This guide dives into everything from the nuances of local versus long-distance moves to the best strategies for reducing costs. Ready to learn how to move smartly and save money in the process?
Let’s break down the true cost of moving out of the Big Apple.
Factors Affecting the Moving Out Price
1. Distance
The distance of your move directly impacts the time and fuel needed, which is why there’s such a stark price difference between local and long-distance relocations.
Remember, factors like traffic congestion and truck accessibility can turn even a short distance in a bustling city like New York into a drawn-out adventure. So plan accordingly and consider off-peak hours for your move.
2. Amount of Items Moved
It’s simple. The more items you need to move, particularly heavy ones, the higher your moving costs will be. Whether you’re working with local movers who generally charge by the number or type of items or national movers who often price long-distance moves based on weight—typically around 65 cents per pound—your belongings dictate the cost.
Before getting quotes, it’s wise to declutter and decide exactly what will make the trip to your new home. Consider offloading out-of-season items to a storage unit to trim down the load.
By sharing a detailed list of what you’re moving with several companies, you can receive more accurate estimates. Remember, the fewer items you move, the fewer resources the company needs to allocate, which can mean more savings.
Especially for long-distance relocations, minimizing the weight of your shipment can lead to lower overall costs, making your move more budget-friendly without sacrificing your essentials.
3. Location
New York City is famous for its small and old walk-up apartments, where elevators are more of a luxury than a given. If you’re lucky enough to have an elevator, be prepared to potentially pay a fee to reserve it for your moving day.
Whether it’s wrestling furniture up narrow staircases or waiting for access to an elevator, challenging access can increase your moving costs due to the extra time and labor required. Always factor in these potential additional fees when planning your move out of such buildings to avoid any last-minute financial fees.
4. Packing Supplies
If you opt out of full-service packing, you’ll need to gather your own supplies like boxes, packing paper, bubble wrap, tape, and markers for labeling.
You might snag some of these materials for free from friends or your local recycling center. If not, anticipate spending roughly $200 to $250 on supplies. A handy rule of thumb is that each shelf on a bookshelf will typically fill one cardboard box, so plan your box count accordingly to ensure you have enough on hand.
5. Time of Move
If your schedule allows you to pick your moving date, you can pocket some savings with these strategic tips:
Avoid the bustling summer peak season by planning your move during the quieter spring, fall, or winter months.
Sidestep the common rush at the beginning and end of the month (when most rental leases expire) by moving mid-month instead. Lastly, since weekends are a popular time for moves due to work schedules, you can often get a better rate by opting to move on a weekday.
These simple adjustments can make a significant difference in your moving costs.
How Much Does it Actually Cost to Move out of New York?
We provided a table for you that breaks down the estimated moving costs based on the number of bedrooms in your home:
Moving in or out of New York City involves various factors that affect the cost, including apartment size, move distance (local or long-distance), additional services, choice of moving company, and timing.
Certainly! Here’s a small overview with a cost table for both local and long-distance moves in or out of New York City based on different apartment sizes:
For Local Move
| Apartment Size | Approximate Cost |
| Studio/Small 1-Bedroom | $300 – $1,000 |
| Two-Bedroom | $1,000 – $1,500 |
| Three-Bedroom | $1,500 – $2,500 |
| Four-Bedroom or Larger | $2,500+ |
For Long Distance (Moving Out)
| Apartment Size | Approximate Cost |
| Studio/Small 1-Bedroom | $1,000 – $3,000 |
| Two-Bedroom | $3,000 – $5,000 |
| Three-Bedroom | $5,000 – $10,000 |
| Four-Bedroom or Larger | $10,000+ |
How Much Does Hiring Movers in NYC Cost Per Hour?
Navigating moving costs in NYC can feel a bit like trying to get a cab during rush hour, prices can vary dramatically.
On average, movers charge between $60 and $110 per hour per mover. So, if you need a team of two, you’re looking at a starting rate of around $120 per hour. Remember, the larger your home and the more stuff you have, the more movers and time you’ll need, driving up the cost.
Not every moving company sticks to an hourly wage, though. Some might offer you a flat rate based on a few key details like the type of buildings involved (yes, those pesky stairs count), the number of items you’re bringing, and the specific services you need.
Getting a flat rate can sometimes simplify your budgeting, avoiding the guesswork of how long the move will actually take. It also requires them to work at maximum efficiency, instead of drawing out the move to get more money out of you.
Moving with a Moving Pod/Container
Considering a budget-friendly move from the Big Apple? Think about renting a moving container or pod. It’s like self-storage on wheels.
Here’s the drill: the company drops off a container at your place, you fill it up on your own time, and then they whisk it away to storage. When you’re ready, they’ll deliver it to your new place on the date you specify. It’s a perfect fit if there’s a lag between your leases and you need to keep your belongings stashed away.
Each pod can pack in about three rooms’ worth of stuff, which isn’t too bad. Just like parking a car in NYC, make sure you’re up to speed on the local rules for dropping off a container, because nobody wants an easily avoidable parking ticket.
How to Save Money on Moving Costs in NYC
Here’s how to trim those costs down to size without breaking a sweat:
- Declutter: Say goodbye to things you don’t love or need. Selling online or donating can lighten your load and your bill.
- Self-pack: Flex those DIY muscles. Handle the packing and labeling yourself, and just pay for the muscle to move it.
- Hunt for Discounts: Check if movers offer price breaks for military personnel or AAA members. Every little bit helps.
- Scavenge for Supplies: Why buy boxes when you can score them for free? Hit up local businesses, grocery stores, or recycling centers to find all the moving supplies you could need.
With a little effort, you can make your move more budget-friendly.
FAQs
What is the cheapest way to move to or from NYC?
The cheapest, but most difficult way to move out of New York City is to DIY. Although you do exert more time and effort into the move, it keeps your wallet intact.
What is a reasonable moving budget?
A realistic budget for a local move typically ranges from $300 to $1,500, depending on the scale of your move and the specific services you require. For long-distance moves, expect to set aside a larger budget, typically between $2,500 and $5,000. Your exact budget will vary based on factors such as the volume of items being moved and the level of service needed from professional movers.
Are you supposed to haggle with movers?
While negotiating with movers after signing a contract isn’t an option, you can certainly haggle for the best rates beforehand. To effectively negotiate with a moving company, start by collecting quotes from at least three different providers for the same services. With this in your back pocket, you can then confidently ask if they can match or beat their competitors’ prices. This approach not only ensures you get a fair rate but might also lead to additional discounts or perks.
