COST GUIDE
How Much Does Moving Cost?
Real numbers by home size. Full-service vs. The Power Move. Every hidden fee that moving companies charge. Whether Undergrads charges them (we don't).
Get an exact quote for your move →Quick answer:
A local move with professional labor costs $200–$1,500 depending on home size and service type. Full-service (truck + crew) runs higher. The Power Move (you rent the truck, we provide all labor) saves you 40–60%.See the full breakdown →
BY HOME SIZE
Cost estimates by home size
All estimates are for local moves (under 50 miles). Undergrads provides a flat labor rate, exact quote in 60 seconds.
| Home Size | Crew / Time | Full-Service | The Power Move (labor only) | Truck Rental |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Studio 300–600 sq ft | 2 movers 2–3 hrs | $500–$900 truck + crew | $200–$400 labor only | $30–$60/day 10–12 ft truck |
1 Bedroom 600–900 sq ft | 2 movers 3–4 hrs | $700–$1,200 truck + crew | $280–$550 labor only | $50–$90/day 15 ft truck |
2 Bedroom 900–1,400 sq ft | 2–3 movers 4–6 hrs | $900–$1,600 truck + crew | $380–$750 labor only | $60–$110/day 15–20 ft truck |
3 Bedroom 1,400–2,200 sq ft | 3 movers 5–8 hrs | $1,200–$2,200 truck + crew | $550–$1,000 labor only | $90–$150/day 20–26 ft truck |
4 Bedroom+ 2,200+ sq ft | 3–4 movers 7–10 hrs | $1,800–$3,500+ truck + crew | $800–$1,500 labor only | $120–$180/day 26 ft truck |
Studio
300–600 sq ft · 2 movers · 2–3 hrs
Full-service
$500–$900
The Power Move
$200–$400
+ Truck rental: $30–$60/day (10–12 ft)
1 Bedroom
600–900 sq ft · 2 movers · 3–4 hrs
Full-service
$700–$1,200
The Power Move
$280–$550
+ Truck rental: $50–$90/day (15 ft)
2 Bedroom
900–1,400 sq ft · 2–3 movers · 4–6 hrs
Full-service
$900–$1,600
The Power Move
$380–$750
+ Truck rental: $60–$110/day (15–20 ft)
3 Bedroom
1,400–2,200 sq ft · 3 movers · 5–8 hrs
Full-service
$1,200–$2,200
The Power Move
$550–$1,000
+ Truck rental: $90–$150/day (20–26 ft)
4 Bedroom+
2,200+ sq ft · 3–4 movers · 7–10 hrs
Full-service
$1,800–$3,500+
The Power Move
$800–$1,500
+ Truck rental: $120–$180/day (26 ft)
Estimates based on local moves under 50 miles. Exact quote depends on your specific inventory, access, and scheduling.
PRICING FACTORS
What actually drives your moving cost
Home size
More items = more labor. A 3BR takes roughly 2x as long as a 1BR with the same crew size.
Number of movers
Adding a third mover to a 5-hour job can save 1.5–2 hours of time but adds ~$50–$75/hr in labor.
Stairs and elevators
A third-floor walkup with no elevator can add 20–40% to your time. Freight elevator reservations matter.
Distance between locations
For local moves, this affects the drive time between stops, typically not a huge factor within the same city.
Access and parking
Tight apartment parking or long walks from the truck add time. Tell us your parking situation upfront.
Special items
Pianos, gun safes, pool tables, and large artwork require extra crew and equipment, always disclose these.
TRANSPARENCY
Every hidden fee. Our answer to each
These are real fees that other moving companies charge. We don't charge any of them.
| Fee | Industry standard | Undergrads |
|---|---|---|
| Stair fees | $50–$100 per flight | Included in flat rate |
| Fuel surcharge | 5–10% of total | No fuel surcharge |
| Long carry fee | $50+ if truck can't park close | No long carry fee |
| Packing material markup | 200–400% above retail | No packing material charge |
| Minimum hours | 2–3 hr minimum from dispatch | Flat rate by job, not hourly |
| Credit card processing | 2.9–5% | No processing fee |
| COI / Certificate of Insurance | $50–$200 per building | Provided free where required |
| Last-minute cancellation | 50–100% of deposit lost | Flexible rescheduling, $5 deposit only |
COMMON QUESTIONS
Moving cost questions answered
Should I tip movers?
Tips are not required and not included in quotes. If the crew did great work, $20–$50 per mover is a standard tip for a local move. Cash is preferred. You pay Undergrads the quoted amount. Tipping goes directly to the crew.
Is hourly or flat-rate pricing better?
Flat-rate pricing is almost always better for the customer. Hourly pricing incentivizes slow work. With Undergrads's flat rate, the crew is motivated to finish efficiently. You know your price before a single box is touched.
Does it cost more to move on a weekend?
Most moving companies charge more on weekends and at the end of the month. Undergrads charges the same rate regardless of the day you book. Move on the day that works for you.
What's the cheapest way to move locally?
The Power Move, rent a truck yourself and hire Undergrads for labor only. You pay $30–$150 for the truck and $200–$1,000 for labor depending on your home size. That's typically 40–60% less than full-service.
How does The Power Move compare to PODS?
PODS and similar container services charge delivery fees, monthly storage fees, and re-delivery fees. For a local move, they're often more expensive than renting a truck for a day. The Power Move (truck rental + Undergrads labor) is typically the most cost-effective option for local moves.
GET YOUR EXACT PRICE
See your flat rate in 60 seconds.
Tell us your home size, move date, and addresses. We send a flat labor rate, with no hourly surprises, no hidden fees.
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every crew member
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on every move
Show-Up Guarantee
$50 if we're late
$5 to reserve
pay after the move