How to Declutter Before Moving

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Moving is the perfect opportunity to declutter. Since you’re already sorting through your belongings to pack them up, it’s a great time to get rid of what you no longer use and start fresh in your new space.

Learning how to declutter before moving makes for easier packing and unpacking. Best of all, the less you have to move, the less time and money you spend loading and hauling your belongings.


Preparing to Declutter

One of the best decluttering tips for moving is to start as soon as possible. The earlier you begin, the more time you’ll have to assess each item thoughtfully and with minimal stress. Before you sort, stock up on boxes, tape, labels, and markers. Don’t forget heavy-duty trash bags; you’ll be surprised at how much you can throw away!

 

“The best time to pack your home is immediately after you finish decluttering. Packing quickly reduces the chance that items will migrate to other rooms…”

 

Then, set realistic goals for the process. Depending on how much time you have, you might try tackling one room per week. Every day, you can go through a small part of that room. Consider setting basic rules, such as donating or disposing of anything you haven’t used in the past year (except for sentimental items).

Room-by-Room Decluttering Strategies

It can be hard to know where to start, or whether you should just start tossing stuff as you see it. But it doesn’t have to be that complicated. As you move through the house, use this moving and decluttering checklist to clear out each room:

Kitchen

A view of a kitchen with several mugs and, cups, and bowls

  • Dispose of expired foods
  • Discard broken items
  • Donate rarely used appliances, dishes, and decor
  • Donate duplicate utensils, dishes, and cookware
  • Sort and organize junk drawers
  • Consolidate dry goods

Bedroom

  • Sort clothing and accessories
  • Donate clothing that doesn’t fit or is rarely worn
  • Dispose of stained or torn linens, clothing, and shoes
  • Throw out socks without partners
  • Organize and sort dressers and side tables
  • Donate unused bedding

Bathroom

  • Safely dispose of expired medications
  • Throw out unused or expired skincare, toiletries, and cosmetics
  • Wash and organize makeup applicators
  • Use up duplicate and nearly empty products
  • Throw out torn or stained towels
  • Determine whether to pack, donate, or discard the shower curtain and bath mat

Living Room

a woman organizes books in her living room

  • Donate or sell furniture and rugs that won’t fit in your new home
  • Dispose of broken and stained items
  • Donate duplicate books and DVDs
  • Evaluate electronics for usage and function, and donate unused devices
  • Donate decor you don’t like or won’t use
  • Determine whether to bring window treatments
  • Clean and organize drawers and cabinets
  • Donate rarely used games, puzzles, and toys
  • Dispose of stained or torn pillows and throws

Garage/Basement

  • Sort through tools, outdoor gear, toys, decorations, and equipment
  • Donate or sell items you won’t use in your new home
  • Recycle broken power tools and electronics
  • Drop off old oil-based paint at your city’s waste-management facility
  • Bring old motor oil to a recycling facility or auto parts store

Deciding What to Keep, Donate, or Discard

The hardest part of learning how to declutter before moving — figuring out what to keep and what to throw or give away. Here are a few strategies you can use to streamline the process:

Four-Box Method

an image of several boxes of clothes. the labels on the boxes read "donate" "discard" and "keep"

Every time you tackle a new room, bring four boxes labeled Keep, Donate, Sell, and Trash. Place every item in the room into one of the boxes. You might need to use piles or labels for larger items.

This system keeps your belongings organized and makes it easier to take action. To avoid backtracking, throw out the Trash box and bring the Donate box to the thrift store immediately after you finish decluttering. Then, you can list items for sale or set them aside for a garage sale.

The 20-20 Rule

Not sure whether to keep something? Consider the 20-20 Rule: if you can replace it in under 20 minutes for less than $20, it’s probably not worth keeping. This rule works especially well for practical but rarely used items. Still holding onto a toaster you haven’t touched since you got an air fryer? If you need one in the future, you can always buy a replacement.

 

“The 5-second rule requires you to decide what to do with an item in five seconds. Try counting backwards, and speak your decision out loud when you get to the end of the countdown.”

 

Getting rid of items means you won’t have to deal with the extra clutter or deal with packing something else. And by using this method, you can rest assured that it’s easy to find an affordable replacement if needed.

12-12-12 Rule

It can feel overwhelming to declutter your home before a move, but the 12-12-12 Rule can help you get some momentum. The process is simple: pick out 12 items to throw away, 12 to donate, and 12 to pack. When you’re done, start over again.

Packing a family home? The 12-12-12 Rule is a great way to get your kids involved. It also gives them some autonomy over their belongings — just make sure to double-check their selections.

The KonMari Method

a woman contemplates whether to keep a piece of clothing or not

Dealing with sentimental clutter can be surprisingly emotional — it’s hard to let go of items that are tied to memories. The KonMari Method can help you decide what to keep and what to donate. To use this method, hold each item individually and pay attention to how you feel. If the item sparks joy, keep it. If not, donate or discard it.

The results might surprise you. You might realize that a once-cherished childhood toy makes you feel sad or that your grandmother’s old measuring cups bring up happy memories of cooking together. Getting rid of things that don’t add joy to your life can help you let go of the past and move forward.


Selling and Donating Unwanted Items Responsibly

After decluttering, you may end up with large piles of items to sell or donate. While it might be tempting to toss everything in the trash, there are more sustainable ways to let things go. Plus, if you’re lucky, some of these methods can earn you a little extra cash to go towards the move or a nice meal out in your new neighborhood.

Yard Sale

several items sit on a table and the lawn of a yard sale

If you’ve gathered a mix of everyday items, a yard sale is a simple, eco-friendly way to clear them out. Set everything up in your garage, driveway, or lawn, and let shoppers come to you. Just be sure to advertise in advance and post clear signs, especially if you live on a low-traffic street.

Yard sales make it easy to sell many items at once, and you don’t have to go anywhere beyond your own front lawn. However, they do take some effort to get going, since you have to manage all the organizing, pricing, and tagging.

Don’t forget: you need cash on hand for change!

Online Marketplaces

Selling your extra belongings online is an effective way to reach a wide audience of buyers. To increase the chances that an item will sell, take high-quality pictures and write a detailed listing. Include model numbers, years, and technical specs (when possible) to help your listing show up in search results.

Consider using these online marketplaces:

  • Craigslist
  • Facebook Marketplace
  • Ebay
  • OfferUp
  • Poshmark (clothing and accessories)

Donation Centers

A woman talks to donation center organizers as she hands over a pile of clothing

You could also consider supporting the local community by donating your unwanted items. We recommend starting with local women’s shelters and homeless shelters; they will either use or sell the items to benefit people in need. Also, consider donating to non-profit organizations such as Habitat for Humanity ReStore or Salvation Army thrift stores. Many offer free furniture donation pickup, so you don’t need to worry about hauling large items.

Another option is to donate to a local community or high school theater. They can often use furniture, clothing, and household goods for sets, costumes, and props.

Make sure that, whatever charity or community organization you choose, you call or contact them ahead of time to ask what kinds of items they’ll take or need.

Recycling and Disposal Services

Items that can’t be sold or donated shouldn’t necessarily end up in the trash. Look for recycling and disposal services that can process waste safely. This is particularly important for items that present environmental or safety hazards, such as:

  • Batteries
  • Electronic waste
  • Tires
  • Chemicals
  • Medications
  • Paint
  • Lightbulbs
  • Thermometers
  • Fire alarms

Packing Tips for a Clutter-Free Move

a couple tapes boxes and packs items into plastic tubs for their move

The best time to pack your home is immediately after you finish decluttering. Packing quickly reduces the chance that items will migrate to other rooms, and by starting early, you can avoid the stress of a last-minute rush.

Here are a few packing tips:

  • Start by packing items you won’t use before the move
  • Fill a special box with essentials you’ll need during the first few days in the new home
  • Label boxes clearly with the room name and contents
  • Create an inventory list for each box and room to track your belongings
  • Pack similar items together for easier unpacking and organizing
  • Move packed boxes into a designated area or room

Learn more about the best ways to pack in our Packing Hub.


FAQs About Decluttering

What should I remove first when decluttering?

When decluttering, start by throwing out garbage, expired items, and worn or broken items. This process automatically reduces clutter and makes it easier to assess the rest of your things. From there, you might tackle the messiest areas first: junk drawers, closets, and crowded counters or tabletops. Freeing up these spaces reduces the mental workload and gives you more room to organize the remaining items.

What is the 5-second rule for decluttering?

The 5-second rule requires you to decide what to do with an item in five seconds. Try counting backwards, and speak your decision out loud when you get to the end of the countdown. This encourages you to trust your gut and helps prevent you from agonizing over each item.

What is the one-touch rule for avoiding clutter?

The one-touch rule means you should put an item in its place after you use it. Instead of setting it down in a temporary spot, simply put it away immediately. For example, don’t put a book on the coffee table when you finish reading it—put it on the bookshelf. Items that aren’t put where they belong tend to create clutter.

What happens to your brain when you declutter your home?

Decluttering before moving decreases stress and helps calm your mind. A cleaner, more organized space reduces visual distractions, making it easier to think clearly.

How Much Will Your Move Cost? Here’s How to Figure it Out

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Key Takeaways: How Much Does It Cost to Move in 2025?

Based on HireAHelper’s most recent data, here’s what you should expect to pay for moving in 2025:

  • For a local move, expect to pay around $933.32 for a full-service moving experience (everything included) and $412.52 for labor only (loading and unloading help).
  • Long-distance moving costs vary significantly — expect to pay anywhere from $837.55 to $6,658 depending on the move type.

If you’re planning a move in 2025, you may wonder what to budget. Rising operational expenses and broader economic challenges have kept moving costs high, even as inflation cools. But the good news? Many of the factors that can influence the cost of your move are within your control.

 

“…[Move] prices can vary quite a bit, and it depends mostly on household size/how much stuff you’re moving. It’s interesting to note that DIY isn’t always the cheapest option. This makes calling around for multiple quotes critical.”

 

So, how much does it actually cost to move? To give you a clearer picture of the moving market, we analyzed over 50,000 moves in 2024. Below you’ll find typical moving costs for both local and long-distance moving as well as practical tips to help you save money on your next move.


2025 Local Moving Costs

a moving truck full of boxes and furniture is parked outside a residential home

From 2018 to 2024, we conducted a study of 300,000 local moves in the U.S. based on bookings through HireAHelper.com and our partners. Our 2025 moving cost estimates below are based on 2024 prices adjusted for inflation.

2024 Moving Cost Takeaways for 2025

Here’s a summary of our primary findings from 2024 data:

  • Local moving costs increased from 2023 to 2024 in 30 of the 40 states we analyzed (75%).
  • Rhode Island and Louisiana witnessed the biggest surge in average local moving costs in 2024, in part due to volatile gas prices in those states.
  • The average cost of a local move decreased in a few key states, including Florida, North Carolina, and Illinois.
  • San Diego, CA (up 30%) had the most significant average price increase for a local move between 2023 and 2024.

With most states experiencing rising local moving costs in 2024, our data suggests continued price increases in 2025, especially in areas impacted by fuel volatility and high demand. See below for detailed projections.

2025 Local Moving Costs

DIY Moving Labor-Only Moving Services* Full-Service Movers
Loading & Unloading N/A $420.77 Included
Moving Truck $138** N/A Included
Grand Total $138 $412.52 $933.32
*This is the actual average that HireAHelper customers paid for labor-only moves in 2024 and takes into account moves that have both loading and unloading labor as well as moves that are only one or the other.
**This is the average for a move under 50 miles, but it could vary quite a bit based on the details of your move.

The chart above breaks down moving costs by the three main types of moving services for local moves:

    • DIY moves: These “do-it-yourself” moves entail renting and driving the truck as well as loading and unloading it yourself.
    • Labor–only moving: Also known as “hybrid” moving, this is a cross between DIY moving (where you do everything) and full-service moving (where the mover does everything). Essentially, you hire hourly moving labor to just load and unload your rental truck or moving container —no transport is included.
    • Full-service moving: This is like “calling in the troops” for your move — the moving company provides their own truck, and takes care of all the loading, transport, and unloading too. Sometimes, they’ll even handle the packing and unpacking!

Not surprisingly, the more you do yourself, the cheaper a local move is. However, it’s best not to overlook the hidden costs involved with a DIY move (namely, your time and effort) which is why a full-service experience remains a popular choice for those seeking convenience and efficiency.


2025 Long Distance Moving Costs

a road cutting through a forested countryside with large trucks driving along it

Here’s what you can expect to pay for a long-distance move (500 miles or greater) based on move type.

You’ll note that there are four types of long-distance moving services. In addition to DIY, portable container solutions, and full-service movers, freight trailers are a popular and budget-friendly option.

With a freight trailer solution, a trailer is dropped off at your current home for you (or hired moving labor) to load, and then it’s transported by a freight carrier to your new home for unloading before it’s picked up.

2025 Long-Distance Moving Costs: 2–3 Bedroom Home*

“DIY” Moving (Moving Truck) Moving Truck (with Labor) Freight Trailer Moving Portable Container Full-Service Moving*
Loading & Unloading N/A $421 $421 $421 Included
Moving Truck / Container $690– $4,514 $690– $4,514 $886 – $3,982 $2,655 – $4,071 Included
Gas $148– $896 $148– $896 Included Included Included
Grand Total $838 – $5,410 $1,259 – $5,862 $1,307 – $4,403 $3,076 – $4,492 $1,551 – $6,658
*Freight trailer and full-service moving costs based on MoveBuddha data. Portable container costs based on PODS data.

The data shows that the price increases significantly for full-service and longer-distance moves. This is due to increased labor costs, gas prices, and other operational expenses. Of course, there’s a trade-off when it comes to using full-service movers: Your time and effort decrease significantly.

If you’re looking to save on moving costs, labor is optional for “hybrid” solutions like renting a rental truck, freight trailer space, or portable container. Alternatively, you may opt for labor help for just the loading or the unloading. At the same time, including labor is a great way to create what feels close to a full-service moving experience for less.

Sample Long-Distance Move Cost for a 2–3 Bedroom Home, NYC to Miami (1,280 miles)*

“DIY” Moving (Moving Truck) Moving Truck (with Labor) Freight Trailer Moving Portable Container Full-Service Moving*
Loading & Unloading N/A $421 $421 $421 Included
Moving Truck / Container $2,483 – $3,055 $2,483 – $3,055 $1,210 – $2,435 $2,655 – $4,071 Included
Gas $411 $411 Included Included Included
Grand Total $2,894 – $3,466 $3,315 – $3,887 $1,631 – $2,856 $3,076 – $4,492 $2,392 – $5,237
*Freight trailer and full-service moving costs based on MoveBuddha data. Portable container costs based on PODS data.

As you can see with this sample move from New York City to Miami, prices can vary quite a bit, and it depends mostly on household size/how much stuff you’re moving. It’s interesting to note that DIY isn’t always the cheapest option.

This makes calling around for multiple quotes critical. Not only could you save yourself money with a “hybrid” or full-service solution, but you could also save yourself a lot of hassle and heavy lifting. You may even get to avoid driving a moving truck yourself.

HireAHelper’s moving cost calculator tool can provide a list of estimated quotes based on your specific moving criteria.


How to Calculate Your Moving Costs

As the data above (and their wide ranges) tells us, moving costs can vary considerably depending on the circumstances of your unique situation.

 

“Not surprisingly, the more you do yourself, the cheaper a local move is. However, it’s best not to overlook the hidden costs involved with a DIY move (namely, your time and effort) which is why a full-service experience remains a popular choice…”

 

If you want to know how much you should budget for your move, you’ll want to have the following information as clear as possible before you start gathering quotes. It’s okay if you haven’t settled on a moving solution yet — crunching the numbers first can help you make a final decision.

1. Distance

How far you’re moving is one of the biggest factors in determining moving costs, with long-distance moves usually carrying much higher price tags than in-town or local moves.

Whether you’re going the DIY route or opting for a full-service experience, longer distances mean higher fuel, labor, and travel expenses, which all add up. Even with local moves, costs can vary depending on how far you’re moving your belongings.

2. Household Size

The size of your home —which roughly correlates to how much stuff you have — plays a major role in determining moving costs. After all, the more stuff you have, the more space it takes up and the heavier the truckload will be.

Moving companies often calculate costs based on the total weight of your items, and moving trucks are usually rented according to the square footage of your home.

3. How You Move

One of the most important factors in determining the cost of a move is the move type. In other words, what service do you opt for? Convenience often comes at a higher price, and conversely, if you’re willing to exert more effort yourself, you could bring your moving costs down significantly.

Here are some pros and cons to consider for the most common moving types to help you find the one that best fits your needs:

  • DIY Move
      • Pros: It’s usually the cheapest solution, and you have total control over every aspect of your move.
      • Cons: What you save in money you’ll pay for with time and effort, and you’ll have to drive the moving truck yourself.
  • Hybrid Move
      • Pros: You still retain a lot of the control of a DIY move, and you’ll save yourself time and effort not to mention your back.
      • Cons: It’s pricier than a DIY move, and you still have to sort out the transportation logistics and drive the rental truck yourself.
  • Full-Service Move
      • Pros: Someone else does all the work on moving day — and they do it quickly, efficiently, and with professional experience behind them.
      • Cons: This is generally the most expensive option, so be prepared to pay a pretty penny, especially for a long-distance or cross-country move.

4. Labor Costs

If you’re doing a hybrid move or hiring movers to help you load your PODS container, labor costs can be a big expense. Unlike full-service moves, where labor is typically included in the overall price, a hybrid move requires you to pay separately for the movers’ time.

So how much does it cost to hire movers?

  • The average rate for a team of two movers is typically around $100–$120 per hour in most parts of the U.S.
  • In major metropolitan areas like New York, Los Angeles, or San Francisco, rates can range from $120–$150 per hour or more due to higher local wages.
  • These rates usually cover labor, but you may need to pay extra for travel time, packing, equipment fees, handling specialty items, or moves involving stairs.

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

5. Timing

As they say, timing is everything. Summer is the peak moving season, which makes it the most expensive. Likewise, due to higher demand, moving on the weekend rather than during the week can also be more expensive.

6. Special Scenarios

Some moves involve special logistics, like stairs, elevators, and narrow streets. These all require more time, labor, or special equipment and carry higher costs or extra fees.

7. The Extras

When planning your moving budget, don’t forget to look beyond the basics. From securing additional storage to getting a sitter for your pets or kids, these costs can add up quickly, making a big impact on your final costs.

Here are a few of the additional moving services to factor in:

  • Packing services: $280–$2,200
  • Specialty items (like a safe or piano): $200–$1,000
  • Temporary storage: $75–$300/month

Other miscellaneous costs involved with moving include:

  • Babysitting or pet care
  • Travel accommodations
  • Cleaning services (for your old or new home)
  • Disposal of unwanted items
  • Moving insurance
  • Fuel costs
  • Parking permits or fees for moving trucks
  • Transporting personal vehicles

How to Save on Moving Costs

two women hi-five on a couch surrounded by moving boxes

While moving costs are on the rise, with planning and the right strategies in place, it’s still possible to save on your move.

If you’re concerned about mounting moving costs and want to pay a more reasonable amount for moving expenses, these tips can help you save:

1. Do the packing yourself

The average cost for a team of movers is $100–$120 an hour, and packing up a standard two-to-three-bedroom home takes about six hours. This means the average cost for a mid-size home could range from $600 to $720, not including packing materials or a tip. If you’d rather keep this money in your pocket, consider packing up your house yourself or bribing your friends with pizza to help.

2. Move during the off-season

Avoid the high costs of peak moving season (May to September) by planning your move for the winter months, when demand is lower and prices are more competitive. If this isn’t an option, aim for mid-week or mid-month moving dates, which are typically less expensive than weekends or month-end rushes.

3. Get rid of stuff

The more stuff you get rid of pre-move, the less stuff you have to pack, haul, and pay for during the move itself. For instance, moving one bedroom’s worth of stuff versus three bedrooms could be a difference of, on average, nearly $1,000. If you start decluttering now, there’s a chance you could save hundreds or even thousands.

4. Compare quotes

Taking the time to compare moving quotes could save you hundreds of dollars in the end. Just be aware of suspiciously low price tags —moving brokers or shady moving companies may offer subpar services or hidden fees at attractive prices. Do your research and read customer reviews.

Looking for more ways to save? Check out our guide, What’s the Cheapest Way to Move?


2025 Local Moving Costs By State

While the national average moving cost provides a good general estimate, local moving costs can differ greatly state by state, according to factors like cost of living, demand, and fuel prices.

Here’s a snapshot of the states with the highest and lowest moving costs.

States with the Highest Moving Costs

State Average Local Moving Cost
Vermont $846
Arizona $637
Iowa $627
New Mexico $563
Alabama $545
Nebraska $531
Wisconsin $526
Washington $511
New Hampshire $507
Utah $505

States with the Lowest Moving Costs

State Average Local Moving Cost
Washington, D.C. $333
Nevada $346
Texas $347
Illinois $367
Florida $375
Arizona $378
North Carolina $382
Oklahoma $391
Virginia $392
Maryland $392

For a full picture of 2024 U.S. moving trends, read our 2024–2025 migration report.


Moving Costs FAQs

1. How much does it cost to move locally?

Local moves typically range from about $75 to $4,000, depending on home size and distance. Other variables, like whether you’re hiring full-service movers or renting a truck yourself, can make a big difference in the total cost of your move.

2. How are moving costs calculated?

Moving costs are typically calculated based on distance, weight, labor, the time of your move, and other add-ons like packing services.

3. How much does it cost to hire movers?

The cost to hire professional movers depends on the type of move and the move distance. This amount ranges anywhere from about $500 to $6,000 on average.

4. How do I find affordable movers?

Use tools like HireAHelper to compare movers and rates. By answering a few simple questions, you can find movers near you that offer services tailored to your needs.


Final Thoughts: Managing Moving Costs

As you can see, a lot of variables go into calculating the cost of a move. Due to regional variations in pricing as well as other factors, the best way to find out the cost of moving is to collect quotes for your specific situation.

At HireAHelper, we help you find affordable, professional movers near you, backed by real customer reviews. Get a quote today to compare prices and see what others are saying before you make your move.

2022 Study: The Best Side Hustle Nobody’s Talking About Is Starting a Local Moving Labor Company

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Key Findings:

  • Moving companies tend to earn between $75-128/hr. or between $206-352 per move
  • Based on HireAHelper data from 2022 so far, average mover earnings are $110/hr.
  • Seattle is potentially the most lucrative place to become a mover, with hourly earnings as high as $137/hr.
  • Movers in Maine and Iowa make an estimated $132/hr. — the highest rate in the country
  • Sherman-Dennison, TX has the biggest gap in the moving services market, with 608 moves per moving company registered in the metro area

As inflation continues to rise, many Americans are beginning to notice the prices of consumer goods are drifting out of reach. This is likely why, according to a recent study, nearly half (44%) of Americans are turning to side hustles to make ends meet.

moversAnd while the internet is awash with articles listing all kinds of side hustles to consider, there is one lucrative side gig few are talking about: starting a local moving company (or joining one).

Despite some real estate markets cooling off, the demand for moving services is high. Homes are still selling fast, and as rents climb higher, many are moving out of their homes to find cheaper accommodations or to live with family.

While starting a full-scale moving company with a fleet of trucks, drivers, and movers is an undertaking too big for a side hustle, starting a moving labor company is actually relatively simple.

All you need is a business license and some start-up costs. Ultimately, if you are comfortable with lifting heavy items and have time to spare, you could realistically start a moving labor business and earn upwards of $100/hr. by helping people move.

And the data shows that people who are currently doing it are doing quite well.


Moving Labor Companies: How Are They Defined and How Do They Work?

We often think of movers as folks that drive up in a truck, load up all your earthly belongings and deliver them to your new home. In the “biz”, these are known as “full-service movers”. And they tend to be more expensive.

This is why in reality, the overwhelming majority of moving companies that exist are what we call “labor-only” movers.

 

“…even if you charged at the lower end…at $250 per move, or roughly $90-100 per hour, you only need to pick up four moves to make $1,000. Not bad for a weekend, huh?”

 

Labor-only

The difference is that a moving labor company is a company that helps people with loading, unloading, and, sometimes, packing up people’s possessions — no driving. The average person often books their truck or container separately, as this is far cheaper.

Here are a few reasons local moving labor works as a side hustle:

  • In most states, you don’t need a special mover’s license
  • There are minimal start-up costs, as you don’t need to purchase a moving truck
  • Demand for moving services is highest on a weekend, meaning you can do it alongside your work or studies
  • Moving costs (read: mover earnings) in 2022 are the highest they’ve ever been in U.S. history

Where Do Local Movers Find Customers?

Of course, it’s not quite as simple as registering as a moving labor company and watching business come flying through the door.

Here are the typical places movers tend to use to attract customers.

craigslist movers
Craigslist

Craigslist

+ The most famous classified ads website, this is a typical starting point for moving labor hopefuls, with millions of people checking the website every day.

Costs money to post ads in the moving section as a provider.

Customers can also be flakey, often looking for bargain-basement pricing, and often end up being very hard to service.

yelp movers
Yelp

Yelp

+ Popular with people looking for local businesses, it’s a free place to get attention/find customers. Business owner tools allow you to upload logo/team photos of you and your crew to boost credibility.

No actual online booking, you just accrue lots of “leads”. You’ll have to field lots and lots of messages, emails and phone calls from people looking for a price.

Low rates of converting mean most of this work will not turn into orders.

HireAHelper

hireahelper sign up
HireAHelper sign-up page

+ Completely free to list, no membership fees or cancellation fees.
+ Your very own landing page you can show to potential customers where you can easily display and edit your own rates/availability so people won’t call you to ask.
+ Insurance and 7-day-a-week customer service for both you and your customers.

Insurance and customer service operate on a fee that is charged per order booked through the platform, which is how they pay for all of the above.

Your own website

+ Full control over how you present your new brand and services.
+ Direct booking puts every dollar right in your pocket.

You need to create, design, and maintain the website.
You’re responsible for all the customer service, marketing, and insurance.
Cost of purchasing a domain, fees for website hosting.

Needless to say, you can also create a page for your moving labor company on Facebook and Instagram, or even list it on your local Yellow/White Pages. Oftentimes, a mixture of approaches is useful at the start, before you figure out which one works best for your moving side hustle.

How Much Can You Earn as a Mover?

movers

Let’s face it, if you already have a job or other commitments, you’re probably not going to launch into moving as a full-time pursuit.

The good thing about moving as a side job is that nearly one in three (30%) moves takes place either on Saturday or Sunday. In other words, if you’re looking to casually work as a mover over the weekend, you’re in luck, because that’s when the demand is highest.

To calculate a ballpark number of how much local movers earn, we’re going to make the following assumptions:

  • You only work on weekends
  • You don’t work more than eight hours a day
  • You have a partner with whom you work as a two-person team and split earnings 50-50

With that said, the average take-home an individual moving job earned on HireAHelper in 2022 was $110 per hour (after fees).

That rate is based on the service of two movers loading and unloading a customer’s belongings (meaning, not counting potential tips, one mover will typically get about half of that, or $55 per hour.)

“The data show that 6 of the 20 metros where the demand for moving services most outmatches the current supply exists in Texas, especially in Sherman-Dennison, TX, where the ratio of moves to moving companies is roughly 600 to 1!”

 

Similarly, Yelp reported a local move quote average of $128. Forbes suggests local movers charge between $25 to $50 per mover, per hour, while ConsumerAffairs estimates the average cost for a local move is $80 to $100 per hour for a team of two movers.

The following graph shows how much you could be earning as a two-person team, using the reported average duration of a move of two hours and 45 minutes.

Please note that the above figures are indicative only. As a newly registered moving company, you probably won’t be able to charge high rates straight away. Moves also come in all shapes and sizes, affecting how much you could charge for them. This is just an average.

That said, even if you charged at the lower end of that scale at $250 per move, or roughly $90-100 per hour, you only need to pick up four moves to make $1,000. Not bad for a weekend, huh?

Cities & States Where Movers Earn the Most Money

moving company city

Your earning potential, among other things, will depend on where you are in the country.

According to a recent estimate of moving costs, people pay the most for their moves in San Jose ($520) and Seattle ($495). But that’s just a broad snapshot. Let’s break it down more to see how services translate into mover earnings, and where it may actually be most lucrative to start a moving labor company.

Cities

Using data on moves booked through HireAHelper.com, taking into account commission rates and the typical duration of a move throughout different cities, here are the top 10 cities where movers make the most money per hour.

Looking at the data through this lens, Seattle grabs the top spot with an estimated $136/hr. net earnings. In cities like Columbus, OH ($126/hr.), San Francisco ($125/hr.), and Oakland, CA ($125/hr.) the earnings are all around the $125/hr. Mark.

States

Moving on to states’ potential mover earnings, we find Maine ($132/hr.) and Iowa ($132/hr.) with the joint highest earnings, with Utah and Washington closely behind ($129/hr.).

Going down the list, Arkansas is next with $128/hr. in potential net earnings. This highlights that moving is a universal need, and that small states can compete against states with big cities like San Jose or San Francisco, where the cost of living is highly expensive (and therefore potentially more lucrative). The average earnings for movers in California are comparatively middling in the take-home department, averaging around $110/hr. per move.

Check out the chart below to see what mover earnings are like in your state.

This section is based on data from moves booked through HireAHelper and their partner sites. Earning figures represent average estimates; actual earnings may vary.

 

Supply and Demand: Cities and States With the Greatest Need for New Moving Companies

movers

High earnings are great to aim for, but it’s worth bearing in mind that crowded markets where earnings are high are often hard to compete in — especially for a brand new company.

Like with any kind of business, the supply and demand (and thus the price people are willing to pay for moving services) vary by location. If you’re just starting out as a moving company, ideally you’d like to start where there’s a gap in the market.

Cities

Based on our analysis of moving company data and the number of moves in America’s biggest metropolitan areas, here are 20 metros where the gap between potential demand for moving services and their supply is the biggest.

The data show that 6 of the 20 metros where the demand for moving services most outmatches the current supply exists in Texas, especially in Sherman-Dennison, TX, where the ratio of moves to moving companies is roughly 600 to 1!

Among larger metros with favorable demand-to-supply ratios are the Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, AZ area (393 moves per moving company), the Houston-Baytown-Sugar Land, TX area (276), and the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX area (255).

States

At the state level, the opportunity is greatest in Arizona and Missouri, where there are more than 200 moves per moving company. Kansas (188), Washington (187) and Texas (186) round off the top five.

To see what the supply and demand for moving services look like in your state, check the graph below:

Convinced? Here’s How You Can Get Started

If you think you have what it takes to safely move some couches, luckily, you don’t have to go in blind.

If you really wanna get the ball moving, here’s a moving business guide for starting and running your own local moving company. It has information on how to register a business, set prices for your services, where to find customers, which tools you need to buy for the job, and way more.

Want a license to drive on the job too? Here’s a guide for starting a fully-fledged moving company, detailing the necessary steps for starting a moving business with links to the proper business licensing authorities in each state.


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 (number of companies listed as “movers”).
The number of moves was taken from U.S. Census Bureau’s Current Population Survey, as available through the Integrated Public Use Microdata Series.

Real Moving Scam Stories (and What To Do When It Happens to You)

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Last year, 230 moving scams were reported to the Better Business Bureau (BBB)—nearly double the number reported in 2019.

That might not seem like a lot, but consider the BBB estimates that only about 10% of scams actually get reported. And if you were one of those victims, even one scam would feel like one too many. 

Here’s the story of one couple who ended up the victims of a terrible moving experience, what they did, plus what you can do to avoid fraud on your next big move.

How Moving Scams Happen

When Mary and Will* needed to move long-distance across the state of Georgia to St. Simons Island, they didn’t realize how tough it would be to find movers.

The larger moving companies weren’t returning their calls due to high volume, and local movers couldn’t accommodate the over 300-mile move. (The couple also looked into moving container companies, but the cost didn’t fit their budget.) Yet eventually, a Google search connected them with a moving company called Nation Relocation. 

This company responded quickly to Will’s call and sent someone out to do an estimate. “That meeting went well enough, so we had no reason to distrust the company,” Mary explained to HireAHelper. “As a retired Army family having had only great moving experiences, it didn’t cross our mind that this one would be any different.”

Suspicions mounting

The problems started when the owner of the moving company was leaving Mary and Will’s home after one day of packing. The mover veered the moving truck off the driveway and onto the lawn, breaking a sprinkler head and leaving a large divot in the lawn. Afterward, he dismissed it as not his fault and quickly left with all his employees.

moving scamsThe emergency repair to the sprinkler cost the couple $642. “When he came back the next day to finish packing, my husband presented him with the invoice for the emergency repair and he asked him if he was going to pay for it,” Mary recounted. “His response was ‘that’s not going to happen.’”

Still, Mary said they expected that the move itself would be handled properly, having no past bad experiences. Unfortunately, things only got worse from there. After the couple’s items were unpacked in their new home, they discovered extensive damage to their belongings. An antique mirror that has been in Mary’s family since the 1940s was alarmingly handled. ”There was literally one sheet of packing paper wrapped around it for protection,” she said. Additionally, an antique vase that was given to Mary by her late mother-in-law was wrapped in a thin sheet of paper and jammed into a box with heavy items.

Also damaged were the couple’s flatscreen TV, washing machine, two bikes (one was damaged beyond use, and another simply disappeared), a brand-new cabinet, antique furniture and dishes, and more. In fact, entire rooms of items went missing during the move, including a 24-foot extension ladder, compound miter saw, electric chain saw, circular saw, hand sander, power drill, kitchen chair, car jack, garden wagon, moving dolly, and 40-50 DVDs.

“The owner was belligerent and disrespectful and showed little care for our personal property, both in hearing about damages as well as how things were packed,” Mary recounted. The couple filed a written claim with the company over a week before our interview, but they still haven’t received a response.

Not an isolated incident

Mary and Will are far from the only people who have been scammed by a moving company. 

In just one of a plethora of potential examples, Konami Moving and Storage, a moving company operating out of Las Vegas, made headlines when multiple customers came forward with claims they were taken advantage of during their moves. One local TV news station interviewed a woman who claimed her belongings were actually held hostage by the company, as they refused to return them unless their customer paid an exorbitant, undisclosed fee. Another customer shared that he was out $4,500 after half his items went missing and several more were broken as a result of working with Konami. A look at Konami’s online reviews reveals many other angry customers complaining of everything from damaged property to extortion.

On July 28th, a multi-agency investigation led to the arrests of five people in connection with a multi-state moving scam, including Konami Moving and Storage.

With a national increase in home sales driving heightened demand for movers, some experts warn that moving scams like these will increase. Thus, it pays to know the warning signs coming from a fraudulent moving company.

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How To Avoid Becoming the Victim of a Moving Scam

If you hire movers, it may feel stressful when virtual strangers enter your home and handle all your items. While the vast majority of moving companies employ courteous and professional workers, there’s always a chance you could get stuck with ones who aren’t.

From avoiding being overcharged to making sure your belongings aren’t damaged or stolen, here are some important steps you can take to stay safe.

1. Get several quotes

One way to make sure you aren’t getting ripped off or working with a questionable company is to look at more than one quote for the move. (This is very simple to do entirely online using a mover marketplace.) This can help you compare offers and be sure you’re getting a good deal.

Some red flags to look out for when comparing quotes:

  • One number is way lower than everyone else’s quote: If any one quote is significantly lower (or higher) compared to the others, it’s a sign there’s something amiss. You want to get the lowest price possible, but avoid anything that seems too good to be true.
  • It’s hard to get concrete details: This includes pricing, license numbers, insurance information, and more. “If there is any pushback from requests for this information, that could be a red flag that you are working with a fraudulent moving company,” explains Kristen Bolig, founder of SecurityNerd.
  • They won’t put it in writing: It’s best to avoid any verbal agreements that don’t include a written contract. Without the terms of your contract in writing, it’s easy to change or go back on what was originally promised.
  • A large down-payment is required: Be wary of companies that want you to pay a lot of the principal before the move takes place. This is a practice amongst scammers who take the money and run.

2. Check out the company’s online presence

Most businesses want to make it easier for potential new customers to find them and for existing customers to engage with them… not harder.

It’s expected that any legitimate moving company will at least have a basic website and additional listings on websites like Yelp or HireAHelper that feature pictures, company details, and reviews. A complete lack of online presence, as well as a history of name changes, is a red flag that a company may be hiding something.

 

“Movers need to be licensed with the state, and if they’re doing interstate moves, they need to be federally licensed too.”

 

For example, the aforementioned Nation Relocation (whose website is not currently active) has also done business under another company name: “Region Relocation”. They have no social media presence either, and it is the opinion of myself and multiple others whom they have scammed that they’ve done this intentionally to minimize their traceability and their accountability footprint,” Mary said.

3. Look up verified customer reviews (that means the moves really happened)

Before choosing a moving company, see what past customers have to say about them. A couple of negative reviews are to be expected, but a long history of dissatisfied customers should make you look elsewhere.

“Looking back, we would have started our market research earlier in the moving process and looked at online reviews and Better Business Bureau reports,” Mary said. Nation Relocation, for example, has a one-star rating on Yelp, with multiple customer complaints ranging from damages to harassment. Meanwhile, Region Relocation has an F rating from the BBB fueled by 48 customer complaints.

4. Keep a detailed inventory

To be sure that none of your items go missing without you realizing it, keep a detailed list of what was packed. For high-value items, you may also want to take photographs. “Moving can be hectic, but being organized will help mitigate any risk of theft,” Kristen Bolig advises. “Keeping inventory of your belongings will allow you to know if anything is missing once the move is done.”

5. Lock your most expensive valuables

As an added measure against tampering or theft, Bolig recommends using lockable moving boxes and totes for extra security. Just be sure that if you do, you properly pad anything fragile so it doesn’t break during transit.

6. Consider buying moving insurance

Though moving insurance can’t bring back irreplaceable items that were broken, lost or stolen, insurance can ensure that you don’t take a major financial hit from the loss. “This kind of insurance covers the costs of any damaged or lost items during a move,” Bolig said.

Though your moving company may offer its own protection, you may want to purchase insurance through a third-party in case the company ends up being fraudulent. “Even if you do fall victim to a scam, you can have this insurance to fall back on,” Bolig said. 

Generally, the more useful third-party liability coverage costs around $1.25 per pound. So if you move 2,000 pounds of belongings, you could expect to pay $2,500. It’s a significant added cost, but depending on what you’re moving, it could be worth the peace of mind that you’re financially protected against moving damages.

Get Help Unloading Your Rental Truck

See prices for movers by the hour—instantly.

Read real customer reviews.

Easily book your help online.

 

What To Do if You Just Got Scammed

Of course, no one wants to get ripped off, but it still happens. So if despite your best efforts, if you end up getting scammed by a moving company, here’s what you should do.

1. Let your state’s Consumer Affairs Division know what happened

There are a few benefits to doing this. For one, investigators can help you track down missing belongings or get compensation for damaged items. Plus, they can take unlicensed and illegal movers off the streets so no one else falls victim. Movers need to be licensed with the state, and if they’re doing interstate moves, they need to be federally licensed too. Cross-checking these licenses and reporting an unlicensed mover is a quick way to get an investigation started.

2. Call your local police station

The police are sometimes limited in what they can do when a moving scam occurs. At the very least, you should file a police report for any damages or harassment you experience. In some cases, depending on state laws, the police can actually mediate a dispute. For example, if a moving company holds your belongings hostage in demand for more money, the police can step in and help you get your stuff back, especially if it involves an interstate move. But again, the level of involvement by police will be dictated by state law, so do your research and learn what’s allowed where you’re moving

3. Consider contacting a news outlet

One of the best ways to put pressure on a company to resolve your complaint (and protect future customers) is to contact a local newspaper or TV station and see if they’ll do a report on your incident. This does involve putting yourself and your misfortune in the public eye. But if you don’t mind taking the spotlight for the greater good, it can be worth it.


Ultimately, when choosing a moving company, it’s important to trust your gut. If anything about the quote, contract, or communication feels off, it’s probably a sign that you should work with someone else. When in doubt, trusted, established moving services with consumer-friendly policies are always the better choice.

*Names have been changed in order to protect the couple’s privacy.
Illustrations by Marlowe Dobbe

2021 Study: Are They Real? The Truth about Moving Scams

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Key Findings

  • A total of 230 moving scams were reported to the Better Business Bureau (BBB) in 2020, which is 91% higher than reported in the previous year (130)
  • Americans lost up to $2 million to moving scams last year, according to the estimates from the BBB
  • As many as 148 moving scams are already filed in 2021, twice as many as were reported by the same time last year
  • Only an estimated 10% of moving scams are reported, meaning the real figure of moving scams is likely in the thousands
  • Roughly 1 in 13,000 moves in 2020 were affected by a scam, which is about as likely getting struck by lightning in your lifetime
  • Alaska, Oregon, and Montana are the worst states for moving scams (1 scam for around every 6,000 moves or fewer)
  • Utah and Missouri are the states least affected by scams (1 scam for around every 30,000 moves or greater)

 

Any scam you ever encounter or, even worse, fall for is a real bummer… to say the least. The Federal Trade Commission received 2.2 million fraud and scam reports in 2020 alone, with an estimated total of $3.3 billion lost to fraudsters. The majority of scams reported revolve around tactics like identity theft, credit card fraud, and suspect online shopping.

And though it pains us to admit it, the moving industry isn’t scam-free either. Suspect movers with hidden fees, contracts written in bad faith, and exorbitant deposits abound.

In this analysis, we zoom in on these moving scams to examine their prevalence in the industry, tally up the amount of money Americans lose to moving fraud each year, then see if the situation has changed much over the last few years (and explain what you can do to fight it).

What Exactly Are Moving Scams?

There are a wide variety of fly-by-night tactics that are more typical of those flyers you see on telephone poles, as well as Craigslist ads. Typical scams in the moving industry include (but aren’t limited to) situations where moving companies:

  • Hold your possessions “hostage” and refuse to deliver them unless you pay them a ridiculous amount of money
  • Change company names to avoid associations with previous scams 
  • Don’t mention additional fees, then charge them
  • Charge premium insurance by default
  • “Lose” valuable items and refuse to investigate or explain the loss
  • Don’t show up after they receive a deposit
  • Provide blanket estimates without asking to evaluate the size of your move

A Worrying Trend? Moving Scams up 91%, Year-Over-Year

Looking at the figures from Scam Tracker—a Better Business Bureau (BBB) analysis tool which allows people to report and track scams and fraudulent behavior they experience within the U.S. and Canada—it appears moving scams are largely on the rise.

Some 230 moving scams were reported in 2020 alone, which is 91% more than the number of scams filed with the BBB in the previous year. And so far in 2021, the number of scam reports has already reached 148, despite us only being halfway through the year. That’s higher than the total number filed by Americans in all of 2019 (121).

Partially, we can chalk up the rise in scam reports to the rising popularity of the BBB’s website and its initiatives, but it would be unreasonable to wholeheartedly deny the fact that scams are becoming more prolific.

Considering millions of people move in the United States every year, 230 scams a year doesn’t seem like such a high number. (And it isn’t, in scale.) However, citing the Federal Trade Commission, the Better Business Bureau suggests that only about 10% of scams are reported.

With that percentage in mind, we can estimate that a more realistic number of moving scams last year is an estimated 2,300, while the number of scams in 2021 at the halfway point is currently estimated to be around 1,500.

Hidden Figures: Americans Lost up to $2 Million to Moving Scams Last Year

moving scamThe total number of scams alone doesn’t tell us much about the impact they might have on people who fall victims to various kinds of moving fraud. Another way to gain an understanding of a moving scammer’s impact is to look at the amount of money lost to moving scams over the years.

 

“…the Better Business Bureau suggests that only about 10% of scams are reported.”

 

Based on Better Business Bureau’s Scam Tracker, the reported amount lost to moving scams in 2020 was $207,000 and about $114,000 so far in 2021. 

Bearing in mind the high potential for scams going unreported, we can estimate that the amount lost to moving scams is in the region of $1.1 million during the first six months of 2021, and $2 million in 2020.

In that regard, the financial impact of moving scams seems to at least be in slight decline from the peak of $3.2 million lost in 2018 (when accounting for underreported scams). 

As Likely as Being Struck by Lightning: How Common Moving Scams Really Are

The rise of moving scams and the potential millions of dollars lost to scammers in the moving industry is, by all means, a concerning trend. But if we look at the number of moving scams relative to the number of moves taking place in the United States each year, it’s true that moving scams are rather rare.

 

“Moving scammers are most common in the Western and Northern ends of the United States, with the states Alaska, Oregon, Washington, and Colorado all having the worst moves to scams ratio.”

 

Even if we take into account the fact that 90% of moving scams go unreported, the data suggests that only 1 in 15,000 moves that took place in the U.S. last year were afflicted by scams. For the sake of using a famous comparison, your chances of getting struck by lightning over the course of your lifetime are 1 in 15,300.

Where Are Moving Scams Most Common?

Still, rare as they might be, moving scams are actually more prevalent in certain states than others. Moving scammers are most common in the Western and Northern ends of the United States, with the states Alaska, Oregon, Washington, and Colorado all having the worst moves to scams ratio. 

On the other side of the scale, moves in states like Utah and Missouri were the least prone to scams, in that the ratio of moves to scams in these states is greater than 30,000 to 1.

State Moves Per Scam State Moves Per Scam
Alaska 3,494 Utah 37,931
Oregon 4,040 Missouri 32,941
Montana 5,963 Connecticut 26,370
Washington 6,077 Virginia 25,594
Wyoming 6,186 Wisconsin 23,544
Colorado 6,353 Tennessee 22,108
Pennsylvania 7,527 Louisiana 21,837
Minnesota 7,997 Texas 20,926
North Dakota 8,375 Idaho 19,481
Nebraska 8,945 Oklahoma 19,364

To get the details on the number of moves and moving scams in each state, check our map below, where we’ve assembled the data for the year 2020, the last full year for available data.


Moving scams are a nightmare for consumers and a source of great shame for the moving industry. The number of scams does appear to be on the rise, with a recent BBB report highlighting the suspiciously high levels of fraudulent activity since the start of the pandemic.

We may never know the true extent of the problem, but at HireAHelper, we make sure fraudulent movers cannot exist on our vetted platform of over 2,000 Moving Service Providers across the United States. All HireAHelper moves come with a $1,000 Safety Guarantee, industry-leading customer service, and verification of every single mover review. Nobody deserves to have their life stolen from them, least of all when they are at their most vulnerable. Moving day is tough enough!

If you feel like you may be a victim of moving scams, here’s what you might be able to do to get your life back on track.

Sources and Methodology
The number of moving scams and the associated dollar amount lost was taken from Better Business Bureau’s Scam Tracker. The number of moves in each state for the year 2020 was taken from the U.S. Census Bureau.
Illustrations by Heather Vaughan

Every Place You Can Get Free Moving Boxes

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People say there’s no such thing as a free lunch. Well, how about a free box? We hear a lot about those, but where are they?

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