) and Yelp API (number of companies listed as “movers”).
The number of moves was taken from the U.S. Census Bureau’s Current Population Survey, specifically the Annual Social and Economic Supplements as available through the Integrated Public Use Microdata Series.
Illustrations by Maria Trigueros

How To Make Moving NOT One of Life’s Biggest Stressors

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Moving to a new home is supposed to be exciting.

But, as thrilling as your future may be, moving is obviously stressful.  It demands a lot of time and effort, and it’s common to feel anxious at the prospect of an unfamiliar location, culture, or workplace. There’s also the financial stress of hiring movers, putting up security deposits, and traveling to your new destination. It’s infamously one of life’s biggest stressors.

But it doesn’t have to be that way. Moving stress absolutely can and should be minimized. Read on to learn how to make your own move as stress-free as possible.

[Download the moving stress checklist here!]

Target the stressors that happen on moving day right now

One of the biggest reasons people get stressed out about moving is because they feel overwhelmed. By putting a plan in place and doing some prep work well before you start the moving process, you can nip that problem in the bud. 

  • Start with your utilities. The last thing you want is to move into your new home and realize the water hasn’t been turned on yet. About a month in advance, call up your local utility and other service providers (e.g., electricity, gas, water, trash, cable, internet, etc.) and let them know you want to transfer your services. If your current provider isn’t available where you’re moving, let them know the date you need service terminated. Then set up a new account to have service turned on a few days before your move-in date.
  • Hire movers early. We recommend booking no later than two weeks in advance. If you wait until just before your move date, the higher-rated and/or cheaper companies will almost certainly be booked.
  • Clean stuff as you pack them, so you’re unpacking items that have already been dusted and wiped down.
  • Pack a special suitcase with a change of clothes, toiletries, medications, and anything else you might need to have on hand before all your belongings are unpacked. (Bonus: If you need to head into the office during or shortly after the move, make sure you set aside work clothes on hangers so they won’t be wrinkled.)

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Yes, it’s time—get seriously organized about your move

Feeling like your day is out of control or worrying that your belongings are missing is definitely stressful. Keeping your move as organized as possible will minimize that stress.

  • Create an inventory of everything that’s being packed and moved. Label your boxes clearly, by room, so your movers know exactly where to unload them. Then write down everything that’s in each box. Print a few copies of your inventory in case one gets lost. When your movers begin unpacking, you can reference your list and ensure everything is accounted for. 
  • Make a moving day checklist with a realistic timeline. With this checklist, you can input to-do entries from six weeks before, counting down to the big day. 
  • Have the names and phone numbers/emails of all your points of contact for move day saved, in case you need to reach someone on the fly.

Build in some buffer times leading up to move day

Everyone hopes that moving day goes smoothly. Of course, there’s always a chance that mishaps derail your schedule. Packing might take longer than expected, or maybe your movers forget something at your old place.

Whatever may or may not happen, try not to schedule everything down to the wire. 

  • It can help to tackle packing in small chunks—in between your other life responsibilities—instead of trying to get everything done in a matter of days. For example, start small; go one room at a time, beginning with your least-used rooms. You might also negotiate with the buyer/seller to give you more time in your current home.
  • Consider booking an extra day with your rental vehicle. You never know what obstacles you’ll face while packing the truck or what extra stops you’ll make along the way.
  • If you need to take some time off of work to accomplish your move, try to schedule an extra day after your move to decompress, if you have the vacation time available. You’ll likely be arranging furniture, unpacking boxes, and organizing closets for days or weeks after the official move-in date.

Outsource your responsibilities as much as possible

Many people plan on a total DIY move, taking on too many responsibilities for their timeline. This is where reasonable outsourcing comes in.

 

“…[T]he best time to move is during the off-season, either October-November or March-April. This is when you’re most likely to experience the mildest weather conditions.”

 

Even if you’re a bit strapped for cash, there are solutions to get the help you need for a stress-free move. Here are some tips to consider for outsourcing your moving tasks:

  • Hire professionals when possible. Having movers and cleaners come in to give a hand can make a big difference. Some people even hire professional organizers and packers. If you have smaller jobs that need to get done, consider using TaskRabbit or Porch.
  • Mine your support system for help. If you don’t have a ton of extra cash, ask family and friends to help out. Maybe you have a parent who can babysit while you focus on directing the movers, or a buddy with a truck who can help you save money on transporting larger items.
  • Delegate tasks as much as possible. If you have a spouse, children or teenagers, heck, even nieces or nephews, go ahead and put them to work. Cleaning, packing, and other smaller tasks are not nearly as difficult when it’s a group project.

Choose the right day and time for moving day

When you move is just as important as how. Attempting to move during times of high traffic or bad weather will only add to the stress of the situation. 

  • According to HireAHelper data, the best time to move is during the off-season, either October-November or March-April. This is when you’re most likely to experience the mildest weather conditions.
  • It’s always a good idea to check the forecast and try to plan accordingly. If it is raining or snowing, you’ll have to consider appropriate footwear and rain gear, as well as whatever protection you need to keep your furniture and boxes dry, such as a tarp, large umbrellas, or big garbage bags. 
  • Most people try to move on the weekends when they’re most likely to have time off of work (and family/friends are more likely to be available to help), so it can pay to wait until mid-week. Booking your move for a Tuesday or Wednesday will help ensure you can get a reservation with your chosen moving company, and at a lower rate. 
  • Schedule your move for the morning. Your movers are less likely to run into traffic or other issues that can cause delays. Plus, you’ll get into your new space sooner, so you can start unpacking and getting settled in. 

See prices for local moving labor. Read real customer reviews. Easily book your help online.

Don’t forget to food prep snacks and drinks for the day of the move

Let’s be honest, no one wants to deal with you when you’re “hangry”. But the hustle and bustle of moving might mean you skip meals or have to resort to fast food. 

Be sure to prep some easy, maybe healthy meals like sandwiches or salads, along with some disposable cutlery. Have portable snacks handy, too, such as nuts, string cheese, jerky and other foods that will help you feel full and focused. And don’t forget to carry plenty of water with you to avoid getting dehydrated.


There’s no guarantee any move will be entirely stress-free. But if you prepare well ahead of time, pace yourself, and have a game plan, a lot of the usual anxiety-causing culprits won’t seem so bad. And remember, outsourcing help for your move is a surefire way to take some of the tasks off your to-do list.

Can Movers Help You With Other Stuff Besides Moving?

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If you thought moving companies do nothing but put all your stuff on a big truck, you’d be right—if you were living sometime in the distant past.

Today’s moving companies are constantly expanding their range of services and offering them all à la carte. That half-job or heavy lifting you need help with? Sure, you can try begging and bribing your friends, or you can call up a few movers in your area. You might be surprised at what they can help you with.

So What Else, Exactly, Can Movers Help With?

More than you can probably imagine. Heck, you don’t even need to be moving to have them give you a hand! More and more, people are turning to moving companies for all kinds of tasks too big to tackle alone. Movers make great day laborers, for things like:

Clearing out your garage or basement

  • Having a couple of sets of hands to move stuff while you figure out whether it goes to the curb or your cousin’s house or back into the garage can save you an entire weekend (if your garage looks anything like mine)
  • This also applies to attics, sheds, or anywhere

Hauling individual furniture from Point A to Point B

  • From your house to the curb; from your bedroom to the basement; to that cousin’s house; to the municipal trash dump; to your local secondhand store or consignment shop

Moving everything out of the room you are repainting or remodeling 

  • And then moving it back when you are done

Hauling stuff to your home from the furniture store

  • Or from your second cousin’s house, or from the garage of the guy selling that big beautiful piano on craigslist

Movers can (and often will) also take care of those jobs tangential to a move:

Even if you’ve managed to tackle your entire move on your own, you may be left with a mountain of unwanted cardboard boxes and unusable packing paper that you just don’t want to deal with. Movers, however, see gold in those mountains. So try giving them a call.

Protip: Most movers tend to charge for a minimum of two hours of labor, due to scheduling their business hours. This is not by any means a hard and fast rule, but make sure you ask before you book your help.

Can I hire movers to JUST help me load and unload my U-Haul?

You betcha!

Renting a truck or a moving container and hiring moving labor for all the heavy lifting is a huge trend—and for good reason. You save a ton of money by renting your own truck, and you save your back by hiring movers.

À la carte movers often:

  • Bring all the equipment
  • Have all the knowledge necessary to do the job right
  • Pack stuff you need packed, wrap stuff you need to be wrapped
  • Load it all up safely and securely

You drive your U-Haul (or Penske or Budget), or have your portable container delivered, and a fresh crew of movers unloads everything at your new home. This is what we call a Hybrid Move. As far as moving goes, it’s the best of both worlds. And it’s what HireAHelper movers do best.

Get an instant quote for local TV mounting services.

Protip: If you are moving locally, your movers may be able to rent you moving blankets for a small fee. But if you are moving out of the area, you might be able to rent them from your rental truck company. You may, however, have to buy them. Just please don’t move without them!

Can my movers do my entire move?

Yes, of course. Your traditional Full Service moving company will handle the whole moving enchilada if that is what you want, including packing up your entire home, right down to your last box of biscuits. This is the easiest way to move. It is also by far the most expensive.

Movers Know Best

Of course, we can’t tell you what’s best for you. But we can say with total confidence that movers know how to best handle your stuff. Whether it’s a single item job or a few pieces of heavy furniture; whether you’re moving one room or one door down or one hundred miles away; whether you need loading help, unloading help, or both, hiring moving labor is the best and most economical way to make sure your belongings are taken care of.

If you’re not sure what to do, that’s cool. Calling a mover and asking a few questions costs nothing. And it could end up saving you a lot.


Illustrations by Rob Wadleigh

What’s a Moving Container? A Guide for Everything You Need to Know

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If you’re planning a move and have done the slightest bit of research, you might be wondering, “What’s a moving container?” Most of us can understand rental trucks, which we often see passing by us on the highway.

Well if you’re still confused, think of moving containers as the younger, hipper cousins to rental trucks.

Moving containers (commonly, but incorrectly called moving pods given “PODS” is a specific brand) are basically just portable storage units. They are metal or wood containers in which you can store your stuff.

Moving far away?

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Because they are portable, they can be loaded onto a truck for transport down the block (or across the country!). Moving containers make it ultra-convenient for people to load, pack and transport their stuff.

They can be delivered to your home or office, where it remains on the grounds while someone loads it up with your stuff. When you’re ready to move, you can call the company to have a professional driver pick it up and deliver it to the next location. There, you unload the goods and move in! You might have seen them on the grounds of your neighbor’s home or local businesses.

Once you know what they are, you’ll start spotting them everywhere.

What Do They Look Like?

It varies, but by and large, moving containers just look like big boxes. Container sizes vary. Some are as big as 16 feet long, while others are as small as 7 feet long. Their heights differ, too. Some are skinny and taller to take advantage of the height to pack in more stuff. Others are shorter, which is really convenient for loading but, of course, might not allow you to fit as many things.

Where Do I Go to Get a Moving Container?

PODS claims to be the founder of this niche in the industry, and it is arguably the best known of the container companies. But there are other big names, including 1-800-PACK-RAT, Smartbox, and Go Mini’s, to name a few. Even U-Haul has gotten in on the act with U-Box.

What Are the Differences Between Companies?

PODS offer customers the chance to rent up to three different sized containers based on their needs. Others, such as Smartbox, rent out just one size container. (In their case, it’s 8 feet wide and 7 feet tall.) Containers are also made of different materials, depending on which company you choose. PODS are steel-framed. U-Pack’s containers are made of “weatherproof metal.” Some others are made of wood and usually include some weatherproof type of covering instead.

People frequently debate the merits of each type of container. Some say the metal containers – the likes of which can be found at PODS and 1-800-PACK-RAT – are best because of their sturdy construction and ability to stand up to any kind of weather. Others argue they lack air circulation, which can potentially cause mold, mildew, or at the very least, musty smells. The wooden containers, such as the pressure treated plywood ones that U-Haul/U-Box rents, might allow for more ventilation, but they are not necessarily as weather resistant.

If you really want to dig into all the pros and cons of each company, including average prices, reviews, pictures and more, check out the moving container page at Moving101.

How Much Do Moving Containers Cost?

Moving containers can be pretty affordable relative to other moving services. They are especially good for those moving to and from smaller homes and apartments. 

Prices can range between around $500 (to move stuff to and from a small home or apartment in a local move) to $5,000 (for multiple containers making a long-distance move with many items from a large home). The cost really depends on the amount of stuff you plan on transporting and the distance the driver will be traveling.

Moving far away?

Do it cheaper.

 

HireAHelper.com can save up to 40%, compared to traditional interstate moving companies. Click here to learn how.

How do you figure out exactly how much your containers would cost? These are the questions to ask:

How Big Is My Place I’m Moving Out From?

When you have a bigger home, you generally need to rent more containers, which of course elevates the price.

In addition, you have to be able to park these containers somewhere without violating local ordinances; with multiple large containers, you might have trouble—especially in a city where parking can be challenging. Sometimes, more containers also require more drivers or trucks. This all matters when gathering estimates.

Where Am I Moving To and From?

As you might imagine, the cost also depends on which company you choose, based on which container is better for your stuff and if they’re available in your area.

For example, PODS typically charges a little more than $600 for a local move and more than $3,000 for a long-distance move. On the other hand, Door to Door charges about $1,700 for local moves and more than $2,300 for a longer move. (UPDATE: Door to Door has been purchased by U-Haul and absorbed into their U-Box service.)

Moving101 Container Price Comparison

Clearly, all the prices are more than you would spend on a rental truck that you would drive yourself. That makes sense if you think about it. Companies are baking in the costs of the professional driver, their moving trucks, maintenance and fuel. (The cost will also rise the longer you keep the container for storage, as well as the more stuff you have to pack.)

Generally, moving containers remain economical for many of those planning a move and looking for a little more convenience and storage. It will cost more than a full-fledged DIY Move that includes renting a moving truck, but it won’t break the bank in the way a Full-Service Move would cost.

When Would I Use a Moving Container?

Moving containers are a good fit for people who want to conveniently load and unload their stuff in a specific location, on their own schedules. (There’s also no question it’s a better fit for those going a shorter distance and moving less stuff.) But there are plenty of times a portable storage is your best option.

Let’s say you can’t get the key to your place until the 25th of the month, but your lease ends on the 14th. What do you do? You call a moving container company.

How Does Booking a Moving Container Work?

Then typically, you go online or get on the phone, pick out a container, then schedule a date to drop it off wherever your stuff is. A sales representative will help you schedule based on how long you plan to keep the container for loading. You might ask about keeping it longer for storage purposes, in which case you can keep it on the grounds of the old place, or have it transported to the new place if you can get permission from owners or those moving out. Or you could even keep the container in one of the company’s storage facilities if they offer one.

You might need the container a few days to load it up. This is one of the differentiating factors between moving containers and trucks (and sales reps love to point this out). After all, rental trucks usually lock you into a schedule with little to no wiggle room.  

But there’s a catch with that flexible schedule. Sure, you can keep the container for long periods of time. However, if you keep containers longer than one month, you will pay much more than the original estimate because moving container companies generally charge by the month.

That means you have one month to load your stuff, schedule a pickup and delivery at the next destination, unload, and finally plan for the final container pick up.

About that pickup: usually, the container company sends out a driver to load up your container onto a big truck and drive it to where it needs to go. Another reason people might find containers appealing is the fact they don’t have to drive a van or big rig themselves. You leave the driving to professionals. Anyone hesitant to maneuver one of those big trucks on a highway or a long distance could see this as a major selling point.

Can My Movers Help Me with Moving Containers Too?

Yes! Professionals can load and unload containers just as they would a rental truck. You just have to ask!

Moving containers can be a smart choice for people who are looking to make a Full-Service Move at a fraction of the cost, or especially to pull off a Hybrid Move. It’s also a great option for those who need storage. Getting professional help moving can make the move actually not stressful. If you want to save your back and your relationships (by not having to ask family and friends for help), then they’re worth consideration.  

What If I’m Moving Long Distance?

Most container companies are actually excellent alternatives to traditional moving companies, since you can save a lot more money and transport is still included in your cost.

One of the easiest ways to do a stress free, long distance move while still saving money is by hiring HireAHelper’s sister company Moving Place. They take care of booking a truck, driver and gas to get your stuff safely to your new home. It’s a great alternative since to traditional moving companies at a fraction of the cost.

Click here to learn more about how to cut down the price for a long distance container quote.

Where Should I Start?

  • The first step is learning about the different companies and types of containers they have. Check out Moving101 for all the info you’d ever possibly need. Since every moving container company’s reviews and prices are gathered there in one spot, you can easily find your best option for you, based on your budget, availability and type of container.
  • The second step is to call up the sales representatives to get the low down on their availability, find the best fit for you, and book it!
  • The last step is to decide if you’re going to hire professionals to help you complete tasks like loading and unloading the container. Remember, don’t feel boxed in. You have the power to choose how long they work for and what items they move for you.

Get Help Loading Your Container

See prices for movers by the hour – instantly.

Read real customer reviews.

Easily book your help online.

 

With a little planning, moving containers fit nicely into any Full-Service Moving hack or Hybrid Move. You can keep your stuff somewhere while you’re moving, or have someone drive your stuff to wherever you need it. If you’re moving, you’d be a little silly to not compare prices and see if a container could save you a lot of money, or if using one would just be way more convenient.

What to Do When Movers Break, Steal or Won’t Give Back Your Stuff

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At HireAHelper, we hear other people’s stories of bad movers all the time.

Whether these stories come to us through emails or from customers calling us after a moving company has wronged them, these same cries come up time and again: “All my stuff is missing,” or “All my stuff is damaged,” or even worse, “My movers are holding my stuff for ransom!”

There’s one word we always hear from these customers-turned-victims: “helpless”.

In these situations, it’s painfully clear: these movers aren’t playing by the rules. But what recourse do you actually have when your movers refuse to pay for damages, replace missing items, or opt to not deliver your stuff unless you fork over another thousand bucks?

Unprofessional movers get away with a lot of crap. That’s the unfortunate truth. But if you believe your movers have acted illegally and they aren’t taking responsibility, there are ways to fight back.

Here are four options you should immediately explore.

Alert your state’s Consumer Affairs Division.

Not only can investigators help you resolve your complaint about broken items or track down your stuff – or your movers – but they may also work with law enforcement authorities in getting unlicensed, unethical and illegal movers off the streets, just as they have in New Jersey. From New Jersey’s official website:

“Horror stories about predatory movers are all too common. By its very nature, the moving industry touches the lives of consumer when they are vulnerable and when they must rely on strangers to transport their valued possessions,” Acting Attorney General Hoffman said. “These situations create the potential for abuse. We are enforcing New Jersey’s licensing laws in order to protect consumers and, just as importantly, to ensure a level playing field for New Jersey’s many honest and licensed moving companies.”

Movers must usually be licensed with the state. (Here’s a list to check your’s.) If they are doing moves across state lines, they must additionally be licensed by the federal government. Cross-checking this with your Consumer Affairs Division is a quick way to begin the resolution process. Get ahold of Consumer Affairs Division in your state via this directory, which is a government-run database with the corresponding phone number, website and/or email address of your local division’s office.

See prices for local moving labor. Read real customer reviews. Easily book your help online.

If this was an interstate move, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) can also get involved. How they can help, along with the info and links you need, can be found on their Protect Your Move page. Their toll-free hotline is 1-888-368-7238.

Call your local police.

In the past, there was not much local law enforcement could do in disputes between moving companies and customers due to the fact such disputes are civil and not yet criminal matters. But recent changes in some states’ laws have given those local authorities the power to mediate; In particular, some laws now intervene when a moving company is sitting outside a customer’s home demanding more money before they unload.

Just this year, Arizona passed House Bill 2145which in Arizona requires moving companies to unload customers’ belongings in case of a dispute regarding payment on an intrastate move. We’d hope that this would be standard lawful procedure across the country, but sadly not all states are up to speed on this loophole.

But regardless of civil versus criminal matters, a mover being properly licensed is something the police can act on. Knowledge is power – but only if it is used! 

Get in touch with MoveRescue.

This organization can assist you by obtaining information on your move, advising you as to your options and, in some hostage situations, working with the moving company to get your goods released. Plus, they’re vetted by United and Mayflower, two of the larger Full-Service moving companies in the industry. 

From their website:

Approximately 1.6 million Americans hire interstate household goods movers each year. Unfortunately, a reported 3,000 cases of possible mover fraud occur annually. Many of these cases involve criminals who offer low estimates and then hold customers’ possessions hostage in undisclosed warehouses, demand thousands of dollars in additional payments and threaten auction. MoveRescue is devoted to ending this problem by seeing that moving companies abide by the federal consumer protection regulations.

Move Rescue does offer a disclaimer that they cannot offer immediate and complete assistance to everyone who calls. Call them anyway: 800-832-1773.

Contact your local news.

More often than not, whenever we do hear of a customer finally getting their belongings delivered it was because they sought the help of a local news station. In this case, the victim had refused to pay her movers what amounted to extortion, and the movers drove off with her stuff. The victim then contacted a local news station and their consumer reporter got the recovery ball rolling by calling the FMCSA, who got right to work. From WFTV9:

“Every day I don’t have my stuff, I can’t work, it’s put me farther and farther behind,” said Smith as she fought back tears.

Todd Ulrich contacted the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration that oversees interstate moves.

After federal regulators reviewed the company’s estimates, and the final bill, the agency took action. It ordered the company to honor the $1,200 estimate and return her belongings or face a possible $10,000 fine.

“They felt there was negligence, and generally they were out of compliance,” said Smith

A week later the mover released the storage unit address and key.

Smith took a huge step toward starting her new life in Winter Park.

“I don’t believe I would have gotten here this quickly without your intervention, so I appreciate it,” she said.

Understand that the process took weeks, not minutes. If you find yourself the victim of a bad bunch of movers, you may also need weeks, or even months, to get the situation resolved. So before you find yourself a victim, protect yourself by doing your homework on any moving company you contact. This list of recommendations by the Illinois Movers’ and Warehousemen’s Association covers everything you need to know and do before you hire a mover.

Or to likely avoid any of this …

It’s harder to tend to these issues after they’ve already happened, which is why we built HireAHelper around holding movers accountable from the get-go; movers on our national database live and die by their reviews. Our sister company Moving Place  can also take care of planning and executing your whole long distance move at reasonable price and with every security protocol in place.  We also work seven days a week to take care of any potential claims, or if something drastic happens, to find replacement movers as soon as possible (often for the same day).

Small claims court, calling the police or filing reports take a long time. Booking a vetted mover through a marketplace is much safer because even if something goes wrong, we work with you to fix it.

We believe it’s important to keep movers accountable, so you don’t have to.

As for opting to work directly with moving companies, you can help others from falling victim to the same irresponsible, illegal movers by writing an online review (which might more accurately be called an online warning), informing the Better Business Bureau of your situation, and filing a complaint with your state authorities as well as the FMCSA. These governmental agencies don’t usually have the resources to go after every moving company that pulls a fast one (sad but true), but if the complaints on a company start piling up there’s a chance that company will have the hammer of the law come down on them.

And that’s really all we want.

That, and getting all our stuff back, undamaged, on time and at cost. That shouldn’t be too much to ask.


Illustrations by Nicole Miles

5 Ways to Show Your Movers Some Love

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Not many people love to move. But doesn’t it feel good to be moved? To have your entire world hauled safely onto and off of a truck by a crew of quick, efficient, polite movers?

This week in honor of Valentine’s Day, we’d like to share five things you can do to return that love, whatever time of year you move.

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How Do I Load My PODS Moving Container?

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So you reserved a portable storage container (also called moving containers or shipping containers and/or ‘PODS’ containers – which is actually the brand that reserves the containers, not a name for a container) what do you do next? How do you actually load a PODS moving container (besides hiring loading help)?

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Real People: A Crosstown Chicago Move

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Category: Local Moving, Moving Stories, Moving Trucks

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Box and TruckI believe that every move has its challenges. Whether you’re moving across town, or across the US, boxing up your entire life and transporting it to another location can be rough. My last move falls into the former category, as my husband and I had to move less than 5 miles from our apartment to a newly purchased condo. Even though this was the shortest moving distance we’ve ever tackled (check out our St. Louis to Chicago move here), it was still an exhausting process. (more…)

Design a Room: How to Arrange Furniture Without Lots of Heavy Lifting

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Design a Room: How to Arrange FurnitureWe have a super quick tip today that makes SUCH a big impact when you are moving into a new place.

Although the HireAHelper team will be there with you to make sure you (or your friends) don’t have to do the heavy lifting during moving day, today’s super simple moving tip will make sure that wherever the HireAHelper Move Helpers place your furniture in the new place, it’s there to stay.

No one wants to hire help for a move just to find out they need to rearrange all the heavy furniture soon after. Plus, you hired help for a reason… let’s move that furniture in ONCE and be happy with the result. Here’s how to arrange furniture with minimal heavy lifting.

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