Our top 3 picks for short-distance movers
We evaluated 70 moving companies, collecting 17 data points for each one. We then narrowed our picks down to the ones that offer short-distance moves. To select our choices for the best short-distance movers, we considered factors that have the most impact on consumers, including nationwide availability and add-on services.
Our top three picks for short distance movers are:
Our picks may be Authorized Partners who compensate us. This doesn’t affect our recommendations or evaluations, but it may impact the order in which companies appear.
- Availability
- All 50 states and Washington, D.C.
- USDOT number
- 076235
- Availability
- All 50 states and Washington, D.C.
- USDOT number
- 070851
- Availability
- The continental U.S.
- USDOT number
- 2293832
How much do short-distance movers cost?
Moving companies typically charge by the hour for short-distance moves. Short-distance moves typically cost between $80 to $200 per hour for a team of two movers, according to our research.
Some key factors that can affect costs include:
Size of home
Moving companies generally use the number of bedrooms you have to assess how many movers you’ll need. Many moving companies add one more mover to the number of bedrooms you have.
Number of movers
The more movers you need, the more the move will cost. For example, if you have a three-bedroom home, you may need a team of four movers.
Location
Moving companies may charge carry fees, depending on the location of your new place. You could be charged a long-carry fee if the movers have to park the truck far from the home and carry your items a long distance.
For example, this fee might be charged if the street in front of your apartment doesn’t have a loading zone and the movers have to park down the road. Also, some companies charge a stair-carry fee if the movers must climb a flight of stairs.
Specialty items
You’ll likely pay an extra fee to move heavy and bulky items like pianos, armoires, hot tubs and grandfather clocks. Also, if you have delicate items to move, like antiques or artwork, you could be hit with an additional fee to transport those items.
» MORE: How much do movers cost?
How to choose a short-distance mover
Ultimately, you’ll want to choose the moving company that offers the best value to you. Keep in mind that companies that appear to be the cheapest sometimes charge extra fees, leading to higher costs in the long run. Select a company that’s licensed and insured with mostly positive customer reviews, plus one that fits your budget.
1. Create a moving budget
Before you start researching moving companies, come up with a budget for the move and establish a limit for what you can spend. You’ll also want to assess your situation and decide which services you want to pay the moving company for, like packing and unpacking.
Also, keep in mind that moving may cost more than you planned. It’s a good idea to set aside an extra sum of money for unexpected expenses.
Nick Valentino, vice president of operations for Bellhop, a moving company, said there are many different fees movers might charge.
High floors, not having elevators, and the inability to park close to the dwelling unit or in a designated area may take on extra fees.”
“Some movers charge for situations that slow them down,” Valentino said. “High floors, not having elevators, and the inability to park close to the dwelling unit or in a designated area may take on extra fees.”
Also, companies might charge different rates depending on how long the move takes.
“The hourly rate of the movers is also important to know,” Valentino said. “Some places will prorate you if you go under or over the discussed hours for the move, while others will not. Be aware of the potential costs before you enter into an agreement.”
2. Research local moving companies
Once you’ve established a budget, you can start looking for moving companies that specialize in local or short-distance moves. Start by asking close friends or family members for recommendations, and be sure to find out if they encountered any issues during the move, like damage to furniture.
You can also search online for local moving companies. Make sure to read customer reviews for each and pay close attention to negative feedback. If you notice any alarming patterns, you might want to think twice about hiring that company.
3. Compare companies and get quotes
Compile a list of at least three different moving companies to research further. You can look up a company’s U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) number to see how many complaints or violations the company has on its record. USDOT numbers also show that the company is properly licensed and insured, which is a critical factor in choosing a moving company.
What is a USDOT number?
A company’s USDOT number shows it’s properly licensed and insured for interstate moves. You can also use this number to check the company's safety and complaint history.
Once you have a short list of moving companies to contact, request quotes online or call the companies directly. Ask if there’s an in-house walk-through before you receive a quote if you want the most accurate estimate. Be sure to ask about additional fees for any specialty items you have. Then, choose the moving company that has the best offer and value for you.
Short-distance moving tips
Whether you’re moving down the street or to the suburbs, the key to a seamless local move is planning ahead. Fortunately, a short-distance move may allow for more flexibility than a cross-country move. For instance, depending on how you plan to move, such as moving by yourself or hiring movers, you may be able to make multiple trips to your new home on moving day.
Here are a few tips to consider for your next move:
Declutter your home
Declutter your home and get rid of items you no longer use or need. Moving is an ideal time to donate or sell items you planned to get rid of anyway. Cutting down on the amount of stuff you move will not only save you money in moving costs, but it will also save you time when it comes to packing and unpacking.
Have a plan for packing
If you’re packing up boxes yourself, make a plan for which days you’ll pack certain rooms. Give yourself a buffer of a few days before the move-out date to have all your packing completed.
Ask for help
Ask friends or family members to help you load boxes or watch your kids while you pack. Moving is stressful enough, and friends and family are often willing to help out.
Start moving some items early
If you have access to your new place ahead of the scheduled move-in day, it may be worth moving some boxes in ahead of time. Taking a load or two early will get some boxes out of the way and help you focus on making progress with the rest of your stuff.
Make a moving-day plan
It can be helpful to scope out your new home ahead of moving day so you know where to direct movers to place furniture or boxes.
» MORE: Moving checklist
FAQ
What is the cheapest way to move a short distance?
The cheapest way to move a short distance is to do the heavy lifting and hauling by yourself or with the help of friends and family. You might know of someone you can borrow a truck from, if you don’t already own one. However, keep in mind that a smaller truck might mean you’ll have to make multiple trips to your new place. If you decide to rent a moving truck, you may be able to fit it all in one load.
Is moving insurance necessary for a short-distance move?
For a short-distance move, the basic coverage provided as part of your moving services may be all you need. If you have several high-value items, though, you may want to consider purchasing a plan with more coverage, like full-value protection.
How far in advance should you schedule short-distance movers?
You’ll want to book movers at least one month before your scheduled move-out date. Scheduling as soon as you know your moving date is typically best. There are busier times of the year, like spring and summer, when moving companies may be booked up far in advance. If you need to schedule a move with less than a month’s notice, you’ll want to call each company directly to check for availability.
Do national moving companies perform local moves?
Some national moving companies perform local moves, but not all of them. You may want to gather quotes from national and local moving companies before deciding to go with a specific mover.
What’s the difference between a short-distance and long-distance move?
Short-distance moves are typically moves of 50 miles or less, while long-distance moves are typically 400 miles or more.
Bottom line
With so many scams in the moving industry, you want to be sure to hire a company that’s reputable and trustworthy. You can ask for references, read customer reviews online and search the company’s USDOT number for complaints. But if you have the budget for hiring professional movers, doing so can be worth it. Professionals can help relieve some of the stress of moving and make the process run smoother and faster.
Article sources
ConsumerAffairs writers primarily rely on government data, industry experts and original research from other reputable publications to inform their work. Specific sources for this article include:
- U.S. Census Bureau, “Calculating Migration Expectancy Using ACS Data.” Accessed Feb. 5, 2026.
