Flat-Rate Movers vs. Hourly Movers: Which Pricing Model Fits Your Needs Best?

When planning a move, pricing is a top concern for most homeowners. Do you choose a company that provides a flat-rate service or go with one that charges by the hour? The answer depends mostly on the size of your move and the distances involved. For anyone planning a relocation this summer, here are the benefits of flat-rate movers vs. hourly movers ‒ to help you select the option that best fits your needs and budget.

Flat-Rate Movers

Flat-rate movers charge a single fee that covers the entire project. The cost is calculated up front and based on several factors, primarily:

• Moving Distance. The further you go, the more you pay. Long moves not only require more fuel, but tolls and overnight accommodations for the crew.
• Size, Weight, and Volume of Your Belongings. Large, heavy loads are difficult to handle, so movers need more resources to transport them safely.
• Number of Rooms in Your House. Big households generally contain more items, which increases loading and unloading times.
• Complexity of Your Move. Stairs, elevators, and long walks from your house to the truck make transferring goods more time-consuming and difficult.

Before quoting a price, most flat-rate movers will either perform a walkthrough or ask for a detailed inventory of your home. Often they’ll require both. This allows them to offer a fair, accurate, and realistic price without any surprise fees or unexpected charges.

What Are the Advantages of Flat-Rate Movers?

Choosing a flat-rate mover eliminates uncertainty. You know exactly what you’ll pay ahead of time, eliminating any anxiety over costs, making it easier to manage your finances during your relocation. It also encourages efficiency. Because flat-rate movers are paid the same no matter how long the job takes, they have an incentive to complete it in a precise and timely manner.

To ensure the best experience, don’t choose a moving company until you’ve talked to at least three of them. Movers who quote prices far above or below the average range aren’t using accurate data and are often untrustworthy.

If you’re working with a full-service mover, make sure you discuss all the benefits they provide, such as packing, storage, debris removal, auto transport, and furniture disassembly and reassembly. Understanding the scope of services in your quote, as well as the other options available, is important in case you encounter unexpected challenges along the way and need to request extra help.

Hourly Movers

Hourly movers charge based on the amount of time it takes to complete your relocation. Typically, you’re required to pay from the moment the crew arrives until the moment they finish unloading. Rates vary depending on:

• Size of the Booking. Moves involving big houses and heavy, cumbersome items typically take more time and equipment.
• Location. Due to logistical factors (parking permits, high-rise elevators, long carry distances) and high demand, moving companies in large cities charge more than ones in small towns.
• Personnel. Hiring large, multi-person crews increases labor hours, leading to higher wages, especially if they’re needed to handle speciality items.
• Date and Time. The majority of moves happen during summer or on the weekend, allowing movers to charge more for their services.
• Additional Services. Most moving companies are willing to help pack and unpack your belongings, but often add an extra fee for doing so. 

Most hourly movers charge a minimum fee, usually 2-4 hours, to ensure they make money even on short, simple jobs. This covers the cost of fuel, insurance, and maintenance on the truck. It also compensates for lost work. Once you’ve reserved your moving crew, the company can’t assign them to other jobs, so charging a minimum allows them to handle small moves without loss of revenue.

What Are the Advantages of Hourly Movers?

Working with hourly movers offers full transparency when it comes to pricing. They provide a complete breakdown of their services, so you can see exactly where your money is going at every point along the way.

And because you’re paying for the time you use, it’s easier to adjust plans as you go along. Need to add a stop, put a few items in storage, or pick up extra items along the way? Hourly movers can easily accommodate you.

But while hiring hourly movers improves flexibility, it can also lead to cost overruns if the move isn’t well-organized. Stairs, traffic, long elevator rides, oversized items ‒ anything that slows you down adds to the price.

Check out reviews and customer feedback before committing to a company and plan ahead to avoid busy weekends where it might take longer to drive across town. Because you won’t know your final bill until the move is done, it’s best to do everything you can to prepare ahead of time. Otherwise you might end up with an invoice significantly larger than what you anticipated.

Why Choose Flat-Rate Movers vs. Hourly Movers

Because calculating timelines is difficult when you’re moving long-distance, most homeowners prefer flat-rate movers when relocating out of state or across the country. Their prices are all-inclusive, so you pay the same no matter how long the trip takes, an important factor when dealing with the complex logistical challenges associated with interstate moves.

If you're moving less than fifty miles, the majority of experts agree hourly movers are the most efficient and affordable choice. Because travel times and delivery windows are easy to estimate over short distances, it makes sense to pay for the time you use. In short, while hourly movers excel at simple, straightforward moves, flat-rate movers are normally the best choice for large, complex households and individuals heading out of state.

America’s Full-Service Moving Company

Allied Van Lines expedites your move from beginning to end. For the past 95 years, we’ve assisted homeowners relocating from one end of the country to the other. Whether you need help packing, storing, or transporting your belongings, Americans trust Allied to deliver reliable service and superior results. No matter how big the job or how far you’re going, count on us to get you there safely. Contact us today for a free quote!