Local moving companies
Local movers handle short-distance moves — usually within the same metro or under about 50 miles — and almost always charge by the hour. Compare 929 local moving companies below and get quotes from crews that do the work themselves.
How much do local movers cost?
Local moves are billed hourly — typically about $80–$100 an hour for two movers, more for a bigger crew, plus a one-time travel fee. Typical totals for a move under 100 miles:
- Studio or 1 bedroom$300 – $700
- 2–3 bedrooms$700 – $2,000
- 4+ bedrooms$1,500 – $3,500+
Packing services add roughly $350–$600. Good access — elevators, close parking — keeps the hourly bill down.
How to choose a local mover
- Get a few hourly quotes and compare the rate, the minimum hours, and the travel fee together.
- Ask for an in-home or video estimate — it's far more accurate than a number over the phone.
- Check that the crew is insured, and ask your building whether a Certificate of Insurance is required.
- Read recent local reviews — reputation is everything for a same-day crew.
Common questions about local movers
How much do local movers cost per hour?
Expect roughly $80–$100 an hour for two movers, scaling up with crew size, plus a travel fee. Get a couple of quotes from the movers here and compare the full picture, not just the hourly rate.
How long does a local move take?
A studio or one-bedroom is often two to four hours; a larger home can take most of a day. Good access speeds it up.
Do I tip local movers?
It's optional, but 10–20% split among the crew — about $20–$40 per mover — is a common thank-you for a job done well.