Local
Self Move Guide
A local residential move, most of the time,
is a move made between 2 cities in the same state or within a
50-mile radius from your current location. All local residential
moves are regulated by the Public Utilities Conference (PUC) or
your state's Department of Transportation (DOT). The moving industry's
standard is to charge by the hour.
The rate then depends on the number of movers
and the number of moving vans that are necessary for the job.
If packing is necessary, that is also charged by the hour. Materials
are charged based on actual usage. A standard moving insurance
is often included as part of the price. Additional insurance can
be secured on the day of the move. Usually local residential moves
are completed between 1-3 days depending on the circumstances.
Type
of Dwelling |
Sq.
Ft. |
#
Movers |
Hours
loading |
Hours
driving |
Hours
unloading |
Approx.
Total Hours |
Studio |
500 |
2 |
1 1/2 |
1/2 |
1 |
2 - 4 |
1 Bedroom Apt |
750 |
2 |
2 1/2 |
1/2 |
1 1/2 |
3 - 5 |
2 Bedroom Apt |
950 |
3 |
2 1/2 |
1/2 |
1 1/2 |
4 - 6 |
2 Bedroom House |
1,150 |
3 |
3 1/2 |
1/2 |
2 |
5 - 7 |
3 Bedroom House |
1,800 |
4 |
4 1/2 |
1/2 |
3 |
6 - 9 |
Larger |
5,500+ |
6+ |
6+ |
1/2+ |
3 1/2+ |
8 - 12+ |

Before deciding whether to handle your
own move, take a look at these factors:
- Do you have the time needed to do the entire job?
- Packing, loading, unloading and driving can be
very time-consuming.
- How many items do you need to move?
- Remember that heavy furniture and appliances may
be difficult to handle.
- Are you physically capable of loading and unloading
on both ends of the move?
- This is a hard work. Long driving accompanied
with carrying heavy boxes is a very tedious process.
- Will you have family or friends to help you? Always
have people to help you through the relocation process.
- Remember, moving companies have liability insurance
for their employees in case of injury and obtaining extra insurance
for your self-move might be more expensive.
- Do you have a license to drive a big truck? You
may need a special permit to drive one.
- What about the rest of the family, children, and
pets? There may not be enough space in the truck for your family
and your pets. You'll have to make provisions for them to follow
in a separate car or to reserve flight seats.
- If you are making a long-distance move, factor
in the costs of food and lodging.
|