NJ Moving Blog

Moving out of state comes with many new and exciting changes. That said, getting there can be stressful, and of course, expensive. Understandably, many people look for the cheapest way to move out of state.

The cheapest way to move out of state is to rent a truck or trail to haul at least some of your belongings. That way, you can save money if you hire a moving company so they can spend less time and haul fewer belongings. If possible, choose LTL (less than a truckload) shipping and sell or donate old furniture that’s not worth bringing to lighten the load.

You will get extra cash for the move, and you may save money on labor and shipment weight fees. Follow along as we explore ways you can cheaply move out of state.

What Is a Good Budget for Moving Out of State?

Ideally, you should set a budget of $3,500 to $15,000 when you move out of state. It ultimately depends on how big your house is and how far you’re moving. Bigger homes have more furniture, and that adds to the time and cost of the move.

Moving one or two states over may not be too expensive. However, moving across coasts can easily cost over $10,000. You must also set aside money for when you get settled in your new out-of-state home.

Ideally, you should set aside three times as much money as your rent or mortgage payment will cost for a month. This will provide wiggle room for groceries, utility fees, and unexpected incidents that pop up.

How to Move Out of State Cheaply

Create a Budget

You can avoid exorbitant moving costs if you create a budget at least 2-3 months before you move out of state. Set aside money from each paycheck and put it into a moving fund. Depending on how far you must move, you should set aside between $3,500 and $15,000.

Call a moving company to ask questions or book a consultation. They can help you set a budget and provide a quote for how much it will cost. Keep in mind that you must also set aside money for when you get to your new destination.

You may not jump right into a new job, so it’s a great idea to have a nest egg to rely on. Utility startup fees, groceries, house closing fees, and transportation costs add up quickly. Once you set a budget, you can create a plan to move out of state cheaply.

Pack Yourself

One of the cheapest ways to move out of state is to pack without professional help. Moving companies offer full packing services. This package means that the moving team will pack your belongings for you at an extra cost.

While this is convenient, it’s worth cutting this cost if you want to save money when you move out of state. Full packing can add anywhere between $250 and $2,000 to your moving costs depending on how much stuff you have.

Instead, simply start to pack your belongings as soon as you reach out to a moving company. Start with non-essentials and work your way up to daily-use items when you get close to the moving day.

LTL Shipping

Moving companies offer two shipping options: LTL and guaranteed, or dedicated, shipping. Guaranteed shipping means your belongings will get a dedicated truck. This option is more expensive than LTL, which means less than a truckload.

LTL shipping means your shipment may be combined with other customers’ shipments. Your belongings are just as safe, but you may be given a different arrival window. This is the cheapest way to move out of state when you use a moving company, and the savings are worthwhile.

Lighten Your Load

One easy way to save money is to move some of your belongings yourself and use a moving company for the rest. For example, you could take a trip to your new home where you bring most of your small, non-essential items. From there, you can hire a moving company to move your large items, such as heavy furniture.

You’ll still hire a moving company, but you’ll pay less if they don’t have to haul as big of a load. This will also reduce labor costs as it won’t take as long. However, it’s worth talking to the moving company about this to see if they’ll be able to offer lower rates for this.

It also helps to declutter and get rid of furniture that isn’t worth bringing with you. Old couches and heavy chairs that are in bad shape will only add weight to your moving shipment.

You can save money and space if you get rid of them and find new and cheap furniture in your new destination. Many people sell clothes and old furniture to lighten their loads and get extra money for moving.

Rent a Truck

Renting a moving truck can help save money when you move out of state. However, that isn’t always the case. You must be careful and read the fine print as many moving truck companies are sneaky with their fees and rates. Pay attention to the mileage rates they charge.

This option works well with the last step, which entailed moving yourself and using a moving company.

For example, you could rent a small truck for a day, take a trip to your new house, unload it, and return it. This will save money compared to renting a big truck and taking several trips back and forth.

Tow a Trailer

Renting a trailer is typically much cheaper than renting a truck. That said, you can’t fit nearly as much in a trailer as you can in a truck. This is a great option if you want to haul some of your items and use a moving company for the rest.

Otherwise, you can simply take several trips back and forth with a trailer. However, this can be time-consuming and may cost just as much as renting a big truck depending on how far your new home is. Trailers are often perfect for moving from studios and 1-2-bedroom apartments.

So, What Are the Cheapest Ways to Move Out of State?

The cheapest ways to move out of state are to create a budget and choose LTL shipping. LTL shipping is cheaper than guaranteed shipping, and it can save hundreds or even thousands of dollars.

You can also save money when moving if you pack yourself and declutter so the moving company has to haul less stuff. It’s also a great idea to move some of your belongings yourself so the moving company can get the job done faster.

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Getting stuck in an uncomfortable and inhabitable apartment is miserable. Breaking the lease may be your only way out, but that’s a scary prospect. Many people must also break a lease because of military duty or medical disabilities. So, how much does it cost to break a lease?

It costs at least 1-2 months’ rent to break a lease without a valid reason. However, you can break a lease without paying penalties for several reasons, such as violence, harassment, and military duty. You can also get out of your lease if you prove you have a qualifying disability. In that case, you must provide medical documents and 30 days’ notice.

Landlords must fix problems that make your home uninhabitable. If they fail to fix these problems, you can get out of the lease early. Follow along as we explore how much to break a lease and see how you can avoid penalties.

How Much Do Most Apartments Charge to Break a Lease?

Depending on the landlord, it may cost up to 2 months’ worth of rent to break a lease. Landlords typically impose steep fees to discourage tenants from breaking the lease. In other cases, you may be required to spend as much money as the landlord would lose from you breaking the lease.

For example, if you break the lease with 3 months left, you may have to pay 3 months’ rent. In some cases, there is a cap to this. You may not have to pay all the money the landlord lost out on if you break the lease shortly after signing. In that case, you’ll likely only need to pay a few months’ rent.

Some states and municipalities require tenants to give ample notice before breaking a lease. You must typically provide at least 30 days’ notice before you break your lease. The landlord may still penalize you, but it won’t likely be as bad as breaking the lease with 7 days’ notice.

Can You Break a Lease Without Paying?

You can break a lease without paying in many states under special circumstances. However, you must typically be able to prove that your reason for breaking the lease isn’t frivolous. Let’s see how you can break a lease without paying, or at least without paying much.

Your Home is Uninhabitable

Landlords have a responsibility to make sure your home is a safe environment. A house or apartment is deemed uninhabitable if it violates building codes or has safety hazards. For example, fire hazards, mold, pest infestations, and defunct HVAC equipment can make a home uninhabitable.

Your landlord has a grace period to fix these problems. That said, you can legally break the lease without penalty if they fail to fix the problems. The landlord can dispute this if you never made maintenance requests.

That’s why it’s important to document your maintenance requests as a tenant. Take pictures and or videos of the problems as well as backup evidence if they dispute it.

Moving Because of Military Duty

People in the military often have to move unexpectedly. This makes it hard to stick with a lease in some cases. Luckily, the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act protects active military members from penalties for relocating.

The catch is that you must prove to the landlord that you are moving because of military obligations.

This is easy, and you can simply attach the deployment papers to a letter and send it to your landlord. If they object, you can ask your superiors for more clarification or documents. You may still need to pay one month’s rent if you don’t give ample notice, but that’s better than steep penalties.

Victims of Harassment and Violence

Sadly, some people must break their leases to avoid harassment, violence, sexual assault, and stalking. Luckily, many states understand this and won’t penalize tenants for breaking a lease over it. In many cases, you can even get your security deposit back if you break the lease for this reason.

Simply provide police records, medical records, or documentation like a protection order or restraining order. Otherwise, you can reach out to a social worker and request a letter that verifies your claims. This is an emotionally tough process, but it’s worthwhile to break the lease for your safety.

You Must Move Because of Your Health

Breaking a lease because of poor health or a disability is quite understandable. Most states have laws that protect tenants who must move because of disabilities. Each state has a list of qualifying disabilities that may require a tenant to break their lease.

If your disability isn’t on that list, you can try to negotiate with your landlord to avoid penalty. You must provide 30 days’ notice when you move because of a qualifying disability. Landlords also require documentation that verifies your disability so they can waive the fees.

Your Landlord Doesn’t Uphold the Contract

Lease agreements are just as much about the landlord as they are about the tenant. Tenants are expected to adhere to the rules, and so are landlords. If your landlord violates the terms of the contract, you can typically break the lease without a problem.

For example, your lease agreement may say the landlord cannot enter without permission. If your landlord enters without permission and violates your privacy, they will have violated the terms of the agreement. You can also break the lease if you discover that the landlord failed to disclose something they were supposed to.  

It also counts as a violation if your landlord doesn’t notify you about it with the proper notice. Check your local regulations if you are concerned about your landlord’s actions. The rules are different everywhere. A contract violation may be your chance to break the lease without penalty.

So, How Much Does Breaking a Lease Cost?

Breaking a lease typically costs 1-2 months’ rent. However, the landlord may require you to pay for more months that you miss paying. You can legally break a lease without penalty due to active military duty, violence, and harassment. Tenants can also break a lease if the landlord violates their end of the contract.

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The temptation to move away and start a new life doesn’t just have to be a fantasy. Today, it’s easier than ever to research a city and see if it’s a good fit for you. With so many options, it can be hard to figure out the best cities to move to and start a new life.

Jacksonville, Florida and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania are the best cities to move to and start a new life. Both cities have low housing costs, many job opportunities, a thriving nightlife, and an affordable cost of living. You can also find many great jobs and housing costs in Cleveland, Austin, Salt Lake City, and Richmond, Virginia.

Each of these cities is affordable, easy to get around, and offers a mix of nature and city settings. Follow along as explore the best cities to move to and start a new life.

Where is the Best Place to Move and Start Over?

Whether it be Charlotte, North Carolina, or Cleveland, Ohio, many U.S. cities are the perfect place to start over. Ideally, you should pick an affordable city with many jobs and a thriving economy. Let’s look at the best cities to start a new life in and highlight what makes them special.

1. Jacksonville, Florida

It’s no secret that many people move to Florida to start over. While Fort Lauderdale, Miami, and Orlando are common choices, Jacksonville is the best for many reasons. The cost of living in Jacksonville is lower than Miami and you still get 22 miles of beaches to enjoy.

With a median home value of $243,000, there’s a wide range of prices on the housing market. Hospitality, healthcare, education, and finance are the biggest industries in Jacksonville.

It’s much less of a tourist city than places like Fort Lauderdale, and that’s a big plus for many people. The vibrant nightlife, art scene, beaches, and parks make Jacksonville a great city to start over in.

2. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

While the East Coast has many expensive cities, Pittsburgh, PA is not one of them. You can buy nice homes in Pittsburgh for just $140-$160 per square foot. That said, only 47% of the population of Pittsburgh owns their homes, and there are many great renting options.

The median gross rent is currently $1,153 which is reasonable for a medium-sized city. The unemployment rate in Pittsburgh continues to drop, and it’s now at 2.9%. Industries like robotics, healthcare, and manufacturing help boost the local economy in Pittsburgh.

3. Cleveland, Ohio

Affordability and opportunities are what define a great city to start over in, and Cleveland exemplifies this. Cleveland, Ohio is home to some of the most affordable housing in the United States. You can buy homes for under $70 per square foot.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the median home value in Cleveland is $87,400. Cleveland had a high unemployment rate, but it dropped to 3.6% and it looks like it will continue. The city’s metropolitan area is home to many jobs in the healthcare, insurance, service, and finance industries.

4. Austin, Texas

Austin, Texas has had a major population boom in the past several years. The cost of living is lower than in major cities like Los Angeles, and the job market is quite accessible. That said, now is the time to move to Austin as housing costs will likely rise with the influx of new residents.

The median home value is currently $461,500, but there is a wide range of prices. Only 44% of the population owns homes as Austin is more of a renter’s city for now. Austin is a great city for social people as it’s packed with restaurants, bars, and music venues. The 495 parks in Austin are perfect for anyone who loves the outdoors.

5. Salt Lake City, Utah

Salt Lake City, Utah offers the best of both worlds between city life and nature. The beautiful surroundings are a nice escape from the excitement of the city. Salt Lake City is currently home to just over 200,000 residents, so it doesn’t feel crowded like some major cities.

While the median home value is $458,600, there are many affordable homes in the city. The majority of the population rents in Salt Lake City, and the median rent is $1,254. You can find many sales, customer service, healthcare, food service, and finance jobs in Salt Lake City.

6. Richmond, Virginia

Richmond, Virginia is a great city for a fresh start because of its vibrant culture. It’s a great city for fans of art, live music, lively bars, and a wide variety of restaurants. The healthcare, transportation, finance, and manufacturing industries are huge parts of the job market.

Richmond’s unemployment rate has dropped each year for the past 2 years, and it’s now 3.1%. Now is a great time to buy a home in Richmond as the housing market has gone up by 2.5% since last year. The median home value is $308,300, and the median rent is just over $1,200.

7. Nashville, Tennessee

Nashville, Tennessee is one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States. The growing economy, wealth of entertainment, vibrant culture, and exciting nightlife are hard to beat. You can find plenty of jobs, and the unemployment rate is currently low at 2.8%.

Industries like health care, insurance, finance, and technology manufacturing dominate the Nashville job market. The median home value in Nashville is $351,400, but you can find many affordable houses and apartments. Between the moderate cost of living, job market, and endless entertainment, Nashville is a great place to move to and start a new life.

8. San Antonio, Texas

Much like Austin, Texas, San Antonio is booming in both population and the job market. Over 1.4 million people live in San Antonio, and it’s an example of a bustling city that isn’t overwhelming. It’s also quite affordable as the median home value is just $198,000.

San Antonio is also a great city for public transportation with inexpensive bus routes. Cybersecurity and manufacturing are two of the biggest industries in San Antonio. You can also find many jobs in healthcare and hospitality. The unemployment rate is at 3.2% and it has steadily dropped since 2021.

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Moving comes along with lots of responsibilities, and protecting your prized possessions is the biggest one. It may be easy to pack up tables, chairs, and your wardrobe, but moving a flat-screen TV comes with more uncertainty. Luckily, there are several simple tips to transport a flat-screen TV that make it easy.

First, you must remove the screws and cords from your TV and put them in a safe place, so you don’t lose them. Next, you must pad a box with foam and double-wrap your flat-screen TV with bubble wrap to protect the screen. Don’t lay your flat-screen TV down as it can damage the screen. Simply keep it upright and tape the box shut.

You can lay a flat-screen TV down, but the pressure will shift to the center, and that’s risky. Follow along as we highlight the best tips to transport a flat-screen TV to avoid damage.

How to Pack a Flat-Screen TV

It’s not as hard as it seems to transport a flat-screen TV if you follow a few simple tips. Your biggest priority should be to protect the screen and make sure the TV doesn’t move around. Let’s look at what you can do to protect your flat-screen TV when you transport it.

Keep the Cords in One Place

Before you do anything else, it’s a great idea to organize your TV’s cords. It’s all too easy to lose or damage cords when you transport a flat-screen TV, and they can be expensive to replace. Remove and wrap each cord one at a time.

Don’t put the cords in a pile near each other as they will most likely become tangled. If you’re worried about knots, simply zip-tie each cord separately. You can even secure the cords with yarn or twine if you don’t want to put too much pressure on them.

Take pictures of the cords when they’re plugged in if you’re worried you’ll forget where they belong. Otherwise, you can label each cord with a sticky note or piece of tape, so you don’t have to troubleshoot later.

Remove the Hardware

Next, it’s time to remove the hardware that came with your TV. Most flat-screen TVs come with mounting hardware that consists of small screws that are easy to lose. Because of that, it’s a great idea to keep a plastic bag handy.

Place each screw in the bag as you remove them, so you don’t lose them. When you’re done, seal the bag and even label it if you want to be extra cautious. You’ll need the screws later when it’s time to set your TV back up.

Protect the Screen

The biggest concern for many people is that they’ll damage the screen when they transport their flat-screen TV. That’s an understandable concern as screens are more susceptible to scratches and cracks than you may know. Luckily, it’s easy to protect the screen from scratches and cracks with something as simple as bubble wrap.

Simply wrap the TV with bubble wrap and pull it tight. Add a second layer of bubble wrap at least over the side with the screen. Secure the bubble wrap in place with packing tape so no parts of the screen are exposed.

It helps if you keep the dust cover your flat-screen TV came with. In that case, you can put the dust cover on the screen first and then use bubble wrap to fortify it.

Prepare the Box

Did you keep the box your flat-screen TV came with? Keeping the box makes it much easier to transport a flat-screen TV. The boxes that come with flat-screen TVs typically include foam and padding for protection.

Luckily, it’s easy to find boxes for flat-screen TVs online that should fit your model if you don’t keep the box. That said, you may have to buy foam, bubble wrap, and padding separately to protect the TV. Line the bottom and top of the box with foam and or bubble wrap.

This will ensure that the TV doesn’t slide around in the box, and that’s the biggest concern when transporting flat-screen TVs. If you don’t have foam and bubble wrap, you can use towels, blankets, and pillows to protect the TV. Simply pack the towels, blankets, or pillows along either side of the TV.

Slide the TV in Place

Once you’ve padded the box well enough, it’s time to slide the TV into it. It helps to have someone help you with this step. That way, you can keep the box and padding intact, so your flat-screen TV is well-protected. Make sure to seal the box with packing tape so the TV doesn’t slide out as you move it.

Can You Lay a Flat Screen TV Down?

While you can lay a flat-screen TV down, it’s not a great idea. It’s particularly harmful to lay a flat-screen TV face down as the screen is susceptible to damage. If you must lay your flat-screen TV down, make sure to put it face up so there isn’t too much pressure on the screen.

The glass plates and LCD crystals within flat-screen TVs are somewhat delicate. When a flat-screen TV is laid face down, weight will shift from the perimeter to the center of the screen. This can cause excessive pressure, and the screen is more likely to crack.

Ideally, the best way to transport a flat-screen TV is to pack it upright like how you would typically mount it. Depending on your transportation method, this may not be possible, so you must lay it on its back. If so, avoid putting anything on the box or around it that could fall and damage the screen.

So, What’s the Best Way to Transport a Flat Screen TV?

The best way to transport a flat-screen TV is to put it in a box with bubble wrap and foam padding. Pack the box tightly on either side so the TV won’t slide. Secure the box with packing tape and transport the TV in the upright position. Laying a flat-screen TV down can cause cracks and damage the screen.

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Moving out of state is an exciting, albeit intimidating commitment. The prospect of leaving your old life behind can be scary. However, you can ease your mind if you prepare for the journey with a checklist to make the journey easy.

Your moving out-of-state checklist should include researching the area and comparing the cost of living to your current home. Create a budget based on the cost of the moving service as well as transportation and utility fees. Reach out to a moving company 2-3 months before moving and set up an emergency fund of up to 3 months’ salary.

The earlier you start researching, the sooner you’ll be able to buy a new house and find a new job. Follow along as we highlight the best steps to get ready for your out-of-state move.

How Do I Prepare to Move to Another State?

The best way to prepare to move to another state is to create an extensive checklist. Everything from researching the cost of living and setting up utilities to decluttering can save you time and money.

1. Compare the Cost of Living

The difference in the cost of living between states can sometimes be astronomical. Researching the cost of living in your new state can eliminate the risk of expensive surprises. Look online for cost statistics in the state you plan to move to.

This includes income taxes, property taxes, gas prices, and the cost of groceries. Compare it with your current expenses and adjust your spending habits accordingly.

2. Research the Area

It’ll take a while to adjust to your out-of-state move unless you research the area. Look up local stores, restaurants, parks, and even medical centers. This can also help determine the house you choose based on how close it is to local amenities.

It’s also important to look up crime stats to make sure you move to a safe area.

3. Create a Moving Budget

Moving out of state can be expensive, so budgeting should be one of your biggest priorities. Base your budget on expenses such as car shipping, plane tickets (if necessary), and moving company costs. Moving out of state can cost up to $12,000 or even more depending on where you move.

That said, it could cost as little as $4,000 to move short distances. Figure out the fees for setting up utilities in the state you’re moving to. Do whatever you can to save money, such as driving long-distance instead of shipping your car if need be.

4. Find a New Home

Finding a new home is half the battle when moving out of state. Unless you visit the state, you’ll have to rely on a realtor and online resources. That’s why it’s a great idea to visit the state before moving to visit houses on the market. This will help you picture yourself in the house and get an idea of the area.

5. Search for Jobs

Unless you’re moving out of a state for a specific job, you’ll need to search for new places to work. It can take a while to find a job, so you should submit applications daily for a few months. Create a thorough resume and send it to many places within a reasonable distance of your new home.

6. Research Schools

Moving out of state as a family involves more responsibilities. The biggest hurdle is making sure you get your gets into a good school. Research schools in the area and fill out an admission application to a few schools if need be. Contact your child’s old school to get their transcripts to send out.

7. Set Up an Emergency Fund

While your moving budget should cover your expenses, it’s essential to set up an emergency fund. Moving is expensive, and you never know when incidentals pop up. For example, you may have to wait a few weeks or even months before starting your new job. Because of that, it’s a great idea to set aside up to 3 months salary.

8. Contact a Moving Company

Once you’ve budgeted for the move, it’s time to contact a moving company. Ideally, you should reach out at least 2-3 months to make sure you get a great moving date. Explain your budget and pick services that make the move easier without going over budget.

9. Declutter Your Home

Moving gives you the chance to get rid of clutter. Donate or throw away old clothes and furniture that you don’t use anymore. You can also sell furniture, collectibles, and antiques to set aside some extra cash for the move.

10. Start Packing

Packing is only stressful if you wait until the last minute. You can avoid the stress if you slowly start to pack within 2-3 months of moving. Create a checklist and start by packing items you won’t need to use in the months leading up to the move.

For example, you can pack your trinkets, special dishes, and seasonal clothes you don’t currently wear. Slowly pack more and more essentials as the move approaches. Disassemble and pack furniture 1-2 weeks before the move.

11. Notify Your Utility Service Providers

The last thing you want to do is pay for two sets of utilities when moving. That’s why you must contact your utility providers before moving to cancel or transfer service. You’ll need to cancel your electricity, gas, and water as the new state will have different providers.

Ideally, you should set it up so that the utilities will lapse right after moving out. In some cases, this isn’t possible if your house stays on the market after moving. As far as Wi-Fi goes, you may be able to simply update your address. Even still, you’ll likely need to upgrade to a new router when you move so it works in the new service area.

12. Schedule Vehicle Transportation

Unless you’re driving to your new home, you must likely schedule vehicle transportation. Some moving companies can help set this up for you. If not, simply research local vehicle transportation services at least 1-2 months in advance.

It’s important to set up vehicle transportation early as these services typically have stops in several states. Because of that, they typically provide wide time windows for when your car will arrive.

Explain your timeframe and request that your car arrive within a week or two of your move-in date. This may mean that you must ship your car a week or more before moving.

13. Set Up Your New Utilities

By now, you should have updated and or canceled your utilities at your previous home. Once that’s done, it’s time to set up utilities at your new home. You may not be able to transfer some utilities, such as electric service, to your new home.

Many electricity providers only operate in one or two states. Wait until a few weeks before your move to set up new utilities. You can also wait to do this until a few days before the move, but that’s risky. Ultimately, you don’t want to set up water and power too soon before your move.

In that case, you’d be paying for services you aren’t using yet. That said, the last thing you want is to move into a pitch-black house or be unable to take a shower after unpacking and moving boxes all day.

14. Clean Your Old Home

It’s important to clean your old home after packing up and loading the truck. This is the only way to get your deposit back as a renter. As a homeowner, cleaning the house will also work wonders to ensure you don’t scare off potential buyers.

Ideally, you should start cleaning in the month leading up to the move. However, you’ll likely need to tidy up again once your house is empty as moving can be messy. Once the trucks are packed and your house is clean, it’s time to head to your new home out of state.

15. Update Your Address

While it’s important to update your address for subscriptions and utilities, that won’t cover everything. You must update your address through the USPS as well to ensure mail and packages get rerouted to your new home. Luckily, this is easy, and you can change your address online or at the local post office.

It’s also important to update your address if you have pets that are chipped. That way, your pets can be more easily returned to you in case they go missing. Simply go through the animal registry you originally registered your pets to and change the address.

Moving Out of State Doesn’t Have to Be Hard

Research the area and reach out to local realtors before moving out of state. Compare the cost of living and set aside up to 3 months’ salary to cover moving expenses and incidentals. Cancel your utilities or transfer any of them, such as Wi-Fi, to your new home. Change your address through the USPS so there is no delay in receiving mail and packages.

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When it comes time to move, many people understandably worry about their pianos. Unlike guitars and drum sets, the average person can’t simply move a piano without professional help. So, how much do piano movers cost?

It costs an average of $450 to move a piano, but it can cost $2,000 or more for long-distance moves. You may pay as little as $150 to move a small piano a short distance without obstacles like narrow halls and staircases. Piano movers often charge between $1.25 and $10 per mile depending on the distance and cost of gas in the area.

Additional charges include up to $100 per staircase. In some cases, the piano movers may need to use a crane to hoist your piano. In that case, you’ll almost certainly pay between $1,000 and $2,000. Let’s take a deep dive into the cost factors that determine how much you’ll spend on moving a piano.  

How Much Does Moving a Piano Cost?

It costs an average of $450 to move a piano, but it varies by type, location, labor fees, and how challenging it is. Piano movers often charge a flat rate, but they may charge you for labor per hour. The lighter the piano is and the easier it is to move, the cheaper it will cost. Let’s look at the main factors that affect how much piano movers cost.

Difficulty

Obstacles that make it harder to move a piano, such as staircases, add to the overall cost. This is understandable as pianos way between 300 and 1,200 pounds. Piano movers charge an average of $70 per staircase. On the low end, you can expect to pay $40 per staircase, or $110 on the high end.

However, some piano movers charge per step. In that case, it typically costs up to $10 per step. You must also pay extra the movers use a crane to move the piano. This is only necessary if the piano is located several stories up, and it may need to be moved out through a window.

In that case, you can expect to pay up to $2,000 or more to move the piano. Hoisting a piano is a tricky and time-intensive process. It costs $750 on the low end, but it may be necessary if it would be too risky to move it down a staircase.

Mileage

Distance is another critical factor in how much piano movers cost, and that’s because they charge mileage. In some cases, piano movers simply charge flat rates for local moves. That said, you can expect to spend up to $10 per mile for long-distance moves.

Depending on the service, distance, and piano size, you may only pay as little as $1.25- $2.50 per mile. The cost also varies based on gas prices in the service area.

Labor

Labor is typically built into the cost that piano movers charge. Piano movers typically charge flat rates that factor in at least 2-3 hours of labor for local moves. This includes the preparation and movement of the piano before additional costs, such as mileage.

The average hourly rate for piano movers is $50 per person, but it varies. It’s important to ask whether you’re paying an hourly or flat rate when you request a quote.

Flat labor rates are often based on the size, weight, and type of piano. For example, you’ll pay a smaller flat labor rate to move a spinet than a grand piano in most cases.

Cost to Move a Piano By Type

There are four main types of pianos: grands, baby grands, upright, and spinets. They each vary in size, weight, and how difficult they are to move. Let’s explore how the type of piano you have affects how much it will cost to move.

Grand

It costs between $300 and $2,000 to move a grand piano. That said, you can only expect to spend $300 on local, short-distance moves. Moving a grand piano can be quite expensive because of how big they are, which makes it difficult to move them.

Grand pianos way up to 1,200 pounds, or 500 pounds on the low end. Because of that, piano movers will typically charge more to move them down staircases. It’s also often necessary to hoist grand pianos with a crane, and that can add hundreds of dollars to the cost.

Baby Grand

While baby grand pianos aren’t as big as grand pianos, they still weigh up to 600 pounds. Because of that, it typically requires a crew of at least 3 people to move a baby grand piano. It costs as little as $250 to move a baby grand locally, but long-distance moves cost $1,200-$2,000.

Upright

On the low end, upright pianos weigh 300 pounds, but they can weigh up to 800 pounds. The cost to move upright pianos varies by weight and distance, and it costs between $150 and $1,200. Factors such as distance, gas prices, and staircases can add hundreds of dollars to the cost.

Spinet

The cheapest piano to move is a spinet. Not only are they small and compact, but they’re also light and easy to move. Piano movers charge an average of $200 to move spinet pianos locally. A type of upright piano, spinets are significantly cheaper to move than most pianos.

You don’t have to worry about exorbitant additional costs, such as hoisting, with spinet pianos in most cases. However, you must still pay up to $100 per staircase depending on the piano movers. It costs between $600 and $2,000 to move a spinet piano long-distance.

So, How Much Do Piano Movers Charge?

Piano movers typically charge between $150 and $2,000. The average cost to move a piano is $450, but it varies by type, weight, and distance. Additional costs include up to $100 per staircase and $1.25-$10 per mile. Upright pianos and spinets are the lightest and cheapest to move, while grand pianos are the priciest.

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Hiring a moving company is the first step to alleviating the many stresses of moving. However, figuring out how many movers you need for the job is easier said than done. So, how many movers do I need?

You only need 2 movers for a studio apartment, and 2-3 movers for a 2-3-bedroom home. Homes with 3-5 or more bedrooms require 3-6 movers depending on how much furniture you have. Bigger moving crews are necessary if you have large furniture that needs to be disassembled. Obstacles like tight halls and steep staircases also typically require more movers.

For example, 2 movers may be enough for a 3-bedroom home that is one level. However, 3 movers are optimal for 2-story, 3-bedroom homes with steep stairs and lots of furniture. Follow along as we explore the factors that determine how many movers you need.

How Many People Do You Need to Move?

Most people need between 2 and 6 movers. That said, it varies based on your time frame and how much furniture you have. For example, 2 movers are typically enough for a studio or 1-2 bedroom. Studios and 1-2-bedroom apartments typically take 2-5 hours to move.

However, let’s say you can only afford the movers for one hour. In that case, you may want to add a third mover to ensure the process goes faster. The same applies to 3-bedroom apartments and big houses with several rooms and lots of furniture.

That said, you will need up to 6 movers when you move from a house with 4 or more bedrooms. The extra furniture and typically bigger floorplan means that the move can take up to 6-10 hours between loading and unloading.

Number of Bedrooms	Movers Required
Studio	2
1-2	2
2-3	2-3
3-4	3
4-5	4
5+	4-6

How to Determine How Many Movers You Need

Everything from accessibility and amount of furniture to budget affects how many movers you need. The consultation process is necessary to figure out how many movers you need. However, several factors can give you a great idea of what’s required for the big moving day.

Amount of Furniture

How much furniture you have is the biggest factor in how many movers you need. For example, studio apartments and 1-2-bedroom homes don’t have as much furniture as 3-4 bedroom ranches. That’s why you typically need 2 movers for a small apartment and up to 4 movers for a 4-bedroom ranch.

Granted, not every homeowner with a 3-4 bedroom house has lots of furniture. The consultation process will tell you how many movers you need based on how much furniture you have. That said, you can typically expect to need one mover per bedroom once you get past 2-3-bedroom homes.

Budget

How many movers you hire for your moving team likely has a lot to do with your budget. However, some people mistakenly think that hiring fewer movers will make the job cheaper. On the contrary, small moving teams typically take longer to pack, load, and unload your belongings.

Because of that, you may have to pay more than you would if you simply added another person or two to the team. A large moving team is unnecessary for a studio or 1-2-bedroom apartment, but having more hands on deck is essential for big homes.

Accessibility

How difficult it is to navigate your house affects how many movers you need. For example, narrow halls and steep staircases can make moving quite challenging. While 2 movers may be enough for a 3-bedroom apartment, a 3-bedroom home with poor accessibility could benefit from an extra mover.

This is a safety concern in many ways. A spotter is typically necessary when moving large furniture items down a flight of stairs. That’s not possible if you only have 2 or 3 movers and they’re all carrying furniture.

Large & Fragile Items

Does your home have lots of large items that must be taken apart? If so, this will affect how many movers you need. For example, a 3-4 bedroom home without much furniture may only need 3 movers.

However, a 4^th mover is typically necessary if your home has lots of furniture that is hard to take apart. For example, multiple beds, large dining room tables, cabinets, and sectional couches take time to disassemble. In that case, you may want to be cautious and add an extra mover.

Moving company consultants carefully inspect your furniture and belongings to see how many movers are necessary. They may also recommend extra movers if you have many fragile items. For example, large antiques, glass art, and even pianos require extra movers in most cases. When in doubt, ask the consultant what they recommend for the fastest and safest move.

Is It Better to Have 2 or 3 Movers?

It’s better to have 3 movers than 2 unless you’re moving out of a studio apartment. Hiring more movers means it will take less time and go much more smoothly. Sure, you must pay an extra mover.

However, it’s typically worth it to pay an extra mover than pay a smaller moving team for more hours. This is especially true if your home has lots of big furniture that needs to be taken apart before it can be loaded onto the truck. It also helps to hire an extra mover if you pay for a full packing service.

In that case, the moving crew will pack for you, and this can be time-consuming. Adding an extra set of hands will speed up the process. This also means that you’ll have an extra person to start loading boxes as they’re done being packed. More movers means it will be done faster, and you’ll get more bang for your buck.

So, How Many Movers Do You Need?

You need between 2 and 6 movers in most cases. Studios and 1-3-bedroom apartments only require 2-3 movers in most cases.

However, any home with 3 or more bedrooms typically requires 3-6 movers depending on how difficult it is and how much furniture you have. It’s typically worth it to hire a bigger moving team than a small team because it will take less time and possibly save money.

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To say that NYC is vibrant, chaotic, and unlike any other city would be an understatement. Moving within the Big Apple can be crazy because of the infrastructure, population, and tricky streets. It can also be expensive in many cases. So, how much do movers cost in NYC?

Movers in NYC charge an average of $1,200, but short-distance moves cost as little as $400-$500. Long-distance NYC moves cost up to $7,000 when you move to a different state. Moving from a studio apartment in NYC costs $400-$600, whereas a 3-bedroom apartment costs an average of $1,950 on the low end.

How many bedrooms, how much furniture, and how far the movers must travel affect the cost of the move. Follow along as we explore how much movers cost in NYC so you can budget for your big move.

Average Cost to Move in NYC?

It costs an average of $1,200 to move within NYC. Movers in NYC charge an average of $85 per hour. The total cost depends on how long the move takes and how many movers are on the team. Other factors, such as the services you choose, also affect the cost.

For example, special packages, like White Glove Service, can add hundreds of dollars to the cost. On the low end, your NYC move may cost as little as $400-$500. That said, your NYC move can exceed $5,000-$6,000 depending on how many bedrooms are in your house or apartment as well as the distance. 

NYC Movers Cost Factors

Whether it be the number of rooms or the movers’ labor rates, several factors affect the cost of moving within NYC. The location is another important factor, whether you’re moving within the city itself or one of the boroughs. Let’s look at the factors that affect the cost of NYC movers.

Number of Bedrooms

How many bedrooms your home has is the most important cost factor when it comes to NYC movers. The more bedrooms you have, the more furniture you have. That means the move will take longer in most cases and may require more movers.

Bedrooms	Average Cost
Studio	$600
1	$850
2	$1,150
3	$1,950
4	$3,100
5+	$5,000+

Studio apartments are the cheapest, and movers charge an average of $600 before add-on costs. On the high end, moving from a studio apartment in NYC costs $750. However, it can cost as little as $400-$500 if you don’t have much furniture or are moving a short distance.

Moving out of a 1-2-bedroom apartment in NYC rarely costs more than $1,150 unless you’re moving far or request additional services. NYC movers become expensive when you get into 3-4 bedroom homes. That can cost anywhere between $1,600 and $4,500 or more on the low end. Homes with 5 or more bedrooms are the most expensive and moving may cost $5,000 or more.

Special Services

Most movers offer additional services that come with extra costs. This includes everything from packing and unpacking to moving insurance. Full packing is one of the most popular moving services, and it adds roughly $300-$1,500 to the cost.

This is a popular service because the movers pack and unpack for you which saves you plenty of time. However, this service also adds to how long the move takes, and that’s part of why it’s more expensive.

Another popular service is dismounting and re-mounting TVs. This adds an average of $240 to the cost, but it can cost as little as $110. Furniture disposal is a common moving service for people looking to declutter. This costs $140, on average, but it can cost $80 or less per piece of furniture depending on its size.

Large Items

Moving with large items is difficult, especially in NYC. That’s why most moving companies charge a premium for large items, such as pianos. This costs an average of $450, but it can cost over $1,000.

The wide price range is because of two major factors: the distance of the move, and the size of the piano. Moving a small piano a short distance will cost roughly $150-$450. However, a grand piano ways up to 1,200 pounds and costs $300-$2,000 to move.

Accessibility is also a big cost factor as many buildings in NYC aren’t ideal for moving pianos. In some cases, the moving crew may need to use a crane to hoist your piano, and that costs thousands of dollars.

Distance

Moving companies charge their customers based on the amount of furniture, the size of the crew, and the distance of the move. Of course, short-distance NYC moves are cheaper than long-distance moves. For example, moving from Manhattan to Queens may only cost $500.

However, moving from Manhattan to Florida may cost $7,000 or more. Not only is the cost of mileage more expensive, but you’re also paying the movers for more time. Each company is different, but you can expect to pay an average of 75 cents per mile for NYC movers. If you want to find out about New York To LA Move.

Labor

Labor is one of the biggest cost factors for NYC movers, and they charge between $60 and $120 per hour. Keep in mind that the hourly rate refers to each person’s rate on the moving crew. On the low end, you could pay up to $180 per hour for a crew of 3 movers. That said, in NYC, movers typically charge at least $100 per hour per person.

In some cases, the cost of labor is built into a flat rate. That’s not usually the case for local moves, however, so every hour counts. Because of that, it’s typically better to have more movers than less so the job goes by faster. Sure, you’ll pay more movers, but it will take less time and likely be more cost-effective than a smaller crew.

Supplies

While moving supplies are typically cheap, they can affect the overall cost of NYC movers. Some moving companies simply include the price of supplies in the cost of the move. Others will provide an itemized bill that includes the cost of boxes, tape, bubble wrap, and whatever else is needed.

You can expect to spend up to $220-$250 for moving supplies. However, you may be able to knock that price down if you provide moving supplies. For example, you can visit local recycling centers and stores to ask for cardboard boxes.

Insurance

Moving comes with several risks as your prized belongings are loaded onto a truck and driven around the city. NYC movers are quite careful, but there’s no guarantee that your favorite dresser won’t get damaged. That’s why moving companies offer insurance to cover the damage, and it costs roughly $300 to $3,000.

The cost varies between companies as well as how much coverage you want. You can typically expect to spend 1%-2% of the value of the items being moved. The more belongings you have, especially high-value items, the more you’ll spend on insurance.

We did not include gratitudes, so if you want to know how much to tip NYC movers read our post about it.

So, How Much Do NYC Movers Cost?

NYC movers cost an average of $1,200. Short-distance moves within NYC cost roughly $500, whereas long-distance moves cost up to $5,00-$7,000 when moving across states.

NYC movers typically carry an hourly minimum of $100-$120, but they may charge as little as $60 per hour per person. It’s worth the extra cost for moving insurance which costs 1%-2% of the value of your belongings and or property.

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Moving within NYC has never been easy. The intense traffic, crowded buildings, and tricky neighborhoods drive many people to hire moving companies. Moving crews in NYC must work hard and efficiently, and it’s not an easy job. Understandably, many people struggle with how much to tip movers in NYC.

Most people tip movers in NYC 15-20% of the overall cost of the move. The difficulty of the move, such as narrow halls and stairwells, should factor into the tip. It’s also important to consider how much furniture you have, how long it takes, and how well the crew does with your belongings. For an excellent job, tip up to 25%.

Wait until the crew is done to tip them so you can see the quality of their work. Follow along as we explore how much to tip movers in NYC so you can set aside cash for the big day.

How Much Do You Tip Movers in NYC?

Factors such as crew size, move difficulty, and how much furniture you have affect how much you tip movers in NYC. Let’s look at the main factors that determine how much cash you’ll want to set aside for movers.

1. Distance

Simple moves within NYC are relatively easy. That said, long-distance moves from NYC to another city or state can be quite challenging for the crew. Depending on the destination, the crew may have to spend several days away from home.

It’s important to consider this when you calculate the tip for a long-distance move. A tip between 15% and 25% is typically appropriate for long-distance moves. Keep in mind that long-distance moves are more expensive, so your tip will likely be high.

2. Moving Crew Efficiency

How good of a job the moving crew does will ultimately determine how much you tip them. That’s why you should tip the crew when they are done for the day. Everything from their efficiency and care to their attitudes should affect the tip.

For example, you can tip a hardworking and positive crew 20% or more. However, you may tip closer to 10%-15% if the crew damages items and is unfriendly.

3. Crew Size

The size of a moving crew has a lot to do with how well the move goes. Bigger crews can typically complete the job faster and more efficiently. This is often essential if you’re under a tight time frame and have lots of furniture to move.

Let’s say you plan to tip the crew 20% of the cost of the move. If the move costs $2,000, you would tip the crew $400 and split it up evenly amongst them. That said, you may want to inflate the tip if the crew is bigger since each person will get less than they would for a move with a small crew.

4. How Challenging the Move Is

It’s no secret that moving within NYC can be quite tricky. Narrow hallways, steep stairwells, and limited parking can make the job quite hard. This is especially true if you’re moving out of an old apartment building.

The moving crew may need to reserve the elevators for the move and take extra steps to protect the walls and floors. Your moving crew may also have to handle delicate items that are hard to handle and add to the difficulty. It’s important to consider the extra preparation and challenges when you calculate the tip.

For example, you may only tip 15% for a small, simple move that doesn’t entail scaling steep stairwells. However, it’s quite fair to tip 20% or more if the crew must navigate difficult terrain and haul heavy furniture under hard circumstances.

5. Size of the Haul

The size of the haul has a lot to do with how difficult it is. For example, it’s much harder to move from a 3-bedroom NYC home than a studio apartment. The bigger the home is, the more furniture there is. This also means that the crew must likely cover more ground.

In this case, it’s best to tip the moving crew closer to 20% or even higher for a particularly tough job and small crew.

Should You Tip Movers in Cash or Check?

While people typically tip movers in cash, checks are just as meaningful. That said, cash is often more convenient for the customer and the moving crew. Some people tip movers via a check to the moving company, and the moving company can handle it from there.

That is typically reserved for people who must keep track of the tip for tax purposes. Cash is the best way to make sure your tip gets evenly distributed amongst your NYC moving crew.

So, How Much Should You Tip Movers in NYC?

Tip movers in NYC up to 20% of the moving cost. Some people tip NYC movers up to 25% for outstanding work, especially if the job is tricky and involves fragile items. Consider the difficulty of the job, moving distance, crew size, and how well they do to calculate the tip.

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