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What To Expect When Moving from LA to NYC

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Each year, 9.8% of Americans move—and a third of those relocate to a new state. So if you’re thinking about moving from Los Angeles to New York City, you’re in good company.

But before you ditch the idyllic temps and less-than-idyllic traffic of L.A. for the skyscrapers and snowstorms of NYC, there are some key details to think through: 

  • How much does a cross-country move cost?
  • What exactly does a cross-country relocation entail?
  • What does it mean for your car?

As someone who grew up in L.A., I understand all of the amazing qualities of this sprawling city, but I also know why, after a while, you might want to try something new. After all, New York City is a big place, with 8 million people, 5 boroughs, and about 3,000 “best slice” spots. Here’s what I learned on my move.

From Coast to Coast: What You Need To Know When Moving from LA to NYC

los angeles move

As Frank Sinatra crooned, “If you can make it here, you’ll make it anywhere.” Of course, that implies it takes some fortitude to make it in NYC. (As a Los Angelino, you’ve already got that in spades.) 

Here are a few key differences to consider between the two cities:

  • Transportation: Los Angeles is a driving-centric town; you must have your own vehicle in L.A. But the traffic is atrocious, and it takes so long to get anywhere that you really have to think hard before every RSVP. NYC is all about walking, but the subway is always there as a backup. Although the multicolored Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) map might seem daunting at first, you’ll quickly get to know your local route, and your knowledge from memorizing overnight switchovers and deciphering the conductor’s messages will only grow.
  • “The Vibe”: There might be some culture shock if you’re used to laid-back vibes. They say that New Yorkers are mean and rude and, well, some people are! But to be fair, you can find gruff people anywhere. Both cities offer diverse communities who will likely love to chat about their favorite brunch spots, fitness fads, and what they love or hate about their town.
  • Weather: Are you sure you want to give up the beach? OK, to be fair, you don’t exactly have to! NYC offers access to Coney Island, the Rockaways, and the Hamptons, providing a variety of beach escapes with different vibes. The big change is that you only get to enjoy NYC beaches for a few months out of the year. Then again, there’s something to be said for adding chic coats to your wardrobe.

la to nycWhat’s the cost of living in NYC vs. L.A.?

One thing that New Yorkers love to talk about is how much everything costs. So, let’s talk about money. 

NYC has one of the nation’s highest median incomes: $87,745. 

However, you should also consider that rising housing costs and the overall cost of living counteract some of those take-home benefits. One study shows that when today’s median household income is adjusted against county cost of living, New York County ranks very poorly: No. 3,105 in the U.S.

So, you can’t simply ask, “Is it cheaper to live in L.A. or NYC?” It’s important to really take into account your own lifestyle and the factors that might impact your take-home pay—everything from groceries to movie theater tickets. Both L.A. and NYC are unsurprisingly among the most expensive cities in the United States; L.A. ranks No. 7, Brooklyn comes in at No. 4, and Manhattan owns the dubious honor of No. 1. 

See fast facts below, based on the latest findings from the Council for Community and Economic Research.

  • Typical Monthly Rent (across all rentals):
    • Manhattan: $4,604 
    •  Brooklyn: $3,532
    •  Los Angeles: $2,717
  • Median Home Value:
    • Manhattan: $2.4M
    • Brooklyn: $734,800
    • Los Angeles: $670,700
  • Grocery Premiums:
    • Manhattan: 44% above the national average
    • Brooklyn: 11%
    • Los Angeles: 26%
  • Transportation:
    • Manhattan: 18% above the national average
    • Brooklyn: 11%
    • Los Angeles: 10%

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Moving to “Post-COVID-19” NYC

A few things have changed about living in New York since 2020, several of which might inform a move to NYC. 

One factor is that renters in NYC might need to pay broker fees again. These fees, which can range from one month’s rent to 15% of annual rent, were briefly prohibited in 2020. However, that is a “might”, because it’s possible to sort listings so that only no-fee apartments are displayed in your searches. In some cases, the amount itself may be negotiable, but this is something to discuss with a broker up-front.

 

“Consider that the 40-hour drive from LA to NYC takes about four days on average to complete—and that’s with an average vehicle, not a large moving truck.”

 

Another thing is that prices have steeply increased from the all-time lows of the pandemic. Not only are NYC prices rising, but it’s made bidding on apartments pretty fierce. Prospective renters might offer to pay over the asking rate, sign leases sight unseen, put down deposits in cash, and do other things that would’ve seemed crazy year ago. While competitive, you probably aren’t used to competition this fierce in LA.

How to ensure you get an apartment in NYC

What helps most is to know exactly what you’re looking for so that you know it when you see it, and that you’re ready to act.

Have all of your paperwork on hand so that you can apply for an apartment right away; typical documents include pay stubs (or similar proof of employment), records from the past year’s tax returns, and proof of the money that’s currently in your bank account (or other assets you hold).

The Mover’s Guide for How To Get From Here (L.A.) to There (NYC)

la to nyc move

You’ve made your decision to pack up and head off to the opposite coast. Congrats! Now it’s time for the actual moving part. Although it’s impossible to provide one guide that will suit every situation, this at-a-glance overview offers useful and comprehensive tips for moving to NYC.

How to get your move out of L.A. started

It’s not really possible nowadays to simply decide you’re leaving today. Several experts recommend booking movers two months ahead of your trip, but this is a general rule.  Given this is a long-distance move, you might want to start as far back as three months, especially if you’ll be moving during the busy summer season, which books up fast!

Pack now!

When a friend of mine moved to NYC recently, she started planning a few months out and felt pretty confident, but looking back, she says she could have benefitted from a little extra time to double-check everything, pack a little earlier and slower, and itemize and appraise some of her belongings. Case in point: a few of her boxes went missing. But she had difficulty holding her movers accountable — she wasn’t 100% certain about what specifically was lost because she’d marked them down broadly (i.e., “Kitchen”).

You need to look at NYC places well in advance

Unfortunately, housing inventory doesn’t show up online too far in advance of its availability in NYC. At best, you might see it listed a month early, but that might not feel like a lot of time to find somewhere to live, put in an application, and get everything in order while also planning your move. 

 

“With moving containers, you pack all your stuff up and have it driven cross-country for you!”

 

Consider a temporary location, like an Airbnb

This is why some people find temporary places to stay at first or lease places without ever visiting them. If possible, schedule a weekend trip to NYC about a month ahead of your move and plan long days with back-to-back viewings until you find a place. For this to succeed, you might want to enlist a broker and develop a relationship so that they understand your needs.

Tips to make your NYC move-in day smoother

nyc move

While moving days anywhere might have their little quirks depending on the city, here are some NYC-specific tips for the big day. 

Check and double-check your apartment measurements

Many New York buildings are old (like remodeled tenements), and even new builds are often atypical in size and shape to make the most of limited square footage (Ever hear of “shoebox” apartments?). Measure:

  • Your doorways (they are not all standard)
  • Halls (especially corners)
  • Stairwells (plus, count the flights if it’s a walk-up)

Make sure you can actually get everything into your apartment before you put so much effort into moving your items to NYC!

For move-in, you might need to show your building proof that your movers are insured

This protects the building in the event that any damage occurs to stairwells, hallways, and the like so forth, during the move-in process. Professional moving companies are used to being asked about this, but it might cost a small fee to request a copy of their proof of insurance. (Tip: If the building doesn’t bring this up, don’t ask!)

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How to haul all your stuff to NYC

You have a few options for getting yourself (and all your belongings) to NYC:

  • Do-It-Yourself: Some people think the main advantage of DIY is saving money, but this may or may not be true depending on how you go about it. Consider that the 40-hour drive from LA to NYC takes about four days on average to complete — and that’s with an average vehicle, not a large moving truck. You’ll have to think about paying for gas across about 2,800 miles. And if you park at hotels and motels along the way, you’ll want to make sure your worldly belongings stay secure in your truck while you sleep.
  • All-In-One/Full-Service: Many people enjoy using moving services that do packing, move-out, transport, move-in, and unpacking (or some combination of those options). The obvious perk is convenience because it lets you focus on other aspects of the move. However, it’s important to find a company you trust, since they’re handling every element of your move. 
  • Shipping Containers: A solution like PODS might be ideal for moving to NYC, because PODS gives you both storage and moving in one service, and you only have to load and unload one time. With moving containers, you pack all your stuff up and have it driven cross-country for you! Once your containers get to New York, you have the option to leave them in storage for as long as you need while you find a place to live and get yourself settled. Then, once you’re ready, you just book your container delivery and unload everything into your new place.

How much does it cost to move from L.A. to NYC?

la to nyc move

First of all, give yourself time to price-shop! Do your research, compare prices, and don’t be afraid to bring other company quotes to places you prefer and ask them to match them. 

And don’t assume all moving companies are the same. Some are definitely more trustworthy and experienced than others.

Remember my friend whose items got “lost” when moving to NYC? She later learned that other complaints about that company losing belongings were buried on Google. With a little more time spent, she would have turned those up before losing her entire jewelry box while trying to save a few bucks.

The great thing is that most websites offer free quotes based on your specific details. Here are a few quotes that I turned up for each of the options above using exact NYC addresses:

  • DIY (Rent and Drive a Truck Yourself): $179–$219 (per day, truck rental) + $1,088 (total gas, assuming an average moving truck’s MPG and current national gas price average as of September 2022)
  • Full-Service: $4,290–$7,280
  • Shipping Containers: $3,368–$4,420

The main takeaway is that while the DIY and shipping container options look a lot cheaper than full-service, when all is said and done, the final numbers may not be so far off from each other. It all depends on which company you use, whether or not you choose to drive, how long you take to drive if you choose to, and little add-ons like getting insurance, permits, or adding moving labor. 

Rather than concentrate entirely on the price tag, decide what really works best for your move — then pursue the best company and a fair price.

What’s the best time of year to move to NYC?

la to nyc moveGenerally, it’s cheaper to move during winter months and holiday weekends when fewer people are moving and demand is lower. 

Demand is highest during a few peak dates in New York City: June 1 or 15 and September 1 or 15.

On and around those dates, it’s more difficult to find movers and rental trucks. But in NYC, there’s more to consider. For example, if you move into a high-rise building, you’ll often need to reserve special parking spots for move-in trucks (loading zones), and you might need to reserve the building’s freight elevators for furniture and big boxes. 

Parking slots can fill up on prime move-in days, meaning that even if your lease is starting on June 1, if you can’t reserve parking and elevators, you might need to bring some of your things on another day in order to meet the building’s move-in policies and codes. If you’re moving into a more relaxed building, these might not be concerns.

Remember, consider available apartment inventory. If you choose a month when fewer people are moving out, there might be fewer vacancies for you to choose from.

“…if you move into a high-rise building, you’ll often need to reserve special parking spots for move-in trucks…and you might need to reserve the building’s freight elevators for furniture and big boxes.”

 

Do I need a car in NYC?

This is a question that always gets asked, and there are, unfortunately, only three real answers:

  • Sell it. Some people have cars in NYC, but the hassle of parking it is typically not worth the convenience of having it. Renting spaces can be anywhere from $200–$500 per month, while street parking requires moving your car to alternate sides of the road almost every day to avoid getting a ticket.
  • Tow it. If you’re driving yourself across the country, you can easily tow your car behind the truck and bring it with you.
  • Drive it. If your belongings are being moved separately, you could take a nice, long road trip and see more of the U.S. Don’t forget to factor in today’s gas prices and your car’s mileage.

How much money should I save before moving to NYC?

It’s hard to give an exact number to save up before you make your move since that figure really depends on where you’re going and what your rent situation will be. But I can give you a list of factors that can help you come up with a number that makes sense.

You’ll need to have enough money to cover:

  • Moving costs (see above)
  • First month’s rent
  • Last month’s rent
  • Security deposit (which is typically equivalent to a month’s rent)
  • Tipping your movers: Make a good impression by tipping your doormen, movers, and anyone who helps you get settled. They will remember, and it will go a long way toward ensuring a more pleasant acclimation period.
  • Cabs/takeout/extras: When you move, you’ll be exhausted, and you’ll spend a few days ordering takeout and taking cars everywhere instead of walking. This is one of those rare times it really does help to throw money at the problem—pad your budget just enough.

All in all, you’re easily looking at ~$5,000+ estimate for moving from L.A. to NYC. That’s between a rental truck or moving service, first and last month’s rent, and other miscellaneous costs. (Even the most extreme DIY scenario will still net a couple grand in expenses.)

Of course, it’s always good to add some buffer in there to cover the extras that are sure to come up. Nothing makes you feel more like a New Yorker than a crazy curveball thrown at you at the moment you least expect it.

Hopefully, this advice helps you feel more confident about moving from L.A. to NYC. Now all you need to do is take the leap.

Illustrations by Meredith Miotke

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

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Planning on hiring moving labor for your move? 

Moving labor is typically charged by the hour, so if you’ve ever tried to book labor-only movers, you know pretty much the first thing they ask you is, “how many movers do you need?”

While it might seem daunting to realistically know the answer, have no fear! I spoke with several of my friends about their recent moves and straight-up asked them how much labor help they ultimately required. Because while moving size charts are great, there’s nothing like talking to someone who’s been through it themselves to tell it like it is.

How long do movers take to finish?

Generally, it can take anywhere from 2 to 8 hours on average to move a house. That’s a huge spread!

The number of hours YOU will end up needing depends on how many movers you hire, how much stuff you have, and whether your move involves any special circumstances, like moving specialty items or navigating stairs.

Here are some things to consider when booking moving labor:

  • Consider the factors that could make your SPECIFIC move a pain. It’s pointless to rely on typical moving labor estimates if your apartment is on the eighth floor with no elevator, or you own five baby grand pianos
  • Keep in mind that for the sake of operational efficiency, it’s standard for moving companies to maintain a minimum of two movers for two hours, so that’s the lowest amount of labor you’ll be able to reserve. But that’s okay! You very likely won’t need less than this anyway
  • The general consensus seems to be: It takes longer to load than it does to unload. As you’ll see below, it usually took about an hour less for my friends to unload than it did to load up. Since you no longer have to worry about things like stacking boxes or arranging the furniture inside the truck, unloading is kind of like riding your bike downhill versus uphill

Why hire more movers when you could hire them for longer hours? 

You’ll see some recommendations below for booking up to four (or more) movers at a time. While this might not seem cost-effective at first glance, it’s definitely time-effective, which should ultimately lead to a smaller moving bill at the end of the day.

This is because not surprisingly, even superhumanly strong moving professionals get tired after a while. Making sure you have enough helpers keeps the whole team from losing steam.

How Many People Do You Need to Help You Move? Here’s What My Friends Recommend

 

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 of mine 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 after weeks of preparing for it. 

As mentioned above, the minimum amount of moving labor she could hire was two movers for two hours, but she felt this was perfect for the size of her apartment. The only hiccup 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 she expected. 

When collecting quotes, make sure you don’t forget to let your movers know if there will be stairs involved! (HireAHelper automatically accounts for this during your online booking.)

 

2-3 Bedroom Apartment

  • Square feet: 800–1200 square feet
  • Recommendations:
    • Loading time: 2 movers for 3 hours
    • Unloading time: 2 movers for 2 hours

When my bestie moved from Big Bear, California back to her home in Los Angeles in order to be closer to family, she and her husband decided to go the budget-friendly route of hiring a U-Haul for the day. 

Her 1,100-square-foot cabin had what she calls “two-and-a-half” bedrooms, the half bedroom being a hard-to-classify, den-like room that eventually became a storage room. While packing took over a week, the move itself was accomplished over the course of a very long day. 

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She hired two movers who loaded everything into their moving truck in three hours that morning. Unloading was definitely faster, especially since she was moving in temporarily with her parents and only had to unload her stuff into a storage unit, which took about two hours. 

 

2-3 Bedroom House

moving labor guide

  • Square feet: 1,000–1,500
  • Recommendations:
    • Loading time: 3 movers for 4 hours
    • Unloading time: 3 movers for 3 hours

Recently, my cousin stayed with us in our guest room for a bit after selling her 1,250-square-foot, 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom home. 

She decided to opt for a portable storage container since she would need to keep most of her things in storage for a few months, and she wanted to save herself time unloading and reloading her stuff. She did all of the packing herself and hired a few friends to help her finish loading her container on moving day. 

 

“Think about other houses… Do you typically have more or less stuff than they do? Do you have an attic, garage, or basement filled with exercise equipment, tools, or holiday decorations? All of this factors into your moving labor calculations.”

 

While they weren’t professional packers and loaders per se, they were incredibly proficient (read: buff) and boasted some mad Tetris skills, so she’s confident they were fairly up-to-par with the pros. They had her container loaded in just four hours. Months later, when it was time for her to unload her items into her new apartment, it took about three hours to unload everything from her container. 

 

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 of ours moved from Oregon to Florida using a full-service moving company, as they were not about to drive a rental truck with their three little ones across the country. 

Their 1,700-square-foot home took about 4 hours to load with the help of their four-person moving team. Their loaders even helped with some last-minute packing. After racing across the country in their minivan to beat their movers to their new city, they quickly found a 3-bedroom home in just the nick of time so they could avoid being charged storage fees. 

There were only three movers this time to help them unload the truck, and it took about 4 hours. If there had been a fourth mover, it most assuredly would have taken less 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, a place he had shared with his previous wife for nearly twenty years before she passed away. The kids were all grown, and Florida real estate prices are insane right now, so it was a great time to cash in. 

His home was not only enormous — 5 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms — but it was also filled with stuff he had collected for decades. Months before the move, as soon as he listed his home for sale, our friend and his new wife began the “Great Purge”. But once they had sold and donated everything they needed to, they still had a decent amount of stuff on their hands. 

 

“It’s pointless to rely on typical moving labor estimates if your apartment is on the eighth floor with no elevator, or you own five baby grand pianos.”

 

They hired a local full-service moving company for their move and a team of four was tasked with loading and unloading their items. 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 having to take them in his own vehicle. Definitely make sure to let your moving help know ahead of time if you have any collectibles or other specialty items.

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What about drive time?

It counts.

Regardless if you’re hiring moving company for labor-only OR if the company is driving their own truck, if both ends of the move are happening on the same day, incorporate the drive time into the hourly cost AND combine both estimations.

If you’re worried that might cost a fortune, the good news is that hiring movers by the hour for both your load and unload (the good ol’ Hybrid move!) is still incredibly cost- and time-effective, especially relative to full-service van lines or other huge moving companies. If you’re at all worried and want to know how to keep your costs down, you can chat with someone for free and they’ll quickly figure out what your situation might cost you.

Now it’s your turn: calculate your moving labor needs

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Admittedly, the examples above are all anecdotes from people I know. But the actual data from tens of thousands of moves match up with these estimates pretty well, as those who have been in the moving business for over a decade will tell you.

To make your own moving labor estimate as accurate as possible, you’ll need to keep the following in mind: 

  • How much stuff do you honestly have? Think about other houses you’ve visited. Do you typically have more or less stuff than they do? Do you have an attic, garage, or basement filled with exercise equipment, tools, or holiday decorations? All of this factors into your moving labor calculations. (Note: My friends above had a pretty average amount of stuff for the most part.)
  • What’s your mode of transport? If you’re moving with a portable container and take full advantage, you’ll likely load some of your items in advance of your move. In this case, you’ll want to shave off some loading time when estimating your moving labor needs
  • Does your move have any unique needs? If your movers have to specially handle unique items, or carry your stuff up or down stairs, or walk a city block to get to the moving truck, you’ll need to add some time to your move
  • Will you need help with packing or unpacking? Nearly all of my friends below did the packing themselves, although a couple of them had their pros help with some last-minute boxing on moving day. If you need any packing help on top of loading and unloading, make sure to keep this in mind

While this guide isn’t accurate down to the minute or a legally binding guarantee or anything like that, it should definitely give you a realistic idea of how much labor you might need for your home. With all this in mind, you can use your new moving labor estimate to calculate the cost of your move pretty quickly!

The 5 Best Los Angeles Movers (According to You)

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During my time in Southern California, I’ve seen more and more of my friends happily jumping into new stages of their lives. And because I’m a great friend, I’ve helped most of them with their moves. 

While I do my best, my abilities (and those of my friends) are a far cry from professional movers. (Los Angeles, in particular, requires next-level agility to load and unload, and carry furniture through tight apartment buildings.)

And unfortunately, not every single moving service in Los Angeles is equally great. With that in mind, we put together a list of the top five ranked movers in Los Angeles using tens of thousands of verified reviews from people in LA who were in the same boat as you are.

The 5 Best Movers in Los Angeles by Reviews

Without further ado, let’s get right into the best of the best, rated by thousands of people in Los Angeles and ranked using an algorithm that combines both affordability and quality.

1. Rigo’s Moving & Storage, Inc.

Price: $169/hr. for two movers after 2 hours min. 

Services available: Move help/day labor/movers with a truck

Equipment available without fee: 

  • Furniture dolly
  • Hand truck
  • Rope
  • Plastic wrap
  • Hand tools for assembly.

Hours: Monday-Sunday 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM

Policies: 

  • No same day moving requests
  • Next-day moves will have a special price
  • No refunds for unused time
  • Availability to stay min. 2 hours overbooked time

Why customers love them:

Rigo’s Moving & Storage, Inc. is based in Los Angeles and serves the greater Southern California area. They are not only the best voted moving service providers in Los Angeles, but they are also one of HireAHelper’s top mover’s nationwide, among those with most jobs completed in the entire HireAHelper Network. They guarantee that every job is done by professionally trained movers and plenty of tools to make moving day go as smoothly as possible.

2. Patriot One Movers

Price: $129/hr. for two movers after 2 hours min. 

Services available: Move help/day labor

Equipment available without fee: 

  • Face covering and gloves
  • Furniture dolly
  • Hand truck
  • Hand tools for assembly

Hours: Monday-Sunday 5:00 AM to 11:00 PM

Policies: 

  • Accept same-day requests at regular rates
  • Next-day moves at regular rates
  • Refund up to one hour of unused time over minimum
  • Availability to stay at least. 2 hours over pre-booked time

Why customers love them:

“Reliable, dependable and honest” are the first words Patriot One Movers uses to describe their services, and the fact that they’ve been in business for a whopping 13 years seems to back up that claim. (Not to mention, they have hundreds of glowing 5-star reviews!) Patriot One Movers handle moves up to 50-mile radius of North Hollywood, CA.

They also maintain a very flexible policy that doesn’t charge extra fees for same-day or next-day jobs.

3. Excellent Movers

Price: $112/hr. for two movers after 2 hours min. 

Services available: Move help/day labor

Equipment available without fee: 

  • Face covering and gloves
  • Furniture dolly
  • Hand truck
  • Hand tools for assembly

Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM / Saturday: 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM / Sunday: 7:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Policies: 

  • Same-day requests at a 15% extra rate
  • Next-day moves at regular rates
  • Do not refund unused time
  • Can’t guarantee availability past pre-booked time

Why customers love them:

They specialize in all types of moving help, from “Movers + Truck” services to simply rearranging heavy furniture around your home or office. They’ve handled moves for nearly 300 people in the Los Angeles Area, and have an impressive record of 5-star reviews. Though as a trade-off for such high reviews, make sure you carefully plan your move if you decide to go with them since they don’t refund unused time.

4. Lucky Movers

Price: $89/hr. for two movers after 2 hours min. 

Services available: Move help/day labor/movers with a truck

Equipment available without fee: 

  • Face covering and gloves
  • Furniture dolly
  • Hand truck
  • Rope
  • Plastic wrap
  • Hand tools for assembly

Hours: Monday-Sunday 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM

Policies: 

  • 20% extra charge for same-day requests
  • Next-day moves will have regular rates
  • Refund up to one hour of unused time over minimum
  • Availability to stay at least. 2 hours over pre-booked time

Why customers love them:

Lucky Movers Company can take care of your commercial or residential move at a very reasonable budget. They offer the full package, including labor, packing, wrapping, and unwrapping. They also cover a large swath of land, with service in the Los Angeles, Orange, Ventura, San Bernardino and Riverside counties. They state they have the flexibility to accommodate many moves, from detailed scheduling to a forgiving cancellation policy. 

For them, they say a happy customer is their best form of advertising, so you may be able to get one of those 5-star reviews yourself.

5. Helpful 5 Moving Co.

Price: $125/hr. for two movers after 2 hours min. 

Services available: Move help/day labor

Equipment available without fee: 

  • Face covering and gloves 
  • Furniture dolly 
  • Hand truck 
  • Hand tools for assembly 

Hours: Monday-Sunday 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM

Policies: 

  • 20% extra charge for same-day requests
  • Next-day moves will have regular rates
  • Refund any unused time over minimum
  • Can’t guarantee availability past pre-booked time

Why customers love them:

You don’t necessarily have to choose between budget-friendly or top-notch professional moving help. Helpful 5 Moving Co. are fully trained and equipped for LA moves. We’ve read the reviews, and a very important detail emerged: they are always on time!

See prices for movers by the hour – instantly.

Read real customer reviews.

Easily book your help online.

 

Moving in Los Angeles, by the Numbers

First, the movers you ultimately pick will depend on not only the price, but the move you need. Here’s what moving within Los Angeles takes, in terms of time, cost, and services to choose from.

Average moving cost in Los Angeles

If you opt to hire professional labor, you should expect to shell out an average of $485 for a move in Los Angeles.

This number is based on thousands of local moves booked within Los Angeles, and includes data from both labor-only jobs, as well as more expensive moves where the movers offer local transportation. (The actual amount you pay, of course, will ultimately depend on the size of your home, distance traveled, heavy items, and whether or not you need a vehicle.)

 

“…the movers you ultimately pick will depend on not only the price, but the move you need.”

 

But when you move matters too. Summer moves tend to be more expensive than any other season, and bookings fill up quickly, so expect to maybe pay a little extra for locking down a crew during these months. But if you’re somehow free to choose when to move, doing it in the spring or winter will usually net you a better deal.

Average moving requirements in Los Angeles

On average, most people moving in LA usually hire two movers for three hours.

Yet knowing exactly how many movers you need will depend on multiple factors. If you get a quote from someone over the phone, you’ll be asked questions like:

  • How many square feet is your place?
  • How many rooms does your home have?
  • How far is your door from your loading truck?
  • How many stairs are there?

This chart is a pretty accurate estimation of how many movers you’ll need going by the size of your house. (It was built using the data from hundreds of thousands of moves nationwide!)

Average moving transportation option in Los Angeles

The average move in LA opts to use a 24 foot-long truck.

Some movers in LA will offer the mover plus moving truck combos, but that will mostly depend on the kind of move you’re looking for.

It might also be convenient to rent a moving container for any storage needs, so it’s important to do more research. Some companies like PODS have specialized City Services designed to navigate metropolitan areas with crowded streets, parking limitations, and tight space. This might be a good option if your moving origin or destination is located in the heart of LA. 

If you’re unsure about the size of truck or container you will need, check out this rental price guide and comparison.

See prices for movers by the hour – instantly.

Read real customer reviews.

Easily book your help online.

 

Still haven’t decided on a mover?

There’s nothing more comforting than starting a new stage in your life knowing you’ve got a trustworthy mover who knows all the insider tips and tricks for a seamless move. (I mean, this is LA we’re talking about.)

Since there is no one-size-fits-all solution for moving, we recommend taking the time to gather some quotes from these (or other) professionals, and see which one feels best for you based on availability, prices, equipment offered, and any added value they might provide. In the end, we’re sure your stuff (and your non-mover-friends) will appreciate it.

PODS 101: All the Stuff You Should Know

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We all prioritize different things when it comes to planning a move. While some might prefer to take it easy by packing and loading at their own pace, others may prefer things go as swiftly as possible and settle quickly in their new home. In any case, moving containers like PODS offer many possibilities for organizing the move you need. 

In this blog post, we will cover the basics of moving with PODS: What are they, how do they work, and how much can they fit inside. Let’s dive in!

PODS Company Overview

PODS (Portable on-demand Storage) was the first company to make all those portable storage units you see on the road, in people’s driveways, or sitting in one of their 230 storage centers across the country.

With over 4 million deliveries and more than 900,000 long-distance moves under their belt, it’s safe to say they are the leading “you-pack it, they-move it” moving container companies. 

What are PODS?

PODS are portable steel and aluminum storage containers that are delivered straight to your home, office, or wherever you designate as a delivery address. Once it’s in your location, you can keep it as long as you need and get billed monthly. Some of their most popular features include: 

  • You get to schedule your delivery and pick-up dates
  • Available storage facilities for as long as you need
  • Translucent container roof which allows sunlight to come in
  • Security locks (just make sure to ask for them in advance)
  • Free insurance, covering up to $10,000 
  • 4.48/5 avg. customer reviews

How big are PODS?

There are three container sizes to choose from 7′, 12′, and 16′. However, they all have the same steel skeleton with aluminum skin and steel roll-up door. 

The size you will need depends on how big your house is or how many rooms you plan to fit in it. We put together a small chart to help you figure out what size is best for you, considering your house’s dimensions and average room furnishing. 

Length Width Height Dimensions  Capacity
16’ 8’ 8’ 1,200 sq. ft. or smaller 3 to 4 rooms
12’ 8’ 8’ 500 – 1,00 sq. ft. 2 to 3 rooms
7’ 7’ 8’ 500 sq. ft. or smaller Dorm or small apartment 

How much do moving PODS cost?

PODS can accommodate a wide range of moves: from local to long-distance, studio apartments to large houses. Naturally, prices can go up depending on how many PODS you will need and for how long. Remember, PODS bills monthly. 

We analyzed actual HireAHelper data from thousands of people who have used PODS to move and broke down the average costs and reviews by distance; take a look below at how much moving PODS cost: 

Distance Average Cost Average Review 
Local Move (under 50 mi) $664 4.51/5
Medium distance (50- 250 miles) $1,503  4.59/5
Long distance (250+ miles) $3,364 4.49/5

As you can see, planning a large, long-distance move with PODS might be on the pricier side compared with other moving container companies. But some of their different features can make the price worth it, such as:

  •  The convenience of keeping the container as long as you need
  • They have one of the largest storage facilities networks in the Country
  • Avoid driving a trailer across states with tons of your furniture in it
  • Seamless operations and logistics, according to their customer reviews 

How exactly does PODS work?

Let’s talk about how you can plan your move if you decided to go with PODS. 

Use their online estimator, or call them

There are a couple of ways you can book your PODS. You can build your itinerary on their site, according to how much stuff you have and your needs. Make sure you have an accurate estimate on the things you’ll be moving; there’s nothing worse than ending up spending too much by adding more containers than necessary or running out of space too soon (yikes!). If you’re planning a long-distance move, you’ll need to call the PODS line for a customized moving quote: 888-371-9441.

Reserve your date

Once you settle the details, your container will be delivered to your location. You can keep the containers on your property as long as your need, but remember that they bill monthly, so if you go one minute over the month, you get charged for another.

Keep in mind that you will need the space in your driveway or the street for the container. You don’t want to be that neighbor. You may need a special permit for your container if you plan to keep it in the street, so make sure to sort those details out before the delivery day, or you could get fined.

Wait for delivery 

How do I load my PODS moving container?

One interesting thing is that you don’t necessarily need to be present for your PODS delivery, as long as you leave detailed delivery instructions for the driver to place your container. Nevertheless, some users might recommend it’s better if you’re present if any issues need to be solved at the moment. 

If having a big metal container in your front yard isn’t your thing, just ask PODS to pick it up once it’s loaded. They can keep it safe in one of their 230 storage centers across the country until you are ready to have it delivered to your destination. 

The Bottom Line About Moving with PODS

PODS is convenient because they take care of all the transportation logistics while giving you enough time and space to plan your ideal move. However, prices may seem a little steep compared to the competition, especially for long distances and if you need more than one PODS container to fit in your stuff.

Also, keep in mind that PODS are available on a first-come, first-served basis, so depending on their availability, you can secure a container on the dates you need if you plan early. Generally speaking, summer tends to be the peak season for moving, so if you plan to move during these months, remember to book your PODS with plenty of time in advance to secure your container.  

It doesn’t hurt to shop around and get more quotes, but always keep in mind that time is your best friend for booking a move. Usually, planning months ahead gets you a better deal, depending on the size of your move and the distance you have to go. 

You can start planning by taking a look at our Moving101 page about moving containers,  we have a myriad of information on the most popular moving container companies, their pros, cons and reviews.

Is It Worth Paying for Movers While in College?

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Adulthood comes at you fast during your late teens and early twenties, ushering in expenses you never see coming. One minute you’re in college, cramming for finals, and the next you’re juggling questions like, “What am I going to do with my life?” and “Where am I going to live?” and “Can I afford movers?” 

The good news is, while I can’t help you with the first two, the answer to that final question trends more optimistic than you might think. No matter if graduation is in the rearview or still hovering in the distance, if you don’t know how you’re gonna get all your stuff to campus, there are plenty of options, including lower-cost college movers, that can be tailored to your individual budget. 

What are my realistic moving options in college?

Let’s go back to class for a moment. Moving options are actually like a spectrum.

On one end of the spectrum is a bare-bones DIY move — think a bunch of your classmates pitching in to lug boxes to a borrowed car — and on the other is a full-service move, with a team of professional movers and a truck emblazoned with a company logo. You almost definitely won’t need the last one to move into a dorm room, but in between lies a mountain of untapped potential: everything from hybrid moves, student discounts, price-shopping, and even more tricks designed to save the savvy student some serious moolah. 

The DIY Move 

college movers

Just like many do-it-yourself projects, the DIY move is for those with limited funds, but time and motivation to spare: it’s the cheapest moving option for a reason. 

What’s the best way to pull off a DIY move? 

If you want to move for cheap, you have to start earlier. A few months before your move, start by laying out a new budget — the absolute most you want to spend on the entire process without hiring anyone. To get a realistic idea, you must include easily-overlooked items like:

  • Boxes and packing supplies
  • A potential dolly rental for heavy stuff
  • Rental vehicle (if you can’t borrow one or your parents can’t take you)
  • A tank of gas
  • Toilet paper
  • Cost of pizza and beer (to thank your exhausted friends)

If you’ve got that stuff, you’re good to go!

But if the total cost to get all of it is over, say, $200, pause for a second to consider your options, because depending on your circumstances, there’s a good chance you can afford to hire college movers. (Particularly if you are moving locally, already have access to a vehicle, and are moving just the equivalent of a studio or one-bedroom, which most college students are.) I just plugged in my own details here and got a quote for $163 for two movers and two hours. And that’s in a high-cost city like Los Angeles.

If we’re plunging full speed ahead with a complete DIY move, though, that budget you drew up earlier is about to become your best friend. 

See prices for movers by the hour – instantly.

Read real customer reviews.

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How do I cut corners on spending?

First, grow your budget by selling anything and everything you can on Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, or wherever — even if it’s for only $5 or $10 — and keep your eyes peeled for opportunities to get things for free or trade. To score free boxes, for example, check to see if your school’s bookstore or any on-campus eateries have any to spare. Once people know you’re looking, they’re likely to set some aside for you.

Also, check in with your resident advisor or someone at Student Services to get a feel for the move-in and move-out rules. Ask if it’s possible to give yourself a few extra days on campus at the end of the semester, and use that time to scour the piles of discarded items that your fellow students aren’t interested in moving. Dorm moves notoriously leave an immense amount of good quality stuff behind, so enterprising folks like yourself can either score big-ticket items, or sell them for a tidy profit.

“To score free boxes…check to see if your school’s bookstore or any on-campus eateries have any to spare.”

Finally, remember that shelling out financially isn’t your only option. Consider what skills you might have available to trade for a few hours of work to any willing friends in your proximity; in the past, I’ve exchanged everything from babysitting hours to free editing to friends who have helped me out in times of need. If there’s a class you’re particularly skilled in, you could offer to form a study group to help your friends study for the final.

The Hybrid Move

college movers

Can I afford college movers?

I can’t express enough how much the answer to this question depends on where you’re located, the amount you’re moving, and how far you’re moving it. But if you’re a college student with a budget of up to $500 on the higher-end, a hybrid move might well be your best option.

In a hybrid move, you combine the budget of a DIY move with the ease of a full-service move by renting or borrowing your own truck or U-Haul, and then hiring a few vetted local movers to take over some of the back-breaking labor. If you only need help to get your stuff out when you get to campus, that’s cheaper than hiring for both ends of the move!

The less time you need them, the cheaper; instead of paying folks to stick around all day, you can tote the manageable boxes yourself, and hire a small team of superheroes to maneuver your fancy futon down the stairs without breaking the frame or your back.

What can bring down the cost of a Hybrid Move?

Flexibility is a huge money saver. College students are usually pretty locked in as far as moving dates, but if you happen to have the luxury of choosing your date, that’s a major win. You’ll want to avoid popular (read: expensive) days by steering clear of the first and 15th of the month, as well as weekends. If you’re unimaginably open, you can even try checking rates day-of to see if there are discounted slots caused by last-minute cancellations. Although in that case, it’s more important than ever to check ratings and reviews to make sure you aren’t falling for a scam.

In fact, always read reviews carefully, because there can be as many hidden benefits as there are pitfalls. A hybrid move is technically supposed to be labor-only, with no truck, but when I was scrolling through options on HireAHelper, I noted several offers from independent movers that do in fact include transportation options in their quoting, so keep your eyes out for bonuses like that.

“If you only need help to get your stuff out when you get to campus, that’s cheaper than hiring for both ends of the move!”

If your price-shopping has narrowed your search down to some options that are just out of your range, try offering up some labor-saving details that could lower your total. Factors like an elevator in your dorm, whether you’re moving into or out of a ground-floor location, having your stuff packed ahead of time, and providing a safe area for a vehicle to linger without risking a ticket all have the potential to shave some dollars off the bottom line.

Along the same lines, always look (and ask!) for student discounts. Many companies offer incentives to young people tackling their first solo move, so be ready to take advantage. 

And of course, anytime you do hire movers, always remember to factor in the tip — 5 to 10% is pretty standard for efficient, courteous work.

The Full-Service Move

college moving pod

What if I have some more money? 

Moving off-campus somewhere bigger than a dorm room?

If you have a budget of $500 or more, congratulations, because you can reasonably treat yourself to a (pared-down version of a) full-service move. Sites like HireAHelper can hire the essential pieces of your move for you. That means working with a well-rated national moving company, plus all the perks that come along with it: a full-size truck driven by someone who isn’t you, as well as a team of professionals to load and unload your items for you. (And potentially even put some back together when you reach your destination.)

What if I have to move long-distance with any budget?

If you have to move across state lines or even across the country, it’s highly likely to be a four-digit expenditure… but there are ways to make it cheaper. (Make sure to compare your quote with the cost of buying new stuff at your new location!) As always, your first stop should be hireahelper.com to see what options exist in your price range, but there are some specific things for which to be on the lookout.

Booking a shipping container is an alternative to a traditional van line, and a great way for students to save money without having to white-knuckle your way across the country at the wheel of a ginormous truck. (An even more unnerving prospect if you didn’t have a car on campus and haven’t driven regularly since high school.) If your items are hardy, you can also work with a freight moving company, although it’s, um…not the gentlest way to transport breakables and valuables. 

But whether you go with one of those choices or ideas spelled out above, the biggest thing to bear in mind is that there are excellent options at every price point. 

Start with your budget first, and work from there; even if you don’t immediately think you can afford movers, you’re probably closer to that goal than you realize. And if you aren’t, don’t despair! You’re still in that sweet spot where you can ask friends for help without any consequences other than having to return the favor when it’s their turn, so go forth with my blessing.

How to Use a Moving Container for a Long Distance Move

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The first time I visited Hawaii, I fell in love. After a couple of days of snorkeling, hiking, and eating some of the best food I’ve ever had, I began fantasizing about packing up my home in Los Angeles and moving long-distance to the island of Oahu to live my dream life.

For now, that’s still just a fantasy. But for thousands of people every year, moving long-distance is very much a reality. If you’re considering a long-distance move, you may be wondering how to get all your belongings to your new destination for the least amount of money and headache. That’s where a moving container company may be able to help.

How Do Moving Containers Work?

moving container long distance

Moving containers (sometimes called “shipping containers”) are large, portable storage units that can be used to store and move belongings, including over long-distances. They act as a portable storage unit while you get settled in. They are made out of either metal or wood and are weather-proofed to protect your items from the elements. 

Typically, after you book, a truck will drop off the container(s) at your home. After you’re done loading (or in some cases, within an allotted amount of days), a driver comes and picks it all up, then drives it all to your new destination. Once you’ve unpacked the container(s), a truck will come to haul everything away.

The smallest sizes hold the equivalent of a studio apartment, while the largest containers can hold three to four bedrooms worth of furniture. Depending on how much stuff you plan to move, you may need more than one container.

The cost of using a moving container is based on several factors:

  • The distance of the move
  • Size and number of containers
  • Length of time you have the containers
  • The season

One thing you should know, however, is that moving long-distance is generally more expensive than moving locally. More on that below.

What Is Considered “Long Distance,” Anyway?

Usually, any relocation over 100 miles is considered “a long-distance move”.

Here’s some lingo to know: if you’re moving within your own state, it’s known as an “intrastate move”. Moving across state lines is an “interstate move”. And if you’re relocating somewhere several states away, it’s often known as a “long-haul” or “cross country move”. 

Knowing the difference between these types of moves will help you research moving companies and get an accurate quote.

Are Shipping Containers Better than Moving Trucks?

moving container long distance

You might be wondering how using a shipping container is different from renting a moving truck. There are a few similarities, but also a few key differences.

Shipping containers allow you to take more time packing, unpacking and even storing your belongings. In fact, it’s possible to rent a moving container for several months! For that reason, moving containers usually cost a lot more than trucks, so you should really take advantage of it if you go with one. 

You also put the driving in someone else’s hands. If you don’t want to drive a big truck, this is a huge perk. Once your belongings are packed and on their way to the new destination, you can’t access them.

A moving truck, on the other hand, means you are in control of every part of the move. That could be a good thing or a bad thing, depending on your goals. You are responsible for transporting your items from your old place to the new destination, but you can also access your stuff at any point if need be. Though renting a moving truck is cheaper, you also don’t have the added benefit of extra time or storage.

Pros and Cons of Using A Moving Container For Your Long-Distance Move

If you’re weighing the decision to use a moving container for your long-distance move versus going with a truck or full-service movers instead, here’s a look at the major pros and cons.

Long Distance Moving Container Pros

Cheaper than hiring full-service movers: One of the biggest benefits of using a shipping container is the savings. It can cost anywhere from $1,200 to $5,000 on average, or more, to hire movers for a long-distance move, according to Consumer Affairs. However, that cost can greatly increase if you have several rooms worth of furniture to move, many miles to travel, extra stops to make, specialty items, added materials, storage and more. Shipping containers, on the other hand, on average cost around $2,000 to $3,000, with storage included.

Storage at your new destination: Speaking of storage, it’s one of the biggest benefits to using a shipping container for your long-distance move. Not only can you pack up at your own pace, you can keep your items in storage while you get your new place in order. Renting a truck or movers, on the other hand, means you have to stick to a tighter schedule and have everything unloaded right away. No need to have to perfectly coordinate movers to the minute!

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Join our long list of happy customers who loved making a long distance move with HireAHelper.

Long Distance Moving Container Cons

You have to do the heavy lifting: Getting an entire house packed up and ready to move long-distance can be time consuming and exhausting. Not to mention, it takes strength and a few helping hands to get everything from Point A to Point B. If you want to focus on other aspects of your move and leave the major work to professionals, hiring labor from a moving company to load and unload your container may be the better choice, and might still cost less overall than full-service van lines.

They take up space: Neighbors won’t appreciate having their parking spaces or driveways blocked by the container. That means you’ll need a driveway or other large space where the moving container can sit as you pack up your home, as well as unload furniture at your new destination. Or if you’re moving to a busy city, you’ll need a permit ahead of time to place one for any amount of time. Plus, even though moving containers lock up, it’s a good idea to have yours in a secure area.

What Are The Best Moving Container Companies For a Long Distance Move?

Keep in mind that not all moving container companies will do long-distance moves. Below are some of the top companies that do!

PODS

pods long distance

Short for  “Portable On-Demand Self-Storage,” PODS is one of the more expensive companies on the list. However, they’re known for durable containers and have the most locations by far.

  • Container material: Steel
  • Container sizes: 16′, 12′, and 7’
  • Average long-distance move cost: $3,352

1-800-PACK-RAT

1800packrat long distance

This company is similar to PODS in the cost, sizes available and number of locations. However, 1-800-PACK-RAT is more spread out geographically, meaning there’s likely a facility near you to speed up pick up and delivery.

  • Container material: Steel
  • Container sizes: 16′, 12′, and 8’
  • Average long-distance move cost: $3,551

U-Pack

upack long distance

U-Pack only offers one size of moving containers through its Relocubes long-distance moving service. You also have only three days on either end of your move to pack and unload. The plus side is that this makes it much more cost-effective to move long-distance.

  • Container material: Metal
  • Container sizes: (one size) 6’3” x 7′ x 8’4”
  • Average long-distance move cost: $2,393

U-Box/U-Haul

uhaul long distance

You may know U-Haul for its orange moving trucks. For long-distance moves, the company offers its U-Box service, which only offers one size of container that’s not quite as durable as some metal options. However, it also provides flexible billing and live container tracking.

  • Container material: Plywood with weatherproof cover
  • Container sizes: (one size) 95″ x 56″ x 83.5″
  • Average long-distance move cost: $2,850
For more information on moving containers prices and money-saving tips, check out Moving101’s moving container page.

How to Prepare for a Long-Distance Move

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What’s the difference between preparing for a local move and a long-distance move? If you guessed “time”, that’s only part of the equation.

You have lots of options to prepare for, and unlike a local move, there are more steps you need to take for better results. After moving people for, give or take, a couple decades, here’s what I’ve learned when it comes to preparing for a long-distance move.

How Am I Gonna Get Me and My Stuff Where I’m Going?

You have a number of options when planning a long distance move. Your options will all depend on these three things:

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

What if I’m driving?

Some people decide to drive across the country, especially if they are bringing a vehicle or two. Beforehand, however, you should consider:

  • Car’s age and how many miles it has clocked
  • How many people and things it needs to hold
  • If it can handle a long trip without breaking down

If you need to get repairs ahead of time, then trust us, do that first. If that seems like it could be an issue or you just don’t wanna add hundreds of miles to your car, consider getting your car shipped.

Your other options are hitching it (to a truck for towing) or just ditching it. You can always try selling it or trading it in if you decide this is the end of the road for the car.

Are you driving with small children? Transporting pets? Using an RV? All of those have special considerations, so click those links to learn everything you should know first.

Moving far away?

Do it cheaper.

 

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

What transportation should you get to move your stuff long-distance?

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

What you need depends on your unique move. Don’t worry, you’ve got choices. Here are your best transportation options for a long-distance move.

Legend: $ out of “$$$$”

Get a Rental Truck

The three major rental truck companies you’re likely to have access to are U-Haul, Budget and Penske. (There might be alternatives near you for you to check for better prices.)

It’s true that you will get a better mileage rate for doing a “one way” drive (taking a rental vehicle from one store to another store), but your invoice will still likely be considerably higher by the end. If you’re willing to drive, though, this could save you plenty of money over other options.

Pros: Most affordable long-distance move option.

Cons: Much fewer customer service options, way more time investment, no labor estimate, very difficult without movers.

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? Well, movers who do the transportation (and aren’t van lines—there’s a difference!) are a cheaper solution, if you know how to go about booking it.

For long-distance moves, user reviews overwhelmingly recommend companies like MovingPlace, which connects the dots and pieces together the best long-distance moving experience for you so you don’t have to spend eternity calling a million businesses, or spend an arm and a leg by going with an old-fashioned interstate mover.

Check out the rates here. If you’ve already budgeted for a Full-Service move, you may be pleasantly surprised how much it can save you.

Pros: Your move is figured out for you, the best-reviewed moving service online.

Cons: More expensive the more stuff you have, less affordable than a DIY move.

Price: $$ or $$$ (Depending on your move)

Renting Space on a Truck

ABF

This is the service a lot of the big-rig companies offer; you’ve probably seen their trucks on the road: 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 protecting your stuff with smart loading.

Pros: You pay only for the space you use, transportation 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, unless you book with a well-reviewed “you load, we drive” moving service, like our partners at MovingPlace.

Price: $$$

Get a Portable Moving Container

PODS.com

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

The biggest plus for moving containers is being able to load your belongings at your own pace. Companies like PODS bill you monthly (while others are at least give you a few days). Like a freight trailer but a lot smaller (another bonus for people who don’t have their own private driveway), your portable container is dropped off empty and picked up when full, then kept in storage untouched until you request delivery at your new home.

But be aware: unlike more traditional self-storage, access to your portable container is only easy if you keep it in your front yard; an appointment is generally necessary and will cost you extra, so plan ahead.

Pros: The most flexibility of any long-distance moving option, transportation is taken care of.

Cons: Costlier the more items you own, can add complexity if you send your stuff into their storage units.

Price: $$$

Get a Quote from a Full-Service Moving Company

Two Men and a Truck

If money and time is no object, call 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.

Pros: Your move done for you, minus the coordination.

Cons: Almost always the costliest option, lengthy to coordinate and requires more time (sometimes a month ahead of time, or more).

Cost: $$$$

Wondering which option is best for your move? Go ahead and ask the pros.

How Much Do Long-Distance Moves Cost?

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

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. Sound high? See if we can help lower the cost.

Ultimately, as we’ve explained above, the price will depend on:

  • Your exact starting and ending points
  • How much 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.

Are there any ways to reduce the price?

Here are some money protips you should know as you collect estimates:

  • Binding vs. Non-Binding Estimates: This is important to know if you’re pursuing a Full Service move. A binding estimate means you will 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
  • You can bring the price down by being flexible with travel dates; weekdays, especially in the offseason (not summer) are often cheaper
  • Ask moving companies for discounts. For example, members of the military and veterans often get cheaper rates for rental trucks and containers
  • If you have time before you have to move, you should try to start a moving fund
  • Be sure to keep track of spending and make a written out or digital budget
  • Those who are moving for work should see if the company reimburses for any or all of the move

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

Here is, generally speaking, the time-required 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

* “One day” is about eight hours of one-person packing.

Knowing this, 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.)

Tips for Fast Packing

Try this: 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 really take you to pack up your entire home – and it will probably start looking like it will take much longer than you originally thought—so fair warning.

Make a checklist of the kinds of things you don’t need for a while. This can help minimize time spent deciding what to pack once you get started and are faced with that mountain of accumulation in the closet or the spare room.

The Most Trusted Moving Checklist on the Web

The Moving Checklist: Everything You Need to Know to Move

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 are undecided about what to do with some of your belongings, other groups of items are a no-brainer. Get them packed and out of your way.

Shelve the sentimental. You will undoubtedly come across stuff you think you might want to get rid of but aren’t quite sure. Expect it, and set all that stuff aside for later. The monstrous task of packing tends to make people see with much more clarity what they really need and what they can let go of.

Label boxes as you go! You will forget what is in all those boxes. Trust me.

DO NOT pack important paperwork, forms, documents. Shred those you don’t need. Things to to not pack away include:

  • Cash, credit cards, checkbooks
  • Bank and other financial statements
  • Insurance documents
  • Jewelry, high-dollar jackets/coats
  • Laptops/tablets w/cords, data backups
  • Medical/dental records, prescriptions/medicine
  • Personal documents, professional files/papers
  • Cell phones, chargers
  • Car/House keys
  • Family photos/irreplaceables
  • Identifying documents – birth certificates, social security cards, drivers licenses, passports

And get used to the idea of having boxes around.

Could I ship my stuff through the mail?

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 after packages get to only two pounds, pricing typically levels out. (That said, check out media shipping rates if you want to ship out a parcel or three that each weigh around 20 pounds.)

Where can I get packing materials for a long-distance move?

The easiest way to get clean, sturdy boxes and packing paper are from your moving service provider, who often sell these things. Many self-storage facilities also carry these things, along with tape. Though from a price perspective, you might be better off getting it from a home improvement store.

If you are looking to shave some dollars off your move, check out where you can find some free moving boxes here.

Protip: Bubble wrap is an attractive option for particularly expensive/hard-to-replace breakables, but it is bulky and becomes expensive quickly. Packing paper is more than adequate for packing most things. It is 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/towels to wrap those items and/or line your boxes.

How do I load my vehicle for a long-distance move on my own?

Deciding to go it alone? Make sure to do this:

Load your belongings in what movers often call 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 (padded of course), some not too heavy boxes set on top of them, and top them off with outdoor equipment, pillows in plastic bags, etc. This all makes up one-tier.

Do You Really Need Moving Blankets? Why Furniture Pads Save Moves and Where to Get Them

Build one tier at a time, mixing furniture, boxes, and miscellaneous stuff. Cluster your items together like this to keep your stuff safer in the long run. Naturally, not all your tiers will be uniform. It is critical to pack tightly to avoid having everything shift and bounce around in transit.

To learn how pro movers move heavy furniture, check out this detailed post.

What if I’m flying?

If you’re taking a plane to the final destination, you should obviously consider bringing some things with you in luggage or handbags to save money on however you’re moving the rest of your stuff. Pack clothes and personal items that won’t break in the luggage, and bring fragile stuff, such as laptops and digital devices, in your carry-on bag. Paying for extra luggage on a flight is sometimes cheaper than shipping it via snail mail! Pile up your stuff, do the calculations and see what works best with your budget.

Looking to maximize your flying budget? In “The 10 Best (and Worst) Airfare Search Sites,” Frommer’s shares some of the best places for you to seek hot deals for air travel. When researching prices for flights, consider the following online travel agents and booking sites, but recognize that being better known does not necessarily mean being the best.

Is there anything extra I have to do if I’m moving across state lines?

Doing your homework on what is required of you for your specific interstate move is the first step.

Interstate moves are particularly complicated due to state laws. You still legally have to know what you are responsible for when you cross into another state.

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, typing in your ZIP Code into HireAHelper filters all that stuff automatically.) 

In addition, you have to know both state and local laws and ordinances that may be relevant to you. Both your departure and arrival towns likely have parking rules, which will be a consideration as you’re loading and unloading, especially if you’re leaving a PODS container somewhere for a week or more. (You think you can just park a big truck on a busy New York City road any time you want?)

Also, some states have certain laws restricting what you can bring in. For instance, there are a number of items that are illegal to bring into California, including certain firearms and fruits. Yes, your pet ferret, among other things, can’t join you if you’re headed for the Golden State.

What do people put off longest when they move interstate?

What do you need to do if you’re moving to a new state? This is what your to-do list should look like:

  • Forward your mail. Regardless of distance or state, do this first. This requires filling out a change of address form with the United States Postal Service (USPS)
  • Get a new driver’s license and plates. Typically, states require you to get your new license within 30 days, so make this a priority. Unfortunately, this will probably require standing in line at the DMV. One thing we can guarantee is it will be as annoying as nails on a chalkboard no matter what state you’re in
  • Establish domicile for tax purposes. In other words, that means becoming a resident (No matter where you go, they’ll have taxes!)  
  • Transfer your utilities
  • Get a license for your pets if you have any (as long as they aren’t ferrets in California!)

Want to be reminded about even more easy to forget things? Check out these 21 easy-to-forget steps when moving to a new state.

Moving far away?

Do it cheaper.

 

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

Should I get rid of my stuff?

Take a look over the vast empire you’ve established. You must recognize 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 you need to be transported. In other words, both literally and figuratively, you will have lifted a weight off your shoulders if you downsize.

“You’ll almost certainly want to bring some of your stuff, but the vast majority of what you own is replaceable,” writes Scott Meslow in GQ. “And the cost of moving most of what you own across the country is comparable to the cost of just buying something similar—or better!—once you actually arrive.”

The good news? Purging can be cathartic. Discover 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 

Experts suggest taking photographs, especially for anything of great value. You may want proof of exactly what condition the chosen ones – items with which you simply can’t part – were in before they get on the moving truck (or whatever mode of transportation you choose).

How do I move long-distance with a pet?

Moving long distance with a pet, obviously, depends on the pet. For a typical dog (or cat), some rules of thumb include:

  • Minimize anxiety with a toy
  • Ask for help watching your pet
  • Build a safe space during load/unload
  • Keep them tagged
  • Keep medication unpacked, if necessary
  • Feed them lightly

If you want to learn all the little details of how to move with a pet, check out this guide.

Got more questions?

We’ve got plenty of info in the form of reviews from customers of Penske, Budget and U-Haul on Moving101, as well as some alternative companies to look into for comparison shopping.

How to Best Unload Your Moving Truck

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Category: Loading & Unloading Guides, Moving Trucks

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Loading your truck is like getting ready for prom. You want everything to be perfect.

Unloading, on the other hand, is kind of the same way; take everything off, drop it on the floor and go jump in the pool with your friends, right?

Yes and no. Unloading a moving truck is definitely easier than loading one, but like jumping in the pool, there are good ways and bad ways to do it.

Below are some tips for safety and speed so you can not only do the job right but have plenty of time for the post-party. (And this all applies for moving containers too!)

How to Prepare Your Unload

Park on a flat, level surface

If you are renting a portable container like a PODS, you can expect it will be set on even ground. The same thing goes for a rental truck.

You’ll want to park in a similar level place, to make unloading both safer and easier. If you simply have to park on a sloped surface, point the front of your truck downhill. (You can imagine why.)

Apply the emergency brake

This applies even if you park on a level surface. It also doesn’t hurt to put chocks – or rocks or blocks of wood – under one or more of the wheels. 

Open the back of the truck slowly

Your stuff will have shifted around in transit, and the possibility of something tumbling out onto the ground, or on you, is very real.

If something is about to come tumbling out, you may feel and/or hear it pushing against the door as you open it. But not always.

Keep your eyes open and have an extra set of hands ready.

Ramps slide out quickly, be careful

Rental trucks generally come equipped with a loading ramp that slides right out from under the rear door. Unlatching it, sliding it out and locking it in place is simple. So is hurting yourself if you aren’t careful.

That ramp is heavy! And pulling it too hard can turn it into a battering ram with you being the one getting battered. Ease it out all the way and set it down on something not your toes. And remember to set those hooks at the top of the ramp securely in place!

How to Unload Safely and Quickly

Get off to a pretty slow start

That’s right! Even if nothing looks about to topple over, you still want to take it easy when you begin unloading your stuff.

Your stuff will shift and resettle in transit

This goes triple if you have a freight trailer!

The pedal of the bicycle you so carefully placed on top of all those boxes might now be stuck in between two of those cartons, and pulling too hard trying to free your bike can send a whole stack of stuff cascading down on top of you. 

Remember, if your truck was packed to the gills, you won’t have much room back there for your feet. Take your time. Watch your step. Ease those first items off the truck, always aware of how close your Nikes are to the edge of that deck. One misstep and there goes your stuff (and you).

Assign a ramp person

If you have someone (or a few people) helping you, assign one person to stay on the truck to break down the load and put everything at the edge of the deck where the others can grab it without having to climb into the truck.

Not only does this save time, it also eliminates a ton of bending over.

Working like this, it’s never long before the person on the truck gets ahead of the others. This is a good time for that person to nominate someone to help carry that sofa or dresser off the truck and into the house. In addition, jumping off the truck and helping get all the stuff they’ve set on the deck into the house is the obvious way to keep the process rolling.

Tackling the unload all by yourself? Try working in a similar fashion. As you break down your load, position as many boxes and other items as possible along the edge of the deck. Then you’ll be able to make a bunch of trips back and forth without having to walk up and down that ramp every time, saving both your legs and your back.

 

Form a box brigade

Building on above, if you are lucky enough to have two or more people helping you unload:

  • Keep one person working on the truck
  • One person carrying stuff from the truck to a staging area (usually the garage or the front door)
  • One person working inside carrying everything from the staging area to where it all belongs

Naturally, the person on the truck will start getting ahead of the person carrying stuff to the staging area, who will in turn probably get ahead of the person running back and forth inside the house. Periodically jumping off the truck or stepping inside to help your buddy catch up keeps everyone moving – and quickens the process of emptying out that truck or portable container.

Which, of course, leaves more time to enjoy the pool.

Use a dolly

When you are unloading your moving truck, a hand truck (also known as a dolly) is your best non-human friend.

Rolling heavy stuff means you don’t have to carry it. Rolling a stack of boxes means making one trip instead of three or four! The bigger your load and the heavier your stuff, the more you will thank yourself for having that hand truck around. It’s an essential item to rent of your moving truck doesn’t come with one, or if you don’t hire moving labor.

Make sure, by the way, to use that hand truck correctly. You should always be higher than the dolly when rolling stuff down that ramp. If you are hand-trucking something large and/or heavy, have an extra set of hands at the lower end to keep that thing moving steadily—and slowly!

Want to really learn how to use a dolly? Check out this post.

Center everything before it goes off the truck

It goes without saying that when you’re unloading major appliances and large pieces of furniture – or anything for that matter – you want to be doubly certain neither your feet nor the wheels of your hand truck miss that ramp.

But you also want your hand truck to hit the ramp squarely; if one wheel starts going downhill before the other your hand truck will start to tip to one side. Your buddy on the bottom end will naturally try to steady it, which can send one of his feet off the side of the ramp, and things will just keep going downhill from there.

Whether you are rolling or carrying that big heavy appliance or piece of furniture, you want to get centered on the back of the truck before you head for that ramp.

Again, when using a dolly, those wheels go down before you do. If you and a buddy are carrying that item, whoever is holding the bottom end needs to travel down first. In either case, the person on the lower end is responsible for maintaining a straight line of forward progress. 

Ready to unpack?

That’s a whole other thing, so make sure to read our unpacking guide too!

Protip: If you have to walk up a slope or up any stairs, it’s good practice to turn yourselves around so the person holding the top of that big bulky piece is again in a higher position.

Going upslope, however, the person on top takes over steering duty. The person on the bottom then will have the responsibility of providing most of the upward momentum. (This is especially true when going up a staircase.)

In other words, the person on bottom pushes while the person on top does their best to avoid banging into the walls and tripping up the steps. 

Get Some Quick Help

And if all else fails (or you realize you have more stuff than you thought you did after loading your truck), do yourself a favor and double-check our movers’ prices for unloading trucks.

Get Help Unloading Your Rental Truck

See prices for movers by the hour—instantly.

Read real customer reviews.

Easily book your help online.

 

From my decades of experience moving people, an unbooked mover is pretty motivated to come out, as opposed to sitting around doing nothing. Do a quick fly by on HireAHelper if you were wondering, “But are there any local movers near me available to lend me and my friends a hand?”

I’ve saved plenty of people’s moving day who thought to check, even last second.

Illustrations by Emily Roberts

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

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

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

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

Moving far away?

See prices for container labor – instantly.

Read honest customer reviews.

Book everything online.

 

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

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

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

What Do They Look Like?

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

Where Do I Go to Get a Moving Container?

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

What Are the Differences Between Companies?

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

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

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

How Much Do Moving Containers Cost?

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

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

Moving far away?

Do it cheaper.

 

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

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

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

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

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

Where Am I Moving To and From?

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

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

Moving101 Container Price Comparison

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

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

When Would I Use a Moving Container?

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

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

How Does Booking a Moving Container Work?

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

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

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

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

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

Can My Movers Help Me with Moving Containers Too?

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

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

What If I’m Moving Long Distance?

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

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

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

Where Should I Start?

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

Get Help Loading Your Container

See prices for movers by the hour – instantly.

Read real customer reviews.

Easily book your help online.

 

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

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