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Moving in the Summer: How to Save Money and Make It Stress-Free

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Summer moving is popular for good reason. With school out, longer daylight hours, and generally better weather, it’s often the most convenient time for families to move. But there’s a catch: high demand for movers means higher costs, less availability, and the challenge of working in extreme heat.

Still, your move doesn’t have to be stressful or expensive. With careful planning and strategic timing, you can save money, stay safe, and enjoy the process. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to navigate the busiest moving season, from booking the right crew at the right price to keeping your cool on moving day.

Why So Many People Move in the Summer

If it feels like every other house on the block has a moving truck parked outside in the summer, you’re not wrong. According to our research on the best times to move, 45% of all moves happen between May and August. That’s almost half of all relocations packed into just 4 months. Here are some of the reasons why:

  • School Schedules: Families with children prefer summer moves because they’re less disruptive to school routines. Kids have time to adjust to their new surroundings and can start the new year without missing classes.
  • College Transitions: College students also pack up in summer, either moving out of dorms, into their first off-campus apartment, or relocating for an internship. Our 2021 study found that 43% of Americans who began college in 2020 moved away from home, and many of these students relocated again during summer breaks between academic years.
  • Favorable Weather: While summer heat can be intense, many people prefer it to the risks of moving in other seasons. The longer daylight hours also provide more time to get the job done.

The downside? This spike in demand directly impacts costs. When everyone wants the same dates, movers book up quickly and prices rise. That’s where smart planning comes in.

How to Save Money When Moving in the Summer

Planning ahead can help you avoid the worst of summer’s price hikes while still taking advantage of the season’s benefits. With a few strategies, you can keep costs under control without compromising on service quality.

Book Your Movers Early

Summer calendars fill up fast. Because demand is so high, moving companies and labor-only crews get booked up weeks, or even months, in advance. Booking early, ideally 4 to 6 weeks or more before your move date, not only secures your spot but can also lock in better rates before peak-season pricing kicks in.

Starting your search early also gives you time to do your research. Instead of grabbing the first available option, you can take your time to compare movers. Plus, you can use HireAHelper’s platform to make it even easier to see side-by-side comparisons of local moving companies based on their prices, services offered, and, most importantly, verified customer reviews.

Move Mid-Month or Mid-Week

If you have some flexibility, one of the easiest ways to save money is by avoiding the busiest days. Most people move on weekends (Friday to Sunday) and at the beginning or end of the month to align with leases. Moving companies know this, and prices on these peak days reflect the demand.

By scheduling your move for a weekday, you can often find significantly lower rates. Similarly, if you can move in the middle of the month instead of the 1st or the 31st, you’re likely to see more availability and better pricing.

Be Flexible With Your Move Date

When you start your search for movers, try to have a small window of potential dates. Even small adjustments to your moving timeline can lead to significantly better pricing. If your ideal date shows high prices or limited availability, check rates for the days immediately before and after. Sometimes shifting by just one day can save you hundreds of dollars.

 

“An 8 am or 9 am start time allows you to get the bulk of the heavy lifting done before the day reaches its peak temperature.”

 

Also, be mindful of holiday weekends. Memorial Day, the Fourth of July, and Labor Day are extremely popular and expensive times to move. If you can, schedule your move for the week before or after these holidays. By being flexible, you’ll have more negotiating power and better options.

Look for Discounts and Off-Peak Deals

Many movers on HireAHelper’s marketplace and elsewhere offer promotions for specific groups. Just check the provider’s profile or ask before booking. Common discounts include:

If you have a smaller move, such as a studio apartment or just a few large items, ask about special rates. Some companies specialize in smaller jobs and can offer a more competitive price than a crew that’s used to moving large houses.

Also, labor-only moves, where you provide the truck or moving container and movers handle the loading and unloading, often cost less than traditional full-service options. If you’re comfortable driving a rental truck, this approach can cut your total moving costs substantially.

Summer Moving Tips for Comfort and Safety

Hot weather creates challenges that require specific preparation and planning. It’s not just about comfort; it can also pose safety risks for you, your family, and the moving crew. These strategies protect your belongings, keep everyone safe, and make the physical process more manageable during peak summer heat.

1. Start Early in the Day

Woman enjoying morning coffee and sunlight

The sun is at its most powerful and temperatures are at their highest in the afternoon, typically between 12 pm and 4 pm. To avoid the worst of the heat, schedule your movers to arrive as early in the morning as possible. An 8 am or 9 am start time allows you to get the bulk of the heavy lifting done before the day reaches its peak temperature.

Starting early offers several benefits:

  • Reduced health risks: Working in cooler morning temperatures lowers the risk of heat exhaustion and heatstroke.
  • Better for your movers: Your moving crew will be fresher and more energetic at the start of their day, so your move will be faster and more efficient.
  • Protects your belongings: Some items, especially electronics, can be sensitive to extreme heat. Less time spent sitting in a hot truck is always a good thing.

2. Protect Heat-Sensitive Items

Temperatures inside a closed truck can rise well above the outside air temperature, putting certain belongings at risk of melting, warping, or being permanently damaged. Pack a separate box or two of heat-sensitive items to transport in your own air-conditioned vehicle. These items should include:

  • Electronics: Laptops, tablets, gaming consoles, and TVs can be damaged by extreme heat.
  • Media: Heat can also damage DVDs and CDs and cause vinyl records to warp.
  • Artwork and Photographs: High heat and humidity can ruin old photographs and delicate oil paintings.
  • Candles and Cosmetics: Anything that melts, including candles and lip balms, should be boxed in a protective container or moved with you.
  • Medications and Toiletries: Many medications lose their effectiveness when exposed to heat.
  • Food and Beverages: Anything perishable should travel with you. Canned goods can also spoil or even burst in extreme heat.
  • Aerosol Cans: Hairspray, cleaning products, and spray paint can explode in high temperatures.
  • Plants: Most plants don’t like hot, stagnant air. If you’re moving locally, water them lightly and carry them in your car.

3. Stay Hydrated and Cool

One of the most important rules for summer moving is staying hydrated. Dehydration can happen quickly when you’re doing physical labor in the heat. Plan ahead to have plenty of fluids and cooling supplies on hand for everyone.

  • Stock up on water: Have a large cooler filled with ice, bottled water, and sports drinks readily available. Be sure bring enough so you’re able to offer some to your movers throughout the day as well. They’ll be working hard, and this simple gesture helps keep them safe and comfortable.
  • Pack snacks: Have easy-to-eat snacks like granola and energy bars on hand to keep energy levels up.
  • Dress appropriately: Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing in light colors. Breathable fabrics like cotton or moisture-wicking athletic wear are ideal. Choose sturdy, closed-toe shoes for safety.

4. Keep Essentials Accessible

On moving day, the last thing you want is to be digging through a dozen boxes looking for sunscreen. Pack a box of first-day essentials containing items you’ll need immediately in your new home and during moving day. It should include:

  • Sunscreen and toiletries
  • Hats and sunglasses for everyone
  • A portable phone charger
  • Basic first-aid supplies (bandages, pain relievers)
  • Any necessary medications
  • Paper towels and toilet paper
  • A change of clothes for everyone

And make sure you carry the box with you. Don’t put these items on the moving truck where you can’t access them when needed.

5. Prep Your New Home for Summer Move-In

pet moving

A cool destination with running water makes unloading faster and safer. You should spend a few minutes prepping your new place before the truck arrives. Here are the steps to take:

  • Set up utilities in advance: Contact utility companies to ensure that electricity, water, and internet are all set up before your arrival.
  • Turn on the AC: If you can get access to your new home the day before, turn on the air conditioning. Set it to a cool temperature so the house has time to get comfortable before you and the movers arrive with all your belongings.
  • Have fans ready: If your new place doesn’t have central AC, set up window units or box fans in key areas to get the air circulating as soon as you arrive.

Summer Moving Do’s and Don’ts

To keep things simple, here’s a quick list of summer moving dos and don’ts. From bringing plenty of water for your movers to avoiding open-toed shoes in the heat, these reminders can help you stay safe, prepared, and better equipped to handle the challenges of peak moving season.

Do:

  • Offer your movers water and sports drinks: Keeping the crew hydrated is a small act of kindness that makes a big difference. It helps them stay safe, energized, and work efficiently. Be sure to also bring plenty of water for yourself and your family.
  • Check the weather forecast: Stay on top of the weather forecast in the days leading up to your move. If a major heatwave or thunderstorm is predicted, you can prepare and make any necessary adjustments.
  • Clear all pathways: Before the movers arrive, make sure walkways, stairs, and hallways are completely clear of clutter at both your old and new homes. This prevents trips and falls and makes the loading and unloading process faster and safer.

Don’t:

  • Wear heavy fabrics or open-toed shoes: Dark colors and heavy materials like denim will make you feel hotter. In addition, flip-flops or sandals might be heat-appropriate footwear, but they are a major safety hazard during a move. Always wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes like sneakers.
  • Leave your children or pets unattended: The heat, open doors, and constant motion of moving day can be stressful and dangerous for kids and pets. Arrange for a babysitter or a pet-sitter to keep them safe and out of the way.
  • Forget to rest: You might want to push through until the job is done, but don’t forget to take breaks. Step into the shade or an air-conditioned room for a few minutes to drink water and cool down. Pushing yourself too hard in the heat can lead to serious health issues.

Is Summer the Right Time for Your Move?

If you have the flexibility to move any time of year, summer is convenient, but it’s not your only option. Consider these pros and cons to see if a summer move makes sense for you.

Pros:

  • Convenience for families: Aligning with the school calendar remains the top reason for a summer move.
  • Longer daylight hours: More sun means more time to get everything done without having to work in the dark.
  • Easier home sales: The housing market is most active in the summer, making it a good time to sell your home.

Cons:

  • Higher costs: Peak demand means you’ll likely pay more for movers and truck rentals.
  • Scheduling challenges: The best moving companies often get fully booked, so you need to plan far in advance.
  • Extreme heat: The heat poses health risks and can damage sensitive belongings.

If moving in the summer isn’t absolutely necessary for you, fall and spring offer a sweet spot: milder weather and lower demand. You might find better rates and more flexibility by moving in September, October, March, or April. Not sure which date is best? Try browsing multiple dates on HireAHelper’s marketplace and comparing live prices and availability in your area.

Final Thoughts

Moving in the summer doesn’t have to be overwhelming or expensive. With early planning, smart scheduling, and a few practical tips, you can save money and make the process smoother. Remember, small details like booking movers early, staying flexible with your dates, and keeping everyone cool and hydrated can make a big difference in how your moving day feels.

At HireAHelper, our goal is to connect you with highly rated, affordable movers who can take the heavy lifting off your shoulders, so you can focus on settling into your new home instead of stressing about the move.

How Many Movers Do You Need? A Guide Based on 5 Real-Life Moves

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Planning to hire movers but not sure how much help you’ll actually need? You’re not alone. Since moving labor is typically charged by the hour, figuring out the right number of movers can make a big difference in both time and cost. While the average is somewhere between 2 and 4 movers, the final number depends on your particular circumstances.

While it might seem daunting to know the exact answer, HireAHelper is here to help. We spoke with several friends about their recent moves and asked them how much labor help they ultimately needed. Because, while moving size charts are great, there’s nothing quite like talking to someone who’s been through it themselves to tell you the real deal.

So, keep reading to see how my friends managed and how the size of their home dictated the number of movers they needed. This article will also go into how long your move will take, time frames for loading and unloading, and whether hiring extra sets of hands will save you time and money in the long run.

How Long Do Movers Take to Finish?

On average, moving can take anywhere from 2 to 8 hours to complete. Exactly where you land in that range depends on how much you’re moving, where it’s all going, if you’re navigating stairs, and if you have any heavy items to move. The good news? The more movers you hire, the less time it takes. If 1 mover takes 4 hours, 2 can often knock it out in half the time.

Here are some things to consider when booking moving labor:

  • Certain factors can make your move tricky. It’s pointless relying on general labor guidelines if your apartment’s on the 8th floor with no elevator, or if you own a baby grand piano and a vintage arcade cabinet to haul down the stairs.
  • It’s standard for companies to maintain a minimum of 2 movers for 2 hours for operational efficiency. Don’t be put off by the fact that you can’t hire movers for only an hour — you’re probably going to need at least 2 hours anyway.
  • The general consensus is that it takes longer for movers to load a truck than to unload it. My friends said it took about an hour less to unload their stuff than it did to load. Since you don’t have to worry about arranging everything inside the truck, unloading is kind of like riding your bike downhill instead of uphill. It’s just easier and way less stressful.

Why Hire More Movers When You Could Hire Them for Longer Hours?

Hiring extra movers could save you money in the long run. Some recommendations call for booking 4 or more movers. While this might not seem cost-effective at first glance, it’s definitely time-effective, which should lead to a smaller bill at the end of the day.

 

“The only setback was that she forgot to tell the movers her apartment was upstairs — which most movers charge extra for — so her final bill was a little higher than expected… don’t forget to let your movers know if stairs are involved!”

 

Not surprisingly, even superhumanly strong moving professionals get tired after a while. Hiring enough helpers prevents the whole team from losing steam.

Factors That Impact Movers and Moving Time

To make your moving estimate as accurate as possible, keep the following in mind:

  • How much stuff do you honestly have? Do you have more or less stuff than other people you know? Is there an attic, garage, or basement in your home filled with gym equipment, tools, or holiday decorations? Factor all this into your calculations.
  • What’s your mode of transport? If you’re using a portable container, take advantage and load some items before moving day. If you do, you can shave off some loading time when estimating labor needs.
  • Do you have any oversized items? Some oversized and bulky items will require more than 2 pairs of hands to carry (think hot tubs, pool tables, or pianos). As a general rule, you’ll need 3 — if not 4 — movers for anything weighing over 400 pounds.
  • Are there any unique needs? Will your movers have to carry your stuff up or down stairs? Do they have to walk a block to get to the moving truck? These types of circumstances add extra time to your move.
  • Will you need help with packing/unpacking? Nearly all my friends did the packing themselves, although a couple had their pros help with some last-minute boxing on moving day. If you need help with packing, remember to include enough time for your team to complete the task.

How Many People Do You Need to Help You Move?

This chart isn’t meant to be exact or legally binding, but it should give you a realistic idea of how much labor you’ll need.

Studio or Small Apartment

100-800 sq. ft.

 2-3 Bedroom Apartment

800-1,200 sq. ft.

 2-3 Bedroom House

1,000-1,500 sq. ft.

 3-4 Bedroom House

1,500-2,000 sq. ft.

 4+ Bedroom House

2,000-3,000 sq. ft.
Loading 2 movers for 2 hours 2 movers for 3 hours 3 movers for 4 hours 4 movers for 4 hours 4+ movers for 5+ hours
Unloading 2 movers for 2 hours 2 movers for 2 hours 3 movers for 3 hours 4 movers for 3 hours 4+ movers for 4+ hours
Loading & Unloading 2 movers for 4 hours 2 movers for 5 hours 3 movers for 7 hours 4 movers for 7 hours 4+ movers for 9+ hours

Studio/Small Apartment

Square feet: Up to 800

Recommendations:

  • Loading time: 2 movers for 2 hours
  • Unloading time: 2 movers for 2 hours

When a former colleague decided to move out of her 800-square-foot Tampa apartment into a new one closer to work, she couldn’t believe how fast the actual move went.

As mentioned above, the minimum amount of moving labor she could hire was 2 movers for 2 hours, but she felt this was perfect for the size of her apartment. The only setback was that she forgot to tell the movers her apartment was upstairs — which most movers charge extra for — so her final bill was a little higher than expected.

When collecting moving quotes, don’t forget to let your movers know if stairs are involved! Thankfully, HireAHelper automatically accounts for this during your online booking.

2-3 Bedroom Apartment

Square feet: 800–1200

Recommendations:

  • Loading time: 2 movers for 3 hours
  • Unloading time: 2 movers for 2 hours

My best friend moved from Big Bear, CA, back to her childhood home in Los Angeles to be closer to family. She and her husband decided to go the budget-friendly route of renting a U-Haul for the day.

Her 1,100-square-foot cabin had what she calls “2-and-a-half” bedrooms, the half being a hard-to-classify, den-like room she used for storage. When she asked me, “How many movers do I need?” I could only shrug after taking one look at the chaos inside.

While packing took over a week, the move itself was accomplished over 1 very long day. That morning, she hired 2 movers who had everything loaded into the truck in just 3 hours. And unloading was definitely faster. Since she was moving in temporarily with her parents, the team only had to unload her things into a storage unit, which took about 2 hours.

2-3 Bedroom House

Square feet: 1,000–1,500

Recommendations:

  • Loading time: 3 movers for 4 hours
  • Unloading time: 3 movers for 3 hours

My cousin stayed with me for a short time after selling her 1,250-square-foot, 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom home. As she would be keeping most of her things in storage for a few months, she opted for a portable storage container to save herself time unloading and reloading her stuff. She did all the packing herself and gathered a few friends to help load her container on moving day.

While they weren’t professional movers, they were incredibly proficient and quickly determined how to fit everything into the container. She’s confident they were on par with the pros. They loaded her container in just 4 hours! When she moved into her new apartment a few months later and had the container delivered, it only took about 3 hours to unload.

3-4 Bedroom House

Square feet: 1,500–2,000

Recommendations:

  • Loading time: 4 movers for 4 hours
  • Unloading time: 4 movers for 3 hours

Some old friends moved from Oregon to Florida using a full-service moving company, as they weren’t about to drive across the country in a rental truck with their 3 little ones.

With the help of their 4-person moving team, it took around 4 hours to load everything from their 1,700-square-foot home. Their loaders even pitched in with some last-minute packing — because yes, you can add that to your service if you’re in a pinch. After racing across the country in their minivan, they quickly found a 3-bedroom home to move into, which helped them avoid paying for storage.

There were only 3 movers to help them unload the truck, and it took about 4 hours. A 4th might’ve saved everyone some time.

4+ Bedroom House

Square feet: 2,000–3,000+

Recommendations:

  • Loading time: 4+ movers for 5 hours
  • Unloading time: 4+ movers for 4 hours

After getting remarried last year, a family friend decided it was finally time to move out of his 3,200-square-foot Tampa Bay home. He’d shared the house with his previous wife for nearly 20 years before she passed away, and now that the kids were all grown, it was time to sell.

His home was not only enormous — 5 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms — but it was also filled with decades’ worth of stuff he had accumulated. Not long after he listed the house for sale, our friend and his new wife kicked off what they called the “Great Purge.” But even after selling and donating what they could, they still had more to move than they expected.

 

“Some recommendations call for booking 4 or more movers. While this might not seem cost-effective at first glance, it’s definitely time-effective, which should lead to a smaller bill at the end of the day.”

 

They hired a local full-service moving company, and a team of 4 was tasked with loading and unloading their belongings. It ended up taking the whole day (about 8 hours) to complete the move.

Something to keep in mind: Our friend is a musician and collects guitars and other instruments. The movers didn’t feel comfortable moving these valuables, so he ended up taking them in his own vehicle. Be sure to tell your movers ahead of time if you have any collectibles or other specialty items.

How to Prepare for a Long-Distance Move

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What’s the difference between preparing for a local move and planning a long-distance move? If you guessed “time,” that’s only part of the equation. When it comes to moving long distances, it takes a lot more planning, preparation, and money.

There are many, many more steps to take than a local move, and it can get a little overwhelming. That’s what this guide is for! Learn everything about how to move long-distance, including tips on moving across the country and packing up your things.

How Much Do Long-Distance Moves Cost?

a person looks at their phone while holding a credit card

Interstate and long-distance moving companies charge based on weight, distance, and any extra equipment or insurance options you opt into.

Most long-distance moving companies will offer or require free in-home estimates to ensure that they can adequately predict the volume and weight of your move.

The average cost of an interstate move is $4,300 for an average distance of 1,225 miles and a shipment weight of 7,400 pounds, according to the American Moving and Storage Association and as reported by numerous outlets.

Ultimately, the price will depend on:

  • Your exact starting and ending points
  • How much stuff you need to move
  • Modes of transportation
  • Who, if anyone, you decide to hire

One more big factor to consider is if you have any specialty items to move, such as a baby grand piano or gun safe.

What counts as a long-distance move? Generally, a long-distance move is one that is 400 miles or more. However, the exact number used to determine “local or long-distance” may vary from one moving company to the next.

Cost-Cutting Long-Distance Moving Tips

a person looking at their laptop while using a calculator

Here are some money-saving pro tips to keep in mind as you collect estimates and plan your long-distance move:

1. Start a Moving Fund

If you have time before your move, try to start a moving fund to prepare yourself for the upcoming expense of moving long-distance. This may not necessarily save you money, but it’ll help ensure you have the nest egg you need when the time comes.

2. Understand Binding vs. Non-Binding Estimates

It’s important to understand the difference between a binding and non-binding estimate when working with a full-service moving company.

  • A binding estimate means you’ll pay the final price of the estimate regardless of whether your stuff ends up weighing less or more than expected.
  • A non-binding estimate means you could end up with a different final tally, either less or more, depending on the weight.

3. Take Advantage of Off-Season Moving Rates

Summer is the most popular time to move and, as a result, moving rates are typically the highest during that season. You can bring the price down by being flexible with your moving dates and scheduling your move during weekdays, especially in the winter (or at least not during the summer).

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

4. Ask for Discounts and Promotions

Ask moving companies about any discounts or current promotions that you could take advantage of. For example, members of the military and veterans often get cheaper rates for rental trucks and containers.

5. Get Multiple Quotes

Always get moving quotes from at least three different companies, whether you’re moving with a rental truck, portable moving containers, or a full-service moving company. Just remember that cheaper isn’t always better. It’s a good idea to take a look at online reviews and customer satisfaction scores as well.

6. Inquire About Corporate Relocations

Those who are moving for work should see if their employer offers reimbursements for any or all of the move.

7. Make a Budget and Stick to It

Once you have a clear idea of what it’s going to cost to move long-distance, put together a budget. Be sure to keep track of spending along the way, saving receipts and noting expenses, to keep moving costs from getting out of control.

What Kind of Transportation Do I Need?

You have a number of options when planning a long-distance move, and all of them will depend on these three things:

  • How much stuff you’re hauling
  • Your budget
  • Personal preference

Unless you’re selling everything you own and driving into the sunset, you’re going to need something safe and reliable to get all your stuff to your new place.

But don’t worry, you’ve got choices. Here are your best transportation options for a long-distance move.

Driving Yourself

Driving yourself and your stuff in your car is by far the cheapest option. People sometimes decide to take this approach when their long-distance move involves bringing a car or two. If you’re thinking about going this route, there are a few things you should consider first:

  • The age and mileage of the car
  • Whether the car can handle a long trip without breaking down
  • How many people and things need to fit in the car

If you need to get repairs ahead of time, then trust us, do that first. If you don’t have money to sink into repairs, or you just don’t want to add hundreds of miles to your car, consider getting your car shipped.

 

“Bubble wrap is an attractive option for particularly expensive or hard-to-replace breakables, but it’s bulky and becomes expensive quickly (not to mention, it’s not great for the environment). Packing paper is more than adequate for packing most things.”

 

If you decide this is the end of the road for your car, consider selling it or trading it in before your move (or you could donate it).

Are you driving with small children? Transporting pets? Using an RV? All of these situations involve special considerations. You can check out those articles for more details on what you should know first.

  • Pros: Most affordable long-distance moving option
  • Cons: Way more time investment, adds mileage to your car(s), limited space for your stuff, very difficult without movers
  • Price: $

Rental Truck

A Budget rental truck parked with the back open, ready to be loaded

Driving your own car might be the cheapest option, but it’s one that dpesn’t afford a lot of room for your other stuff. Sometimes, a truck is necessary if you want to take all your things with you.

The three major rental truck companies you’re likely to have access to are U-Haul, Penske, and Budget. But, there might be alternatives near you.

If you decide to rent a moving truck, you’ll get a better mileage rate for doing a “one-way” drive (picking up a rental vehicle at one location and returning it to another). Of course, keep in mind that getting and driving the truck is only one aspect. You still have to pack and load everything in there yourself.

  • Pros: More affordable than most other long-distance moving options
  • Cons: Much fewer customer service options, no labor estimate, difficult without movers to help, more expensive than just driving your car.
  • Price: $$

Long-Distance Movers With a Truck

What if you don’t want to figure out where to get the truck or you don’t want to drive it? Then you can hire long-distance movers to transport everything for you.

Note: Long-distance movers with a truck are not van lines. There’s a difference!

With this option, you pack and load everything into the movers’ truck and they transport it to your new home. This frees you up to take a scenic road trip or fly to your new home with just your essentials. Moving this way is more expensive, but it takes a lot of time, effort, and planning off of your plate.

  • Pros: You don’t have to worry about driving a big moving truck
  • Cons: More expensive the more stuff you have, less affordable than other types of moves
  • Price: $$ to $$$

Van Lines

An ABV van line trailer sits a driveway

You’ve probably seen the van line trucks on the road before: ABF/UPack, Old Dominion, and more.

This is how it works: a semi-truck trailer is dropped off at your home, you load your stuff (or have someone load it for you), and you partition it off to keep it separate from other customers’ belongings.

A driver will come to take the trailer away and drive it to your new home. Sharing space on a trailer with other people who are moving is a cost-effective way to get your belongings across the country because you only pay for the space on the trailer you take up.

That said, because this moving option involves multiple individuals’ prize possessions packed inside in shared moving trucks, we highly recommend hiring movers to load the trailer for you. The pros have experience and know how to keep your stuff safe and take up the least amount of space possible.

  • Pros: You pay only for the space you use,and transportation is all taken care of.
  • Cons: More expensive the more stuff you have, some companies offer less flexibility with loading and unloading dates. Can have a high claims rate as your things may be unloaded and loaded multiple times during other deliveries, and there is a risk of your things getting mixed up with other customers’ belongings.
  • Price: $$$

PODS/Moving Containers

A PODS container sits curbside in front of a home

Moving containers are ultra-convenient for long-distance moves for a few important reasons.

Portable moving containers are like a freight trailer but a lot smaller. Your container is dropped off empty and picked up when full, then kept in storage untouched until you request delivery at your new home. One of the biggest benefits for moving containers is being able to load your belongings at your own pace. Companies like PODS bill you monthly (while others at least give you a few days).

 

“Both your departure and arrival towns likely have parking rules, which will come into play as you’re loading and unloading, especially if you’re leaving a PODS container somewhere for a week or more.”

 

If you’re planning to use a portable container for storage, be aware: unlike more traditional self-storage, access to your portable container is only easy if you keep it in your front yard. When kept at a storage facility, an appointment is generally necessary and may cost you extra, so plan ahead.

  • Pros: The most flexibility of any long-distance moving option, transportation is taken care of, storage options are built-in
  • Cons: More expensive than a moving truck rental, can add complexity if you keep your container in their storage centers
  • Price: $$$

Full-Service Movers

If money is no object, hire a full-service moving company. They can assess your home and schedule a crew of movers to come with the packing supplies to pack, load, drive, and unload your stuff within the month of your choosing. You can even pay for the movers to disassemble and reassemble furniture for you.

  • Pros: Aside from coordination with the moving company, your move is practically done for you
  • Cons: Almost always the costliest option, requires more time to plan (sometimes a month or more ahead of time)
  • Cost: $$$$

How Do I Pack for a Long-Distance Move?

Packed moving boxes and other household items are stacked against a wall

If you’ve already decided to hire full-service movers, you can skip ahead — they’ll take care of all the packing! Otherwise, read on. Below are some general estimates for how long it will take to pack, as well as some of our best tips for packing for a long-distance move.

How long does it take to pack for a long-distance move?

It’s important to know when to start packing, so here are time-requirement estimates for packing a home:

  • Studio/1BR Apt: 1 Day
  • 2BR Apt: 1–2 Days
  • 3BR Apt: 2–3 Days
  • 2BR House: 2–3 Days
  • 3BR House: 3–4 Days
  • 4BR House: 4–5 Days

In the estimates above, “one day” is about eight hours of one person packing. If you only have time to pack for four hours a day, double those estimates. With that in mind, the single best strategy for packing is to start well in advance of when you think you should start, no matter which transportation option you choose. In all my experience, I never heard someone say that packing took less time than they expected.

Long-Distance Moving Tips for Packing

Packing is one of the most time-consuming parts of any long-distance move. To save you time, and save your sanity, here are some tried and true packing tips for moving long distances.

Test your packing speed:

Pick a closet or a room, or even just part of one room, and time how long it takes to pack.

This may give you an idea of how long it will actually take you to pack up your entire home. It will probably start looking like it will take much longer than you originally thought.

Decide what your non-essentials are:

a woman examines packed boxes in a room

Make a list of the kinds of things you won’t need for a while. This will make it easy to decide what to pack first once you get started and are faced with that mountain of accumulation in the garage or spare room.

Things you don’t need for a while often include:

  • Out-of-season clothes
  • Holiday items
  • Books
  • Sentimental items
  • Decorations
  • Seasonal bedding

Even if you’re undecided about what to do with some of your belongings, other categories are a no-brainer. Get them packed up and out of your way.

Shelve the sentimental. You will undoubtedly come across items you think you might want to get rid of but aren’t quite sure about. Expect that. Instead of wasting time fretting over Grandma’s lace tablecloth, set it aside for later. The monstrous task of packing tends to help people clearly see what they really need and what they can let go of.

Pack an essentials bag for every member of the family:

The last thing you want is to realize you’ve packed every single sock you own or, worse yet, your emergency contact lenses. Make a list of the things everyone is going to need access to during the move and set those things aside. Before moving day, have everyone pack up a carry-on or duffel bag with what they’re going to need before the new house is unpacked.

Things you will likely need to keep on hand:

  • Clothing
  • Toiletries
  • Essential electronics and chargers
  • Medications
  • Child’s favorite toys
  • Shower rod, rings, and curtain
  • Towels
  • Coffee maker, coffee, and your favorite mug

This list can get pretty subjective, so think about what you can’t live without during your move and add to it as needed.

DO NOT pack important paperwork, documents, and irreplaceable items:

When it comes to sensitive documents, shred those you don’t need and secure (and keep with you) the things you do.

Things not to pack away include:

  • Cash, credit cards, checkbooks
  • Bank and other financial statements
  • Insurance documents
  • Jewelry
  • Expensive or high-end jackets/coats
  • Laptops/tablets w/cords, data backups
  • Medical/dental records, prescriptions/medicine
  • Personal documents, professional files/papers
  • Cell phones, chargers
  • Car and house keys
  • Family photos
  • Identifying documents such as birth certificates, social security cards, driver’s licenses, passports

These items should stay with you during your move, secured in suitcases, safes, and binders.

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Don’t pack your boxes too heavy:

You want to be able to actually move your moving boxes, so avoid packing boxes that weigh more than you (or the movers) can comfortably carry. Using small boxes for heavy items and large boxes for lighter items is a good rule of thumb.

Label boxes as you go and keep an inventory:

If you’re thinking, “I’ll unpack these boxes in a week. I know what’s in there,” trust me — at the end of your move, you’ll have no idea what’s in all those boxes.

Do yourself a favor and get a pack of Sharpies, labels, and a fresh spiral notebook.

Label your boxes with the following on two sides:

      • A unique number (1, 2, 3…)
      • Which room it belongs in
      • What you’ve packed inside

Then note all that down in your inventory notebook. This will make unpacking much easier and you’ll be patting yourself on the back when move-in day comes.

Use packing paper, towels, and linens instead of bubble wrap:

Bubble wrap is an attractive option for particularly expensive or hard-to-replace breakables, but it’s bulky and becomes expensive quickly (not to mention, it’s not great for the environment). Packing paper is more than adequate for packing most things. It’s also easier to handle. Make sure you use the right kind of tape, too.

For some extra padding and protection for your most important and fragile items, consider using clothing, linens, or towels to wrap those items and line your boxes. You have to pack those things anyway, so might as well use them to protect your favorite mugs.

 

Experts suggest taking photographs, especially for anything of great value. You may want proof of exactly what condition the items you keep are in before they are packed away on the moving truck (or whatever mode of transportation you choose).

Where Can I Get Packing Materials for a Long-Distance Move?

The easiest way to get clean, sturdy boxes and packing paper is usually to buy them from your moving service provider. Many self-storage facilities also offer these items, along with tape and other packing essentials. However, from a price perspective, you could probably save some money by getting your packing supplies from a home improvement store instead.

If you’re looking to shave some dollars off your move, there are ways to get free moving boxes too.

Can I Just Ship All My Stuff?

You could theoretically choose to ship some of your things via UPS, FedEx, or the U.S. Postal Service (USPS). Yes, it’s cheapest to send through USPS, but pricing typically levels out for packages weighing more than two pounds.

Should I Get Rid of My Things?

You might recognize by now that the less stuff you have to move, the better off you’ll be. After all, professional moving companies generally charge you based on the weight of the stuff being transported. In other words, both literally and figuratively, you will lift a weight off your shoulders if you downsize before moving.

Some ways you can unload your stuff before moving day:

      • Sell stuff online through Craigslist, eBay, or Etsy
      • Have a traditional garage sale
      • Give away things to your friends and family
      • Donate items through charities or religious organizations
      • Recycle old, worn-out clothes at a local recycling center

How To Pack the Truck (If You’re Doing It Yourself)

If you’ve decided to DIY your move with a rental truck and now have to load it yourself, remember these two pro tips:

1. Keep the Heavy Boxes on the Bottom

The idea is to avoid anything being crushed. Heavy boxes of books? Those should be packed under the China tea set. Flatscreen TV? That should be secured upright between the couch cushions without anything on top of it.

2. Load Your Belongings in “Tiers”

This means building walls, i.e., vertical layers of furniture, boxes, and assorted loose items. Furniture pads are crucial for this.

For example, set down your dresser and a desk (wrapped in padding, of course), with some not-too-heavy boxes set on top of them, and top it off with outdoor equipment, pillows in plastic bags, etc. This all makes up one tier.

Build one tier at a time, mixing furniture, boxes, and miscellaneous stuff. It’s critical to pack tightly to avoid damage from everything shifting and bouncing around in transit. Naturally, not all your tiers will be uniform, but do your best to balance the weight throughout the truck as you pack.

Other Considerations When Moving Across State Lanes

Interstate moves are particularly complicated due to differences in state laws. You still legally have to know what you’re responsible for when moving to a new state, so the first step is to do your homework. Here are some

Moving Company Licenses

Hiring movers? Some moving companies can’t even provide service for interstate moves because they lack the proper license. Check-in with your mover ahead of time. (Of course, the HireAHelper search tool filters all that stuff automatically once you input your zip code.)

Parking During Your Move

It’s important to know both state and local laws and ordinances that may be relevant to you during your move. Both your departure and arrival towns likely have parking rules, which will come into play as you’re loading and unloading, especially if you’re leaving a PODS container somewhere for a week or more.

State-Specific Restrictions

Also, some states have certain laws restricting what you can bring in. For instance, there are several items that are illegal to bring into California, including certain firearms, fruits, and certain pets, like ferrets.

Moving Long-Distance with a Pet

Interstate moving with a pet adds one more tricky factor to the moving mix. It’s not impossible, though, and these tips can help make it a lot easier

How To Get the Most Out of Your Customer Reviews if You’re a Mover

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If you’re a business with any kind of online presence, your customers are talking about you … somewhere. And you can bet people are reading it!

Customer reviews can make or break your business — especially for moving companies. In general, 93% of consumers read reviews before making a purchase. Meanwhile, 49% of consumers say they trust online reviews just as much as personal recommendations.

If your online profiles show a string of negative reviews — or even just comments from customers that were never acknowledged or addressed — you are almost certainly losing out on bookings. Once you understand how you can leverage them to your benefit, you’ll quickly come to embrace customer reviews, even if they’re negative! Here’s how.

Where Do Moving Customers Leave Reviews?

hireahelper review page
Reviews on HireAHelper.com

Aside from your website, there are a number of places where customers can leave reviews about their experience working with your company. You could have reviews out there that you never even knew about. 

Here are some common sites that feature customer reviews:

  • Google My Business: Google is often the first place people go when they are researching a company. By creating a Google My Business profile, you allow your customers to leave reviews directly on your Google listing.
  • Yelp: Yelp collects business reviews for virtually all industries, including moving companies. (But no customer service!)
  • Facebook: If your moving company has a Facebook business page, customers can leave reviews there. These reviews are visible to anyone who visits your page.
  • Better Business Bureau (BBB): The BBB is a legacy source of business reviews, and they have a specific category for moving and storage companies.
  • Angie’s List: Angie’s List is a well-known site where customers can leave reviews for all types of service providers, including movers.
  • HomeAdvisor: HomeAdvisor is a platform where homeowners can find and vet contractors for all kinds of services, including moving services.
  • HireAHelper: As the largest mover marketplace on the internet, there are over a quarter of a million mover reviews on HireAHelper. They handle nearly all customer communication and coordination for you, but you get to personally respond to any reviews left by customers if you want.

How Do You Improve Your Customer Reviews?

movers reviews

Yes, all businesses should encourage customers to leave reviews.

It’s important to respond to them in a thoughtful and respectful manner, regardless of whether they’re positive or negative. However, there are some steps you can take to improve the quality of reviews and increase the number of positive ones.

moversRespond to ALL reviews

Responding to reviews shows appreciation for the customer’s time and effort — not just to them, but to everyone reading.

And make sure it’s an original response — no matter what — and never copied and pasted! It conveys that your moving business values their input and is listening to their experiences and feedback. You will ultimately leverage these reviews to improve your business and increase revenue.

However, it’s crucial to handle your original responses with care. A poorly crafted or defensive response can severely damage your reputation. Ideally, responses to customer reviews should be professional, courteous, and aimed at resolving any issues.

Responding to positive reviews

Who doesn’t love a happy customer? But there are still some important things to remember:

  • Yes, make sure you take the time to respond to positive reviews. And even though it’s a positive review, maintain a professional tone in your response.
  • Be sure to personalize your responses by addressing the reviewer by name. This shows you value them as an individual and not just a customer number. It’s also important to express sincere thanks for the time the customer took to leave a review. You can say something like, “Thank you for taking the time to leave us such a fantastic review.”
  • If the review includes specifics about what the customer liked, reinforce those elements in your response. For example, “We’re thrilled to hear that you loved our moving service, especially the part about…”
  • Encourage the reviewer to return to your business, and that you appreciate recommendations to friends and family.

HireAHelper is a nationwide marketplace where you can compare and book local movers to help you pack, load and unload your moving truck or container.

Hire A Helper Logo

Responding to negative reviews

Here’s the hard part of dealing with reviews … no matter how much time and effort you put into running your business the right way, there are bound to be a few dissatisfied customers. Maybe one of your movers accidentally chipped a table, or perhaps your customer was just having a bad day and decided to take it out on your review page.

Here’s what to do:

  • Act quickly: Respond to negative feedback as soon as possible. A swift response shows that you care about customer satisfaction and are serious about resolving their concerns.
  • Always begin by acknowledging the customer’s concerns and offering an apology for their experience. Even if you believe your business did nothing wrong, you can still express regret that they had a negative experience. Empathy can go a long way in diffusing a negative situation. 
  • It’s natural to feel defensive when you receive a negative review, but it’s crucial to address negative reviews constructively and empathetically. It can turn a dissatisfied customer into a satisfied one and show potential customers that you’re dedicated to resolving issues. (Remember that your response is public and will be seen by future  customers!)
  • Definitely don’t delete negative reviews — one study found that 62% of consumers say they won’t buy from a brand they think censors online reviews. (In other words, people are suspicious of 100% 5-star reviews, and for good reason!)
  • If the customer has mentioned specific issues, quickly hone in on them in your response. This shows that you have carefully read their review and are responding to their particular situation. Then, propose a way to resolve the issue, whether it’s a partial refund, further conversation offline, or some other solution.
  • Remember to thank them! Yes, even for negative reviews. The feedback can help you improve your business, and showing appreciation for that can help repair the relationship with the upset customer.

The Hidden Benefits of Customer Reviews

mover reviews

Reading your customers’ reviews is about more than feeling warm and fuzzy when they have something nice to say. There are a number of benefits of customer reviews for a moving business, whether positive or negative.

  • Drastically improve sales: Maybe not a “hidden” benefit, exactly, but positive reviews will help seal the deal with future potential customers. The more positive reviews you accumulate, the more business you’ll likely book. Simple, right?
  • SEO benefits: “SEO” stands for “search engine optimization”. Basically, search websites like Google, Bing and Yahoo consider customer reviews in their algorithms for what websites they show when people search for stuff. Having lots of reviews will help your business rank higher in result pages when people are searching for local moving companies. Huge!
  • Customer engagement and retention: You want customers to engage with your brand, and reviews are one of the best ways to do this. Your efforts are not only appreciated, but they result in more brand recognition and ultimately, return business.
  • Super direct feedback: Reviews provide honest feedback about your moving business, which you can use to identify areas of improvement.
  • Credibility: Having reviews at all significantly boosts a business’s credibility and reputation. How many times have you Googled something just to check if it was a real thing? 
  • Customer knowledge: Reviews can also provide you with valuable insights into your customers’ preferences, needs and expectations. You may be surprised what areas continue to be brought up that maybe you deprioritized, or weren’t even aware about!

How To Encourage Customers To Leave Reviews

So how can you encourage your customers to leave reviews to boost your business marketing efforts? Here are some ideas:

  • Just ask: Sometimes, the simplest way to get reviews is just to ask. You can do this at the end of a transaction, via email, or even on social media. Explain how much you appreciate customer feedback and how it helps your business.
  • Make it super easy: Be sure the process for leaving a review as simple as possible. Provide direct links to your review profiles in emails or on your website. If the process is too complicated, customers will almost never leave you a review.
  • Incentivize reviewers: Offer a small incentive to encourage customers to leave a review. Some people give small discounts, gift card giveaways, or things like that. Just don’t get carried away and seem like you’re attempting to purchase their review.
  • Follow up: After you complete a move for a customer, follow up via email or text message to ask for a review. You can use this opportunity to thank them for their business and request their feedback. (It’s worth noting HireAHelper automates this for all your HireAHelper jobs, so your reviews will come in like clockwork.)

What To Do After You Get Reviews

mover reviews

So now you have plenty of customer reviews to work with. Good job! But what, exactly, can you do to use those reviews to boost your business after you get them?

  • Share reviews on social media: Sharing positive reviews on all social media platforms can help spread the word about your great customer service or products.
  • Highlight reviews on your website: Consider creating a dedicated “Testimonials” section on your website. This can be one of the first places prospective customers visit to determine if they want to book your movers (Don’t have a website? Setting up a free profile on mover marketplace websites is that much more important if you don’t have a nice one of your own!)
  • Use in marketing materials: Positive customer reviews can be used in your marketing and promotional materials, whether it’s a brochure, email campaign, or online advertisements.
  • Inform service development: Positive reviews can give you a sense of what you’re doing right, what customers appreciate most about your moving services, and what makes your business stand out. This information can be instrumental in developing new services or refining existing ones.
  • Motivate your team: Positive customer reviews aren’t just a great tool for growing your business internally — they’re also helpful for motivating your team internally. Sharing positive reviews with your team can boost morale and show your team that their efforts are recognized and appreciated by customers.

Keep in mind that you should request permission from customers before publicly using their reviews, particularly if you’re using them in a broader marketing campaign or sharing them in a public space beyond the platform where they were originally posted.

On the surface, customer reviews might seem inconsequential or even be a bit of a nuisance. If your moving business is already doing well, you might not think it’s important to invest time into responding to customer reviews and fostering more of them.

However, ignoring reviews could mean leaving money on the table. Customers are going to review your business whether you engage with them or not, so you might as well take advantage of the opportunity to improve customer service, increase credibility, and drive more sales.

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