Moving across town? Know the real price before the clock starts.
Licensed local movers in your city compete for your move. Compare hourly rates, minimums and what's actually included — in writing.
- Only movers licensed in your state with insurance on file
- See the hourly rate, the minimum hours and the travel-time policy
- Typically 2–4 local movers — nobody else sees your request
- Free, takes about a minute, same-week moves welcome
How it works
Three steps, no pressure. You stay in control the whole way.
Step 1
Tell us about your move
Your pickup and drop-off addresses and roughly how much you're moving. It takes about a minute.
Step 2
We match licensed movers in your city
Only movers licensed in your state to do local moves, with insurance on file, who actually cover your neighborhood.
Step 3
Compare hourly rates — and what's included
Typically 2–4 movers contact you. Compare the real total, not just the headline hourly rate, and pick one — or none.
What an “hourly rate” actually costs
Local moves are billed by the hour, which makes quotes look comparable when they aren't. Five things decide what you really pay — ask every mover about all five, and the cheapest headline rate often stops being the cheapest move.
Minimum hours
Most local movers bill a 2–3 hour minimum, even if your move takes 90 minutes. Ask what the minimum is before you compare hourly rates — a $99/hour mover with a 4-hour minimum can cost more than a $140/hour mover with a 2-hour minimum.
Travel time
Nearly every local mover bills for getting to you and back to their yard. In California, state law requires double drive time on local moves. Ask exactly how travel is billed — it's often the difference between quotes.
Stairs, elevators and long carries
Walk-ups, elevator buildings and long walks from door to truck often carry extra charges. Tell every mover about stairs and parking distance up front so the quote you compare is the quote you pay.
Heavy and specialty items
Pianos, safes, treadmills and large appliances usually carry a flat add-on. Name them when you request quotes rather than discovering the surcharge on moving day.
Packing materials
Boxes, tape, shrink wrap and wardrobe boxes are often billed separately from labour. Ask whether materials are included or itemised.
What we check before a mover sees your request
Local moves aren't federally licensed the way interstate moves are — they're regulated by your state. We confirm the mover holds current authority in the state you're moving within, and has insurance on file:
New York
NYSDOT household goods carrier authority
New Jersey
NJ Division of Consumer Affairs public mover licence
Michigan
Michigan Public Service Commission authority
Texas
TxDMV household goods mover registration
California
CPUC household goods carrier permit (Cal-T)
Illinois
Illinois Commerce Commission authority
Moving between states instead? Get long-distance quotes here — interstate movers are licensed federally, and we check those records too.
If something breaks, who pays?
The industry default is minimal, and most people find out too late:
Basic coverage
Usually 60 cents per pound per item, included at no charge. A 30-pound television is covered for about $18 — enough for a dresser, nowhere near enough for electronics or antiques.
Fuller protection
Most movers offer higher valuation coverage for an added cost, and terms vary by state. Ask what your quote includes, and photograph anything valuable before it goes on the truck.
Need movers this week?
Short-notice local moves are normal — a lease falls through, a closing moves up, a landlord changes the date. Local crews often have same-week and sometimes same-day availability, because they aren't routing a truck across the country.
Two things help when you're in a hurry: be flexible on the time of day, and be specific about access — stairs, elevator reservations and parking. The movers who can genuinely make your date are the ones who will call.
Straight answers to the questions that matter
Can I get movers this week — or today?
Often yes. Local moves book much faster than long-distance ones, and same-day or next-day availability is common outside of month-end and summer weekends. Submit the form and the movers who have crews open will be the ones who call.
How much should a deposit be?
For a local move, a modest deposit or no deposit at all is normal. Be careful with any mover demanding a large deposit up front, and get the refund terms in writing before you pay anything.
A mover asked for cash only. Is that normal?
It's a red flag. Legitimate local movers accept cards and give you a written contract and receipt. Cash-only demands, especially on moving day with your belongings already loaded, are the most common setup for surprise charges.
What if the movers show up late — or not at all?
Ask about the arrival window when you book, not just the date, and get it in writing. A mover who gives you a firm window and a dispatch phone number is telling you they run an actual schedule.
What happens if something gets damaged?
Basic coverage in the industry is 60 cents per pound per item, which barely covers anything valuable. Most movers offer fuller protection for an extra charge — ask what your quote includes and photograph valuable items before they're loaded.
Am I committing to anything by requesting quotes?
No. Comparing quotes is free and you can walk away at any point before signing a mover's contract.
Ready when you are
One short form. Licensed local movers. Real quotes you can actually compare. Nothing to pay, nothing to commit to.
Get my free quotes