One of the first questions people ask when planning a move is, “How much will this cost?” The honest answer is that it depends. Two moves that look similar on paper can be priced quite differently once you look at the details.
Understanding what goes into a moving quote helps you compare companies fairly, avoid surprises on moving day, and find ways to keep your budget under control. This guide walks through the main factors that affect the cost of hiring movers in Memphis.
1. How Much You’re Moving
The size of your move is usually the biggest factor. A studio apartment with a bed, a couch, and a few dozen boxes takes far less time than a four-bedroom house full of furniture.
Movers typically look at the number of rooms, how much furniture you have, and roughly how many boxes need to go. More belongings usually mean more movers, more hours, and possibly a larger truck.
Tip: Sorting, selling, or donating items before you move can reduce the time and effort needed on moving day.
2. Distance Between Your Old and New Home
A move across town is priced differently from a move to another state. For local moves within the Memphis area, time is often the main driver: how long it takes to load, drive, and unload.
For long distance moves, mileage, fuel, travel time, and scheduling become bigger parts of the cost. Even within Memphis, traffic and the route between your two addresses can affect how long the job takes.
3. Access at Both Locations
How easy it is to get your belongings from the door to the truck matters more than many people expect. Things that can add time include:
- Stairs, especially several flights in an apartment building
- Elevators that need to be reserved or shared with other residents
- Long walks from the front door to where the truck can park
- Narrow hallways or tight doorways
- Limited parking or loading zones
Mentioning these details when you request a quote helps the moving company plan the right crew and give you a more accurate estimate. If you’re moving into or out of an apartment, our apartment moving services page explains what to expect.
4. Number of Movers and Hours Needed
Many local moves are based on the size of the crew and the time the job takes. A larger crew can often finish faster, while a smaller crew may take longer on a big move. The right balance depends on your home, your belongings, and your schedule.
Ask any company you’re considering whether there is a minimum number of hours, and how travel time is handled.
5. Packing and Extra Services
Some people pack everything themselves and only need help with the heavy lifting. Others want the moving team to handle packing too. Additional services can change the total, such as:
- Packing and unpacking for some or all rooms
- Packing supplies such as boxes, tape, and wrapping materials
- Furniture disassembly and reassembly
- Moving items into storage between homes
If you’re trying to keep costs down, packing your own boxes is one of the simplest ways to do it.
6. Heavy, Large, or Specialty Items
Some items need more people, more time, or extra care. Pianos, large safes, gym equipment, oversized furniture, and fragile pieces can all affect the cost of a move. Let the moving company know about these items in advance so they can plan properly. For example, moving a piano requires a different approach than moving a sofa.
7. Labor-Only Help vs a Full-Service Move
If you already have a rental truck or container, you may only need a crew for loading and unloading. Moving labor services are priced differently from a full-service move where the moving company also provides the truck and transport.
Labor-only help can lower the moving company’s part of the bill, but remember to add your own truck rental, fuel, and time. Our guide on labor-only movers vs full-service movers explains the difference in more detail.
8. Timing and Scheduling
When you move can matter too. Weekends, the end of the month, and summer are often busier for movers because many leases end and families move while school is out. Booking early gives you more choice of dates and times.
If your dates are flexible, ask whether a weekday or mid-month move is available.
How to Get an Accurate Moving Quote
The more information you share, the more accurate your quote is likely to be. Before you request one, have these details ready:
- Your current and new addresses
- Your preferred moving date and any flexibility
- The size of your home and a rough list of large furniture
- Stairs, elevators, and parking at both locations
- Any heavy or specialty items
- Whether you need packing, storage, or other extra services
When comparing quotes, look at what each one includes, not just the total. Check the number of movers, estimated hours, whether supplies are included, and what could change the final price.
Simple Ways to Keep Moving Costs Down
- Declutter before you move so there is less to carry
- Pack boxes yourself and have them sealed and labeled before the crew arrives
- Disconnect electronics and empty drawers ahead of time
- Reserve elevators and parking in advance
- Choose a flexible date if you can
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do moving quotes vary so much between companies?
Companies may estimate time differently, include different services or supplies, or use different crew sizes. Comparing what is included gives you a clearer picture than comparing totals alone.
Is a local move in Memphis priced by the hour?
Many local moves are based on time and crew size, but pricing methods vary. Ask how the quote is calculated and whether travel time or minimum hours apply.
Can I get a quote without an in-home visit?
Often, yes. Sharing a detailed description of your home, furniture, and access at both locations helps the moving team give you an estimate.
Get a Free Moving Quote in Memphis
Every move is different, so the best way to know what yours will cost is to ask. Five Star Trusted Movers can look at the details of your move and help you choose the services that fit your needs and budget.
Request a free moving quote or call us at +1 (901) 364-2959.