Question 1

How much does it cost to hire movers in 2026?

Accepted Answer

In 2026, local moves with OnTime Moving Co average $500–$3,500 depending on home size and hours. Long-distance moves average $1,500–$8,500+ based on weight and distance. A studio runs $350–$700 locally; a 3-bedroom house runs $1,400–$2,500 locally and $4,500–$7,500 long-distance.

Question 2

How much do movers cost per hour?

Accepted Answer

Local movers typically charge $120–$180/hr for two movers and a truck, with a 2-hour minimum. Each additional mover is roughly $60/hr. Stairs, long carries, and packing are additional but quoted upfront.

Question 3

How is long-distance moving cost calculated?

Accepted Answer

Long-distance pricing is based on the weight of your shipment plus mileage between origin and destination. OnTime Moving Co performs a free in-home or video survey to calculate weight, then issues a binding or not-to-exceed quote so the price is locked in writing.

Question 4

How much does it cost to move a 2-bedroom apartment?

Accepted Answer

A 2-bedroom local move typically takes 5–7 hours and costs $950–$1,600 with two to three movers. Long-distance, a 2-bedroom averages $2,500–$5,500 depending on miles. Use our calculator for an instant estimate.

Question 5

How much does it cost to move a 3-bedroom house?

Accepted Answer

A 3-bedroom local move usually takes 7–10 hours and costs $1,400–$2,500. Long-distance, a 3-bedroom averages $4,500–$7,500. Add 20–30% if you want full-service packing.

Question 6

Are there hidden fees with movers?

Accepted Answer

There shouldn't be. With our binding flat-rate quotes, labor, truck, fuel, basic valuation, and standard equipment are all included. Optional add-ons (packing materials, specialty items, extra-stop fees, long carries, shuttle trucks) are itemized on the quote — never sprung on you at delivery.

Question 7

Do you offer free moving quotes?

Accepted Answer

Yes — every quote is free, no obligation, no credit card. Use the cost calculator for an instant minimum estimate or call (888) 570-2406 for a binding flat-rate quote in under five minutes.

Question 8

Do you require a deposit?

Accepted Answer

Most local moves require no deposit at all — you pay on delivery. Long-distance moves typically require a small reservation deposit (usually 10–15%) to lock your dates, with the balance due per the contract schedule.

Question 9

Do you accept credit cards?

Accepted Answer

Yes — all major credit cards, debit, ACH, certified checks, and cash. Payment is due on delivery for local moves and per the schedule on your contract for long-distance moves.

Question 10

How much should I tip my movers?

Accepted Answer

Industry standard is $20–$40 per mover for a half-day move and $40–$60 per mover for a full-day or long-distance move. Tipping is never required but always appreciated when the crew earned it. Cash is preferred.

Question 11

How far in advance should I book a moving company?

Accepted Answer

Book 2–4 weeks ahead for local moves and 4–8 weeks for long-distance. Peak season (May through August) and end-of-month dates fill up first. For weekends in summer, book 6+ weeks out.

Question 12

Do you offer same-day or next-day moves?

Accepted Answer

Yes — same-day and next-day moves are available subject to crew capacity. Call (888) 570-2406 as early in the day as possible to check today's openings.

Question 13

What's the cheapest day to move?

Accepted Answer

Mid-month, mid-week (Tuesday through Thursday) is consistently the cheapest. Avoid the first and last week of any month and any Saturday in summer if you want the lowest rate and best crew availability.

Question 14

What's the busiest moving season?

Accepted Answer

May through August is peak — roughly 60% of all U.S. moves happen in this window. Rates are highest, crews are tightest, and weekends book up months ahead. October through March is the off-season with better rates and more flexibility.

Question 15

What is your cancellation and rescheduling policy?

Accepted Answer

Reschedule or cancel free of charge up to 48 hours before your move. Within 48 hours a small fee may apply, but it's waived for weather, illness, or anything outside your control.

Question 16

Do you move on weekends and holidays?

Accepted Answer

Yes — Saturday, Sunday, and most holiday moves are available. Saturdays in summer book first, so reserve early.

Question 17

Are you a licensed and insured moving company?

Accepted Answer

Yes. OnTime Moving Co is fully licensed and insured. We're FMCSA-registered (USDOT 3215847 / MC-1048392), carry cargo and full liability coverage, and can email a Certificate of Insurance to your building on request — usually within an hour.

Question 18

How do I verify a moving company's license?

Accepted Answer

Visit fmcsa.dot.gov, click 'SAFER System,' and enter the USDOT or MC number from the company's quote. Confirm the company is authorized for 'Household Goods' and that their authority is active. If a mover refuses to give you their numbers, walk away.

Question 19

What does basic moving insurance cover?

Accepted Answer

Federal law requires interstate movers to include 'released value' protection — $0.60 per pound, per item, free of charge. A 50 lb TV is covered for $30 under released value, which is why most customers upgrade to full-value protection.

Question 20

What is full-value protection?

Accepted Answer

Full-value protection makes the mover liable for the actual replacement cost of damaged or lost items — no per-pound limit. Cost is roughly 1–2% of your declared shipment value. Recommended on any move worth over $5,000.

Question 21

What if something gets broken or damaged?

Accepted Answer

File a written claim within 9 months of delivery. We respond to every claim within 30 days. Trained employee crews mean very low damage rates compared to brokers and day labor.

Question 22

Do I need third-party moving insurance?

Accepted Answer

Usually only for very high-value items (art, jewelry, antiques over $10K). Full-value protection from the mover covers most household items. Your homeowner's or renter's policy may also cover items in transit — check before paying for extra coverage.

Question 23

Do movers pack for you?

Accepted Answer

Yes — full-service packing, partial packing, and fragile-only packing are all available. Full-service packing for a 3-bedroom home typically takes one packing crew one day, costs $800–$1,800 in labor, plus $200–$500 in materials.

Question 24

Should I pack myself or hire packers?

Accepted Answer

Pack what you can, hire packers for the kitchen, art, and electronics. Mixed packing is the most cost-efficient approach for most homes — you save money on the easy stuff and protect the breakable stuff.

Question 25

How long does it take to pack a house?

Accepted Answer

Roughly one day per 1,000 sq ft for one packer, or half a day with a two-packer team. A 3-bedroom home typically takes one full day with two packers, plus materials.

Question 26

What should I not pack for movers?

Accepted Answer

Movers cannot transport hazardous materials (gasoline, propane, ammunition, fireworks, paint thinner, aerosols, pool chemicals), perishable food, plants over state lines, or pets. Take valuables (cash, jewelry, passports, hard drives) with you personally.

Question 27

How do I prepare for moving day?

Accepted Answer

Disconnect appliances, defrost the freezer 24 hours ahead, label boxes by room and contents, set aside an essentials box, confirm parking and elevator access, and have payment ready. We send a full move-day checklist after booking.

Question 28

Do I need to empty dresser drawers?

Accepted Answer

Empty drawers of breakables, liquids, and heavy items. Soft items like clothing can usually stay if the dresser is sturdy and being moved short distances. For long-distance moves, empty everything.

Question 29

Can you move a piano?

Accepted Answer

Yes — uprights, baby grands, and concert grands are all moved by our trained piano specialists with proper piano boards, dollies, and rigging. Pianos are wrapped in pads, transported on climate-controlled trucks for long distance, and covered with full-value protection.

Question 30

Can you move a gun safe?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Safes up to 1,500 lbs are moved using stair-climbing dollies, plywood ramps, and four-person crews. Get a quote up front — safe moves are usually a flat add-on of $300–$800 depending on weight and stairs.

Question 31

Do you move hot tubs, pool tables, and gym equipment?

Accepted Answer

Yes — all three are common specialty jobs. Pool tables get disassembled (felt removed and reset by a billiards pro is recommended). Hot tubs require a four-person crew and a tilted dolly. Treadmills and ellipticals are partially disassembled and pad-wrapped.

Question 32

Do you handle long-distance and interstate moves?

Accepted Answer

Yes. OnTime Moving Co handles cross-state and coast-to-coast moves with our own trucks and dedicated crews — no shared loads, no transferring between trucks. Pickup and delivery dates are guaranteed in writing.

Question 33

How long does a long-distance move take?

Accepted Answer

Transit times depend on distance: 1–3 days for under 500 miles, 3–7 days for 500–1,500 miles, and 7–14 days for cross-country. We give you a guaranteed delivery window in writing on the bill of lading.

Question 34

Do you offer storage between moves?

Accepted Answer

Yes — climate-controlled short and long-term storage with 24/7 monitoring. Storage-in-transit (SIT) is included free for the first week on most long-distance moves; after that, billing is simple month-to-month.

Question 35

Do you do international moves?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We coordinate international relocations including customs paperwork, ocean freight (FCL and LCL), air freight, and destination services in 100+ countries.

Question 36

How do I avoid moving scams?

Accepted Answer

Walk away if a mover (1) won't do an in-home or video survey, (2) demands a large cash deposit, (3) has no USDOT number, (4) uses a generic name like 'Best Movers,' (5) has no physical address, or (6) refuses to give a written quote. Real moving companies do all of these as a matter of course.

Question 37

What questions should I ask a moving company before booking?

Accepted Answer

1) USDOT and MC numbers? 2) Are crews W-2 employees or day labor? 3) Is the quote binding or non-binding? 4) What insurance is included? 5) What's the cancellation policy? 6) Who do I call on move day if there's a problem? 7) Can I see real customer reviews and references?

Question 38

What's the difference between a moving company and a moving broker?

Accepted Answer

A moving company has its own trucks, crews, and warehouse. A broker is a middleman that sells your job to whichever mover bids lowest — you have no idea who's actually showing up. Always book direct with a real mover, never a broker.

Question 39

Are reviews on Google and Yelp reliable for movers?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but read past the 5-star and 1-star reviews — focus on the 3 and 4-star ones, which tend to be the most honest. Look for patterns: if multiple people complain about the same issue (price changes, late delivery, damage), believe them.

Question 40

What happens on moving day?

Accepted Answer

Crew arrives in the agreed window, walks through the home with you, pads and protects floors and door frames, loads the truck, and drives to the new address. At delivery they place furniture per your direction, reassemble beds, and walk through the inventory before you sign off.

Question 41

How long does a local move take?

Accepted Answer

Studio: 3–4 hours. 1-bedroom: 4–6 hours. 2-bedroom: 5–7 hours. 3-bedroom: 7–10 hours. 4+ bedroom: full day or two days. These are total hours including drive time.

Question 42

Can I stay in the home during the move?

Accepted Answer

Yes — most customers do. We just ask you stay out of active load/unload zones and be available to answer questions. If you'd rather not be there, we can do the move with a key and a contact number.

Question 43

Do you reassemble furniture at the new place?

Accepted Answer

Yes — beds, tables, and any standard furniture we disassembled at origin we reassemble at destination, included in the move. We don't reassemble IKEA-style furniture you assembled yourself unless agreed in advance.

Question 44

What if my move takes longer than estimated?

Accepted Answer

On hourly local moves you only pay for actual hours used. On binding flat-rate moves the price doesn't change regardless of time. We always give a realistic estimate up front based on a survey, not a lowball.

44+ moving questions, answered

Moving Cost & Pricing

Booking & Scheduling

Insurance, Licensing & Liability

Packing & Preparation

Specialty Items & Long-Distance

Scams, Red Flags & Choosing a Mover

Moving Day & After

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