How Much Does a Move Actually Cost? A No-BS Breakdown

Studio to 4BR. Full-service vs. labor-only. Hidden fees explained. What you'll actually pay and why.

Moving quotes vary by 200% for the same job depending on who you call. We have seen $400 quotes and $1,200 quotes for the same 2-bedroom apartment move in the same city. The difference is not the quality of the service. It is the pricing model, the hidden fees, and whether the company charges for things like stairs, fuel, and "truck fees" that never appeared in the original quote. Here is the honest breakdown of what a move actually costs.

• How moving companies price their services
• What you will actually pay for each move size
• Hidden fees to watch for
• Full-service vs. labor-only: the real cost difference
• How to get the best rate

How much does a move cost? The direct answer

A local move with a labor-only company like Undergrads runs $299-$799 for the crew, depending on move size. Studio and 1-bedroom moves typically run $299-$499 (2-3 hours with a 2-person crew at our locked hourly rate). A 2-3 bedroom home usually runs $499-$799 (3-5 hours). Truck rental, if you need one, is $80-$180 paid directly to U-Haul or Penske. Full-service movers who bundle a truck and labor typically cost 2-3x more for the same job.

Moving costs by apartment size: real numbers

These totals are crew-only. If you also need a truck, U-Haul or Penske rentals run $80-$180 and you pay them directly. The 4% card processing fee applies if you pay by credit card. Cash and check have no fee.

What is included in the hourly rate

At Undergrads, the hourly rate includes everything the crew does on the clock: loading, carrying, truck organization, unloading, and furniture placement. There are no add-on fees for stairs, narrow hallways, or difficult access. The clock starts when the crew arrives and stops when the last item is placed.

• Two or more background-checked crew members
• Loading and unloading of all boxes and furniture
• Basic furniture disassembly and reassembly (beds, tables)
• $1,000 damage protection on every move
• Show-Up Guarantee: $50 back if we are late
• No stair fees, no floor fees, no fuel surcharges

Hidden fees most moving companies charge (that we do not)

Here is where most moving quotes fall apart. The initial quote looks reasonable, and then the invoice has six extra line items.

Full-service movers vs. labor-only: the true cost comparison

Full-service movers handle everything including the truck. Labor-only companies like Undergrads provide the crew and you supply or rent a truck. Here is what the comparison actually looks like.

For a local move (under 30 miles), labor-only almost always wins on cost. You rent a U-Haul or Penske for $80-$180, pay Undergrads $299-$499 for the crew, and come out 40-60% ahead of a full-service quote. This is exactly what the Power Move is designed for.

How to get the best moving rate

Moving rates are not negotiable at Undergrads, but timing is. Here is what actually moves the needle on your total cost.

1. 1Move mid-week: Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday slots typically have better crew availability and easier truck rental pricing than Friday and Saturday.
2. 2Move mid-month: the last weekend of the month is always the busiest. Move on the 10th or 15th and you will have better crew availability and often shorter wait times.
3. 3Book early: dates book 2-3 weeks out in peak season (May-September). Book early and lock the $5 deposit. No savings difference, but you get the slot you want.
4. 4Pack everything before the crew arrives: every 15 minutes of pack-and-wrap the crew does is billed at the hourly rate. Come fully boxed and ready and you will pay for 2 hours instead of 3.
5. 5Disassemble furniture yourself: beds, desks, and shelving units that you disassemble before move day take 20-30 minutes off the clock.

Frequently asked questions

How much do movers charge for a typical local move?

At Undergrads, studio and 1-bedroom moves typically run $299-$499 with a 2-person crew (2-3 hours at our locked hourly rate). A 2-3 bedroom home usually runs $499-$799 (3-5 hours). Larger crews for bigger moves are priced per mover. There is a 2-hour minimum. Truck rental, if you need one, is $80-$180 paid directly to U-Haul or Penske.

Do I need to tip movers?

Tipping is never required but is always appreciated. If your crew did a great job, $20-40 per person is a standard tip. On a particularly difficult move (walkup stairs, large furniture, long carry distances), $40-60 per person is appropriate. You can tip in cash on move day or add it through the app after.

Are there extra fees for distance or drive time?

No. The quoted total covers the crew's drive time between your pickup and drop-off address for moves within our standard service area (typically 30 miles). Moves beyond that range require a custom quote. There are no separate fuel surcharges, stair fees, or distance add-ons.

Is it cheaper to move yourself or hire movers?

For most people, hiring a labor-only crew and renting a truck is cheaper than pure DIY once you factor in the value of your time, the risk of injury, and the cost of renting equipment (dollies, blankets, straps). A pure DIY studio move might cost $80-$180 in truck rental. A labor-only studio move with Undergrads adds $299-$399 in crew costs. The question is whether 2-3 hours of your weekend and your back are worth roughly $300.

Do movers charge extra for apartments?

Undergrads does not charge extra for apartments, stairs, or elevators. The hourly rate is the same whether you are on the ground floor or the 10th floor. If the building has difficult access (shared freight elevator, long carry from parking, narrow hallways), it will take longer, which adds to the hourly total, but there is no surcharge beyond what the clock shows.