How much does a mover cost per hour? Current rates

At Moving, we know how stressful it can be to move your entire household from A to B. You may be wondering: how much does a mover cost per hour and how are these rates actually determined? In this article, we will provide you with all the information you need to make a smart choice. You will learn what to look out for when you move a hire a moving company considers, what costs moving company are normal, and how you can save on the costs. In short, we list all moving costs clearly listed.

Movers Costs – How Are Rates Determined?

You are probably curious about the costs of a moving company and how they are determined. A move has many variables that influence the rates. We often see that most moving companies work with an hourly rate. However, other factors also play a role, such as:

The number of movers affects the costs of a moving company

Do you have one or two movers needed, or maybe even four? More hands ensure a faster completion, but also higher personnel costs. For example, a move with professionals costs a few more euros per hour.

Distance of the move will affect transportation costs

A move from Groningen to Maastricht obviously costs more than a trip in your own city. This is due to the cost per kilometer and the extra travel time. It is of course logical that the cost per hour can increase because of this. The further apart the houses are, the higher the costs for the move. 

Season and day and moving costs

During the summer months and weekends it is busier. As a result, a moving company can charge higher rates. Moving on a weekday can sometimes save on the price. So even the season has an effect on the costs of moving with a moving company. 

Special items will increase the average cost of moving

Large furniture, a piano, or an aquarium are more difficult to lift. Often a professional moving company a surcharge for these jobs. Check the costs for this carefully so that you are not faced with surprises on the day of the move. 

Parking options when you move

Do you live in a narrow street or in the city center with limited space? Sometimes you pay parking fees or even need a permit. The better everything is arranged, the faster the move can be carried out. 

These factors together determine the costs of a moving company. So think carefully about your wishes and consider a local mover if you want to limit the costs of call-out charges.

How much does a moving company cost?

You can hire a moving company that works with an all-in price, but moving companies often charge an hourly rate. The costs for a move are on average between €30 and €60 per hour per mover. If you want to know exactly how much a moving company costs in your situation, it is smart to compare multiple moving company quotes. This way you can see what the costs for a moving company are based on and you will not be faced with any surprises. Do you want to know the costs of hiring a moving company? Then request free quotes from Moving now and know the price of your move! You will see that the costs differ. With one, the costs are higher and for the exact costs it is best to request free quotes from Moving. There are already enough things that come with a move and that is why we at Moving are happy to help you. 

An example of moving company costs

Example: Suppose you hire two movers for a small move of a two-room apartment. They each charge €35 per hour. The job takes about four hours. Then the move costs 2 × €35 × 4 = €280, excluding any additional costs (such as parking or call-out charges). The costs vary per move and the costs for a move depend on several factors. The more movers there are, the higher the price, for example. Each moving service costs extra.

How much does a mover cost per hour? – average hourly rates in the Netherlands

A mover costs on average between €30 and €60 per hour, depending on the region where you live and the type of moving company. With a recognized moving company you usually pay more, but then you also get a guarantee on the move. If you work together with a non-recognized moving company, then you might save something, but you run a greater risk if something goes wrong.

Below you see a small table with indications. Please note that these rates can change:

Type of moveNumber of moversHourly rate (per mover)Total duration (hours)Total guide price
Small move2€30 – €453 – 5€200 – €600
Medium size move3€35 – €504 – 6€600 – €1200
Big move4 – 5€40 – €605 – 8€1200 – €2000+

If you keep these amounts in mind, you will get a good idea of what your move will cost.

Do you choose convenience or do you arrange it yourself?

Moving takes time and sometimes a lot of energy. You can choose to hire a moving company, but you can also choose to do it yourself. How do you decide what is wise?

Hiring a moving company and saving time

A professional moving company ensures that your moving day goes smoothly. You don't have to carry things yourself and you run less risk of damage. The moving company will calculate how many movers are needed. And don't forget, the more movers there are, the faster the move will go. 

Check when hiring a (recognized) moving company

If you arrange everything yourself, you determine the planning. You do have to rent a van yourself, gather friends, and move heavy furniture. This way, you don't have to go along with the move and everything will be done properly. 

Save on the total costs of your move

If you do most of it yourself, you will save on the costs of a moving company. However, hidden expenses (gasoline, trailer rental) can add up. For example, a moving company will charge approximately 30 euros per hour per mover. The costs depend on the services you use, but do not forget that hiring a moving company will make your move easier. The average costs per moving company will differ and so will the costs per service. 

Get an idea of the costs

We advise you to weigh the costs, your available time and your physical capabilities against each other. Sometimes it pays to leave only the really heavy jobs to a moving company. This way you are less burdened, while you save costs. Compare multiple movers with Moving now for free and without obligation so that you know exactly the costs for moving. This way you have the costs in a row and you know what each moving company will charge on average for your move. The costs are different for each moving company and it is therefore nice to compare them. 

See how many items you want to move

Do you think you don't have that much? People often mistake the amount of stuff and furniture they collect over the years. That's why we recommend you to:

  • Make an inventory list: Write down how many moving boxes you expect to need. Also note large pieces of furniture.
  • To tidy up: This may sound like a cliché, but the less you take with you, the cheaper it will be.
  • To label: Stick stickers on boxes and furniture. This will help the movers work faster and reduce the chance of mistakes.

The costs of a move

Good preparation helps to keep moving costs low. In addition, you prevent ambiguities about who is responsible for what. Request free quotes from Moving so that you know where the costs of a move are and calculate your free average moving costs.

What is the average price calculation

If you want to know how much a move costs, it is important to look at the total picture. The average cost for a complete move is usually between €600 and €1500. The following questions play a role in this:

  • How big is your home? A small move is done faster than a big one. And how much does a moving van actually cost?
  • How many movers are needed? More manpower costs more money, but it makes your move shorter.
  • Do you live high up or do you have an elevator in your building? A rent a moving lift is not always cheap, but sometimes indispensable.

Anecdote from a moving company: We once helped a couple who lived in an old canal house on the third floor. The stairs were so narrow that even a simple sofa barely fit. A moving lift turned out to be a must. That made the move a lot more expensive, but it also saved a lot of time and fumbling.

How can you save on moving costs?

We understand that you don't want to pay more than necessary. That's why we have a few tips to keep the costs of your move under control:

  1. Compare quotes
    Request a quote from multiple moving companies. This way you can quickly see what price differences there are.
  2. Plan your move well in advance
    Decide in advance whether you can move on a weekday. This is often cheaper than during the weekend.
  3. Do small jobs yourself
    Think about dismantling furniture and packing things. The less work for the movers, the lower your bill.
  4. Go for a local moving company
    This way you avoid high call-out charges, especially if the distance is great.

Request free quotes from moving

Do you want to know exactly what your move will cost? We at Moving are happy to help you. Via our site you can quickly and free request multiple moving company quotes. You fill in online when you are moving and how many things you have approximately. Then different recognized movers will send you a proposal. You can easily compare these on price, but also on service and speed. This way you make a well-considered decision without hassle.

Checklist for Choosing a Reliable Moving Company

Hiring a moving company is not something you do every day. That is why you will find a checklist below that will help you make a choice with peace of mind:

  1. Check quality marks
    A recognized moving company offers security and good insurance. This is useful if something unexpectedly breaks.
  2. Read reviews
    The experiences of others say a lot about reliability and service.
  3. Ask about insurance
    Not every company covers everything in case of damage. Also read the small print in the policy.
  4. Look at the conditions
    Does the moving company require a minimum purchase of hours? Will they charge extra for parking?
  5. Make clear agreements
    This way you avoid confusion and everyone knows what needs to be done.

Frequently Asked Questions About Finding a Moving Company

How far in advance should you hire a moving company?

We recommend that you inquire at least four to six weeks in advance.

Why do the average costs of a moving company vary so much?

This is due to factors such as distance, complexity and the number of movers.

What if the move takes longer and there are other costs?

With an hourly rate you will then have additional costs. With a fixed price you agree on this in advance.

Is a certified moving company always better?

A recognized company gives more guarantees. However, a non-recognized company can in some cases be cheaper and better because they do not have to pay a contribution to the industry organization.

Can I hire a moving company for just large furniture?

Yes, that is possible. Many moving companies offer a flexible service.

Free moving company quotes at Moving

Moving is always stressful, but you don't have to make it complicated. The costs of movers depend mainly on the distance, the number of movers and the size of your belongings. A mover costs on average between €30 and €60 per hour. Such an amount may seem steep, but it often saves time and reduces stress. Do you want to know exactly what the costs are for your situation? Compare quotes via Moving and make a choice that suits you budget and fits wishes.

We hope this guide has given you more insight into what a moving company costs and what a mover costs per hour. Do you have any questions or would you like to share your own experiences? Please let us know. We wish you a smooth and stress-free moving adventure!

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