We’ve received plenty of calls from customers wondering if we offer services for moving furniture from one room to another. Whether it be because the customer doesn’t have help or because the item is too heavy to move without equipment, we’re often asked what it would take to move household goods within a residence.
The answer to this question may surprise you. Because, yes, we can move furniture within a residence. However, understanding what it’ll cost and when it can be accomplished will be key indicators for figuring out whether it’s the best choice for you.
How to Budget for Getting Your Furniture Moved
There are two factors that’ll influence your decision when determining whether to hire a moving crew to move your furniture:
- How much it’s going to cost to get a crew and equipment out to your residence.
- The actual date the moving company can accomplish the move.
Since this scenario would be considered a local move by moving companies, you’ll be charged according to the time it takes. Movers will send a standard box truck, a crew comprised of 2-3 movers, and any specialty equipment they may require to your residence.
Moving furniture within a residence is less time-intensive than that of local or long-distance moves. It requires less coordination and work for the moving crew, so how do movers determine what they’ll end up charging you for the service?
Find Out Their Minimum Hourly Costs
Most moving companies charge on an hourly basis, with a minimum hourly rate as the baseline for total cost. For example, at Bailey’s Moving & Storage we have a four-hour minimum for local moves. This minimum rate includes the crew and truck, and the time officially starts once the crew leaves our warehouse.
You should expect to pay between $300-$600 for the minimum hourly rate. This value will vary depending on the actual circumstances of your move and selected moving company.
This is common practice in the moving industry, as the minimum hourly rate covers the cost of getting the crew and truck to and from your primary residence. So, when it comes to moving furniture to another room, expect to pay the minimum hourly rate your mover will charge. This baseline price will be covered in your written estimate after conducting an initial walkthrough with an estimator.
Also during this walkthrough, your estimator will determine if specialty equipment or services may be required to move your furniture item. Movers may charge additional fees for moving items that require specific equipment or attention. Things like pianos and gun safes require certain precautions and handling to be transported effectively.
So, when you start budgeting for this type of service, be sure to ask your estimator what their minimum costs are and what add-on services you’ll need. Reputable movers will be upfront with what it’s going to require.
Plan to Schedule the Move for a Future Date
Moving companies operate with an expansive network of tightly coordinated crews and trucks. Availability varies depending on a variety of circumstances, so don’t expect to have a crew at your house the same day you give movers a call.
Seasonality has a large impact on the availability of local and long-distance movers at any given point. Peak moving season, weekend rates, and limited equipment can all influence your moving timeline.
Depending on the time of year, this means you may be able to schedule a move within days, or maybe even weeks out. As a good rule, you’ll have to wait longer for a crew in the summer months and on weekends, while there’s more availability in the wintery off season.
If you want to ensure you’re able to get a crew as soon as possible, try being flexible with your availability. The more flexible you are, the easier it will be for movers to get something promptly scheduled for you.
How to Decide Which is Right for You
The first step to any move will be getting a written estimate from an estimator after an initial walkthrough. During this walkthrough your estimator will gain a firm understanding of what you need moved and any obstacles that may be in the way of making that happen. Also, during this first encounter, you’ll gain an understanding of what they’re going to charge to move furniture from one room to another. You’ll also be informed on when these movers can get a crew out to your home to make this happen.
Hiring a moving crew to move furniture items within your home is more complex than you may think. Coordination of available movers and resources is required, and most moving companies charge hourly minimums to cover the cost of transportation and hauling.
So, it may not be the best choice for everyone. When budgeting for this specialty move, consider all your options and pick the one that makes the most sense for you and your budget.
