How Much Do Professional Movers Cost, and Is It Worth It?

The moving process can be challenging, and it often becomes harder the more often you do it. Relocating across the country makes it even more difficult, especially if you don’t have the right help. You might think you can handle everything on your own—cramming all your belongings into your SUV may initially seem manageable.

However, it’s a tiring process, particularly if you have many items or could use extra support to lift the load. In our blog, we’ll discuss the benefits of hiring professional movers, outline typical costs and common mistakes made during DIY moving, and explain how to hire professional movers.

How Much Are Movers?

How much do movers cost? Well, many professional moving companies charge hourly rates that are prorated to the minute. So the longer it takes to move your items, the more costly it becomes. This is why preparing for the movers in advance can save you time and money.

The seven-year-old business of Cardinal Moving in Louisville, KY, for example, charges $160 per hour for local moves, with a two-hour minimum. The cost for smaller moves can vary from $400 to $800. There’s also a travel fee determined by distance and an hourly rate that depends on the number of workers.

Professional Moving Company Costs for Cross-Country Moving

If you’re relocating across the country or moving out of state, it’s a difficult process to pack your belongings, load them into a rental truck, drive cross-country, and unload everything on your own. And you shouldn’t have to do it alone!

When you hire a professional moving company, the greater the distance of the move, the more time, fuel, and people, if necessary, it takes. When you have heavier belongings to take with you, anything over 300 pounds typically incurs an extra fee per item. Here are some everyday household items that exceed 300 pounds:

• Piano
• Refrigerator
• Large Safe
• Full-Slate Pool Table
• King-Sized Bed Frame, Mattress, and Box Springs
• Treadmill
• Pinball or Arcade Machine

The Benefits of Professional Moving Services

“There’s strength, and then there’s mover strength,” Sean Walker, sales manager at Cardinal Moving, said.

When you hire professional movers, moving becomes significantly easier. Their expertise allows you to save valuable time as they efficiently manage the logistics of your move. With experienced movers handling the packing and transportation of your belongings, the risk of damage is significantly reduced. They know the best practices for properly securing and protecting your items during the move.

As a result, you can enjoy a worry-free experience at every stage of the process, including packing, loading, and transportation, all under the guidance of skilled professionals. Plus, professional movers are trained to handle the logistics of moving and are physically equipped to manage the stresses that come with it. You’ll find the experience much more enjoyable if you let them handle the heavy lifting!

Five Common Mistakes When DIY Moving

If you’ve ever moved into a place without an elevator, you know how exhausting that process can be. This challenge often leads to common pitfalls. Here are the five most frequent mistakes people make when DIY moving:

1. Overestimating Your Ability To Plan and Handle a Move on Your Own.
2. Underestimating the Energy Required for DIY Moving.
3. Not Considering Costs Such as Packing Supplies, Insurance, and Other Hidden Fees.
4. Failing To Protect Your Belongings Properly by Covering Furniture and Wrapping Fragile Pieces During Move-In.
5. A One-Day Move Can Easily Turn Into a Two- to Three-Day Move.

How To Save Money When Hiring Professional Movers

The cost of hiring professional movers may seem steep at first glance, but it’s definitely worth it. You can also save money by planning ahead. Book your movers in advance if you know exactly when you’re moving. You never know if they’ll be too busy when you book at the last minute. Go ahead and break down beds, furniture, and other large pieces of furniture beforehand.

Another way to cut costs during your move is to pack your boxes yourself and transport the smaller ones on your own. You can transport various smaller boxes of toiletries, cleaning supplies, stationery, decorations, and non-perishable food, along with bags of clothing, stuffed animals, shoes, blankets, and sheets in your vehicle. This approach will save you space, time, and money!

What To Look for When Hiring Movers

Finding the right professional moving company isn’t hard if you know what to look for. Here are a few factors to consider when choosing the best movers:

• If the Company Is Insured and Licensed
• If Online Reviews Are Positive
• If They Are Professional Over the Phone and in Person
• If They Are Transparent About Added Fees or Services

How Do I Hire Professional Movers?

When researching professional moving companies, search and compare your options across multiple platforms. Websites like Yelp and Google provide valuable reviews, and you can also find opinions on Reddit. Take the time to carefully examine these reviews to determine whether the companies stick to their quoted prices. A low initial quote can sometimes misleadingly double in price within just a day, so be cautious and informed in your decision-making.

As the moving month approaches, make sure to arrange your moving service. Cardinal Moving usually allows you to book five to seven days before your move, although this can vary by the time of year. Summer is busier, with leases ending and college students returning home, so during this period, it can be first come, first served. Nevertheless, it is often possible to secure same-day appointments, so availability really depends on the company and the season!

Moving Day Tips for a Stress-Free and Smooth Transition

To achieve a smooth and hassle-free moving experience, thorough preparation plays a vital role. Proper planning for your relocation helps you stay organized and sets the stage for a successful moving day. By following these helpful moving day tips, you can foster a positive and efficient environment for your transition:

1. Before the Movers Arrive. Wake up early on moving day, allow ample time to tackle any last-minute tasks, and wear comfortable, breathable clothing.
2. During the Move. Lay down mats and old towels in high-traffic areas to prevent scratches on the floor, and conduct a final walkthrough to make sure everything is packed away. Label your boxes and inform the movers about which boxes are fragile.
3. After the Move. When you arrive at your destination, verify the inventory amount you have. Then, set up your bed, unpack your essentials, and check that the utilities work properly.

Hiring Professional Movers Is Worth the Investment for a Stress-Free Move

Let’s make moving day uncomplicated with some preparation and the assistance of professional movers who can make the job stress-free! While you might need to spend a little money, it will be worth it when you have a seamless moving experience, expert service, and a job well done.

Are you looking for an apartment in Louisville or nearby in Cincinnati? We have a variety of upscale apartment homes in Kentucky and Indiana with high-end features, luxury community amenities, and a pet-friendly atmosphere. Call or contact us online to learn more about our apartments.