Hiring movers: find a good moving company + best rates

Moving is exciting and stressful, I know that better than anyone. There is a lot to consider and the idea of managing everything yourself can be overwhelming. But do not worry! By hiring movers, you can relieve a lot of work and stress. Don't worry, I'll tell you everything you need to know about hiring movers. From the benefits and costs to choosing the right movers and tips for smoother cooperation. Read on and discover how you can move worry-free!

Benefits of hiring professional movers

Why should you actually hire movers? Well, that has a lot of advantages! First of all, you save a lot of time. Movers know exactly how to pack, transport and unpack your belongings quickly and efficiently. This way you don't have to get your hands dirty.

Secondly, they do all the heavy lifting for you. Leave the lugging to the professionals who do this every day. This way you prevent back problems and other injuries. Did you know that movers have the right techniques and resources to transport your belongings safely and without damage? So look carefully at the quality of the service. Move cheaply is not always the wisest choice when it comes to your precious belongings.

But the most important advantage: less stress! Moving is one of the most stressful events in a person's life. By a verhuisbedrijf By switching on, you will take away many worries and your move will go a lot smoother. This way you can focus on the fun things, such as the new furnishings.

Oh, and don't forget the extra services! A lot of moving companies can also help you with packing, unpacking, disassembling, assembling and even cleaning. Handy, right? Move smoothly and easily with experienced movers.

Hiring movers brings peace in times of chaos

Believe me, in the midst of all the hustle and bustle, it is wonderful to leave certain tasks to professionals. They ensure that your move runs like a well-oiled machine. In the meantime, you can focus on other important matters, such as saying goodbye and making your new home cozy.

With movers you don't have to worry about damage. These experienced workers know exactly how to handle your belongings. By hiring them, you create peace and overview during this intensive period. And that is worth gold!

Costs of hiring movers: price indication

Okay, let's talk about money. Movers' rates vary considerably. How much you spend depends on several factors such as:

  • The number of cubic meters of stuff
  • The distance between your old and new home
  • The number of movers and the time required
  • The accessibility of the homes
  • Extras such as a moving elevator or packing and unpacking service

How much does a good moving service cost?

Let me give you a few examples. For a small move (studio or apartment) you pay an average of €350 to €950. We assume 2 movers and the amount of items. An average house (100-150 m²) with 4 to 6 movers easily costs between €1350 and €3200. And for large homes (200+ m²) the amount can exceed €4,500. Top tip: always request multiple quotes to compare prices and services!

Most moving companies charge call-out fees of €50 to €100 and an hourly rate per mover (somewhere between €15 and €45). Keep that in mind. Just like with extras like moving boxes or storage space.

Example price indication moving costs

HomeCubic metersNumber of moversDurationAverage costs
Studio10-2022-4 hours€350 – €650
Apartment30-5036-8 hours€750 – €1350
Single-family home60-1004-58-10 hours€1500 – €3000
Large house100-200+6-812+ hours€3500 – €7000

Moving with a moving company without high costs

Okay, those amounts are significant. But there are ways to save!

First of all: pack yourself. The more you do yourself, the less time the movers spend. And time is money. You can often get boxes for free at supermarkets and shops. So let's get started!

Secondly: transport small items yourself. Take some boxes and bags with you in your own car, so there will be less left for the moving company. Every little bit helps.

My best tip? Be flexible with your moving date. Moving during the week is often cheaper than in the weekend. Sometimes there are also seasonal differences in terms of crowds and prices.

Oh, and don't forget to request multiple quotes! There are useful comparison websites online. I recommend that you contact at least 3 to 5 local moving companies. This way you can compare not only the prices but also the services.

Cheap and stress-free moving

Don't be fooled by ridiculously low prices. Cheap is often expensive! Some companies lure you with attractive rates, but work with inexperienced students or charge all kinds of extra afterwards moving costs. Always read the small print in the quotation:

  • Are all services clearly described?
  • Are there separate costs for insurance, boxes or materials?
  • Does the company have years of experience and good reviews?

Choose certainty and quality, even if it costs a little more. Believe me, a few bucks can save you a lot of hassle!

Rent movers and moving materials

Did you know that you can hire not only 'manpower' from most moving companies, but also all kinds of materials? Think of:

  • Sturdy moving boxes in different sizes
  • Protective blankets for your furniture
  • Hand carts and furniture dogs for heavy items
  • Protective film for floors and stairs
  • Special boxes for clothes
  • A moving lift for apartments or difficult areas

My advice: rent these things instead of buying them. This way you don't have to be stuck with it and you save storage space.

Some moving companies have attractive combination deals with both movers and materials for a competitive price. Keep an eye on the quotes for that!

Choosing the right movers

There are so many moving companies, how do you choose the best one? Well, pay attention to these points:

Criteria for selecting a moving company

  • Paperwork: A good mover has all the permits and insurance in place. Feel free to ask for proof!
  • Experience: Choose a company that has been around for years and has expertise. Check reviews from previous customers.
  • Service: Compare the offers and prices. Do they have useful extra services such as packing or storage?
  • Schedule: Can they come on your desired date? And how flexible are they in case of unexpected changes?

How many movers do you need?

How many movers do you actually need? That mainly depends on the size of your home and the amount of stuff:

Guideline for number of movers per home type

Type of houseNumber of roomsCubic metersNumber of movers
Studio110-30 m³2
Apartment2-330-60 m³2-3
Terraced house3-450-100 m³3-4
Detached house5+100+ m³4+

Also consider the accessibility of your homes:

  • Are there stairs, narrow hallways or elevators?
  • Is there parking for one moving van?
  • How far is the walking distance to the house?

Discuss this carefully with your mover and together you will arrive at the optimal number.

Tasks and services of movers

Every mover is different, but most offer these services:

  • Packing: carefully pack your belongings in boxes with protection.
  • Disassemble: disassemble large pieces of furniture for safe transport.
  • Loading: load and secure everything efficiently in the moving van.
  • Transport: driving safely from A to B (with experienced drivers behind the wheel).
  • Unload: unload it at your new spot and put it in the right place.
  • To assemble: reassemble all dismantled furniture.
  • Unpack: If desired, help unpack the boxes in each room.

Additional options include:

  • Special insurance for your home contents
  • Separate transport for art, antiques or a piano
  • Temporary storage in a secure area
  • Cleaning of your old or new house
  • Disposal of (garden) waste
  • Jobs such as painting, repairs or hanging lamps

Discuss your wishes and expectations clearly in advance. Record all agreements in the quotation. This is how you avoid misunderstandings!

Finding reliable movers

Start your search on time, preferably 2 months in advance. Follow these steps:

  1. Ask around your network for personal recommendations. Experiences from people you know are worth gold!
  2. Google for movers in your area. Read reviews on Trustpilot, Google or Facebook.
  3. Check whether the company is affiliated with the Organization for Recognized Movers (OEV) or has a NIWO permit. This way you can be sure that they meet certain quality requirements.
  4. Select 3 to 5 companies for a personal quote. Invite them for a visit so they can estimate exactly how much work it is. Immediately a good test to see if it clicks!
  5. Compare the quotes not only on price, but also on feeling, conditions and availability.

This way you are guaranteed to find a match with a reliable company that perfectly suits your move.

Compare free quotes on Moving.nl

Looking for the perfect movers for your big day? Let Moving.nl help you! We make it super easy for you to get free quotes from reliable ones Compare moving companies in your area. Enter your moving details, such as the date, the number of cubic meters and any additional services, and we will do the rest.

How does it work?

How do we do that? Complete the application form and we will forward your request to the best movers in your region. Our movers will contact you and prepare a personal, tailor-made quote. This way you will have multiple quotes to compare in no time. Handy, right?

But wait, there's more! Moving.nl also checks the quality and reliability of the affiliated moving companies. Only trained movers with the correct credentials, experience and reviews are eligible. This way you can be sure that you are working with a reliable party.

And if that's not enough, we also give you useful tips and advice to make your moving day go as smoothly as possible. From packing your belongings to taking out the right insurance: you will find answers to all your questions on our site. We won't let you down!

Quickly arranged: 3 free quotes in 1 minute

So what are you waiting for? Compare for free today moving quotes on Moving.nl and discover which mover can make your dream move come true. We promise you that moving has never been easier. Really and truly!

Frequently Asked Questions

How far in advance should I book movers?

Preferably 4 to 8 weeks, depending on your moving date. During busy times such as summer, many movers fill up quickly, so don't wait too long.

When is a moving lift necessary? 

Especially in apartments without a spacious elevator, or for lifting large pieces of furniture. Your mover can best advise you on this.

Do I have to give the movers food and drinks?

A full-day job requires a lot of energy, so a cup of coffee and something soft is certainly appreciated. For really long days it is a good idea to offer lunch. Please fine-tune this in terms of breaks.

Can I give my valuables to the movers?

Movers work very carefully, but for expensive jewelry, art or important documents I recommend transporting them yourself. Better safe than sorry!

Are movers insured against damage?

Yes, every mover must have liability insurance. But also take out good home contents and transport insurance. Feel free to ask your moving company for advice about this.

Do I have to arrange moving boxes and materials myself?

No, almost all moving companies can provide this for you. You can often rent boxes and protective materials from them cheaply. So check your quote!

How does the payment work?

Most movers send an invoice afterwards with a payment term of 14 or 30 days. You can also pay by card or cash. Make agreements about this in advance to avoid misunderstandings.

How much tip is appropriate?

Tipping is optional, but certainly customary if you are satisfied. My advice? Per mover, you should count about €5 to €20 per day, depending on your budget. In total, a tip of €20 to €50 is expected. This shows your appreciation for the hard work!

What if damage occurs during the move?

Bummer of course! Report it immediately to the movers and make a note of all damage together. Take photos as proof for insurance. File an official complaint with the moving company and claim their liability insurance. That is exactly what such insurance is for. In extreme cases, you can seek legal assistance to defend your rights. Hopefully this is never necessary!

en_GB