Moving Labor Cost Calculator

Q: How do I know if I really need a crew?

Hiring labor-only movers makes sense if You’re renting a truck , Using a moving container (PODS®, U-Pack), Loading/unloading storage, Doing a short local move

Get an instant estimate of your moving labor cost in minutes.

Whether you are loading a rental truck, unloading a PODS® container,
rearranging furniture, or moving items into storage, our calculator helps
you estimate crew size, hours needed, and total labor cost with clear, transparent pricing.

Flexible scheduling options

Skilled, experienced movers

Verified and insured crews

Clear, crew-based hourly pricing

How It Works

✔ Select your home size or special items
✔ See your recommended crew size
✔ Get estimated hours
✔ View your projected labor cost

No hidden fees. No complicated math. Just a smart way to plan your move.

Fully Insured

4.8★ Rating

10K+ Moves

What Are You Moving?

Select your home size to help us estimate the right crew size, time needed, and total labor cost.

Studio 1-2 movers Approx 800–1,500 lbs

1 Bedroom 1-2 movers Approx 1,500–3,000 lbs

1 Large Bed 2-3 movers Approx. 3,000–6,000 lbs

3 Bedroom 3–4 movers Approx. 5,000–9,000 lbs

popular

2 Bedroom Most popular 2-3 movers Approx. 3,000–6,000 lbs

4+ Bedroom 4–6 movers Approx 10,000–16,000+ lbs

Partial Home 1–2 movers Approx 500–2,000 lbs

Special Item 2–3 movers Piano • Safe • Pool Table Large Appliances

4 Bedroom 4–5 movers Approx. 8,000–12,000 lbs

Moving Labor Details

Service Type

Stairs ?

No. of Movers

No. Hours

No payment required until your appointment is confirmed

Estimated Moving Labor Cost

Labor Cost

Here's your total labor estimate based on your selections

$420 – $495

Based on 3 Movers × 4 Hours

Crew Size

3 Movers

Duration

4 Hours

(Estimated)

Your Pay

$150.00

(/mover/hr)

Cost Breakdown

Labor Rate

3 movers ($180) × 3 hrs

$540.00

Travel Fee

Included

Estimated Total

$420 – $495

No Deposit Required

Pay Only for Hours Used

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Insured

Background

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Guarantee

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Check Availability & Book

Enter your contact details and we'll confirm availability to finalize your booking.

$420 – $495

Based on your selections

We'll confirm availability and answer any questions
No deposit required until booking is finalized
Get a final, confirmed estimate

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Average Rating

How Our Calculator Works

Whether you are renting U-Haul®, using PODS®, loading a storage unit, or rearranging furniture inside your home, MovingLabor.com gives you the muscle without the full-service price tag.

Just enter your details above to see:

Recommended crew size

Estimated hours

Transparent hourly pricing

A realistic cost estimate

Current scheduling availability

It is the smarter, more affordable way to handle a DIY move.

How Much Does Moving Labor Cost in 2026?

In 2026, moving labor typically ranges between:

$90 to $150 per mover per hour

Total labor cost depends on:

Number of movers

Number of hours

Stairs or elevator access

Carry distance

Heavy or specialty items

Location and seasonal demand

Most labor-only jobs fall between:

$300 to $1,200 total

However, many companies charge per mover per hour, which can make pricing harder to estimate upfront.

How MovingLabor.com Pricing Works

At MovingLabor.com, we keep pricing simple and transparent. Instead of billing per mover, we use clear crew-based hourly rates so you know exactly what to expect. No hidden fees. No confusing per-mover math.

Our standard starting rates:

2-Mover Crew: $120 per hour
3-Mover Crew: $180 per hour
4-Mover Crew: $240 per hour

Most jobs require a 2-hour minimum booking. Larger jobs that require extended time may adjust based on duration, crew size, or specialty items. This straightforward structure makes budgeting easier for us and avoids surprise charges for you.

Average Moving Labor Cost by Home Size

Here is a general guide based on typical move durations. If you are renting your own truck or container, hiring moving labor can reduce your total moving cost by 30 to 50 percent compared to full-service movers.

Home Size	Recommended Crew	Avg. Hours	Estimated Labor Cost
Studio	2 Movers	2 Hours	$240
1 Bedroom	2 Movers	3 Hours	$360
2 Bedroom	3 Movers	3 Hours	$540
3 Bedroom	3 Movers	4 Hours	$720
4 Bedroom	4 Movers	5 Hours	$1,200
4+ Bedroom	4 Movers	6 Hours	$1,440

Note: These estimates reflect labor-only services and do not include truck rental.

Real Moving Labor Cost Examples

These examples show how crew size and hours directly affect pricing.

Example 1 – 2 Bedroom Apartment

3-Mover Crew | Estimated 3 hours | $180 per hour

3 hours × $180 = $540 estimated labor

Example 2 – 3 Bedroom Home

3-Mover Crew | Estimated 4 hours | $180 per hour

4 hours × $180 = $720 estimated labor

Example 3 – Studio Load Only

2-Mover Crew | Estimated 2 hours | $120 per hour

2 hours × $120 = $240 estimated labor

What Affects Moving Labor Cost?

Number of Movers

More movers increase the hourly cost but can reduce the total time. For example: 2 movers working 6 hours equals 12 total labor hours, while 3 movers working 4 hours equals 12 total labor hours. Sometimes adding a mover speeds up the job and prevents delays.

Minimum Hour Requirements

Most labor-only services require a 2-hour minimum. Having everything packed and ready before the crew arrives helps prevent additional billed time. The more prepared you are, the fewer paid labor hours you will need.

Stairs and Elevator Access

Stairs increase the time and effort required to move. One flight adds minor time, while multiple flights increase job duration. Reserving elevators helps reduce delays.

Long Carry Distance

If movers must carry items more than 75 feet from the door to the truck or container, additional time may be required. This is common in apartment complexes and urban buildings.

Heavy or Specialty Items

Items like pianos, safes, pool tables, oversized sectionals, and gym equipment require special handling and additional planning. Always mention these items during booking.

Peak Moving Season

May through September is peak season. If possible, schedule mid-week or during off-season months to improve availability and potentially reduce rates. Peak summer dates fill quickly in many markets.

Moving Labor vs Full-Service Movers

Service Type	Includes Truck	Typical Total Cost	Best For
Moving Labor Only	No	$240 to $1,440+	DIY truck renters
Full-Service Movers	Yes	$1,200 to $5,000+	Large or long-distance moves

If you are comfortable renting and driving your own truck, moving labor is often the most cost-effective option while giving you more control over your schedule and budget.

How Many Movers Do I Need?

Move Size	Recommended Movers
Studio	2
1 Bedroom	2
2 Bedroom	3
3 Bedroom	3
4+ Bedroom	4

Choosing too few movers increases move time. Choosing too many increases the hourly cost. Our calculator helps you find the right balance between speed and budget.