Hiring Movers? This Is How Much Your Local Move Will Cost

Moving nearby? Don’t let the short distance fool you. While not as expensive as an interstate move, a local move still presents its own set of challenges. Hidden fees, insurance details and state regulations only complicate your moving process. To make it easier, we’ve laid out the basics of what to know (and look out for!) when it comes to your next local move.

What is a local move?

A local move is often referred to as an “intrastate move.” Just remember: the word intra means “within.” Therefore, an intrastate move translates to a move within the same state. Local moves in the State of Illinois are any moves that are 35 miles or less from origin to destination.

How the cost is determined

The cost of a local move is based on a flat dollar amount per hour. Factors that affect this hourly rate include: labor costs (the number of movers required for the move); services such as packing or climbing an excessive number of stairs as well as disassembling and assembling furniture.

Tip: to ensure you receive a fair and accurate hourly estimate, the moving company needs to see your household belongings and inventory in-person. Do not accept a quote over the phone or internet.

Exception to the rule

Not all intrastate moves are created equal. If a customer moves farther than 35 miles in Illinois, the move’s cost will be based on the weight of the shipment – similar to that of an interstate move – instead of based on the standard hourly rate. Depending on the amount of your items and the distance, there is a rate which applies that is charged per 100 lbs of weight. If your items weigh 7000 lbs and need to be moved 100 miles, the calculation would be the rate x 70 (7000lbs / 100) which would give you your final cost. As an example: 7000 lbs moved 100 miles would be 70 x $34.20 (rate) = $2394.00. This would be the cost of your move.

Insurance

Entrusting your precious belongings to total strangers can spark anxiety for a number of reasons. What if your valuables arrive damaged? What if they break along the way? Or worse – what if they don’t arrive at all? While uncommon, damage does occasionally occur when moving from one home to another. For this reason, pay close attention to what kind of insurance (and how much) your moving company possesses.

Your local mover should carry workers compensation insurance, and provide you with proof of all insurance upon request. In addition to valuation coverage (detailed below), customers always have the option to purchase their own third-party insurance. I recommend checking your homeowner’s insurance provider for specifics. It also doesn’t hurt to take photos of your belongings before moving, in case something does get broken or go missing.

What to watch out for

Be cautious of disreputable movers and their infamous moving scams. Unlike interstate movers, local moving companies aren’t regulated by the federal government’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Instead, local moving companies are regulated by the individual states, which each have their own licensing and certification requirements. I recommend learning about your state’s individual regulations before hiring a moving company.

Customers can check the Better Business Bureau for any complaints filed against the moving company. Also, I suggest checking to see if your moving company is associated with a larger van line or the American Moving & Storage Association.