How Much Does It Cost to Move a 3-Bedroom Home Locally? A Pricing Guide

The residential moving industry has undergone a transformation over the past two decades. The most apparent of these are carbon-copy paper contracts to AI-driven virtual surveys that calculate cubic footage from a smartphone walkthrough. One area in the industry remains untouched, with that being  the logistical complexity of the three-bedroom move. It’s the sweet spot of the residential moving world; large enough to require a professional crew but small enough that homeowners routinely underestimate the labor involved. Today, the market is moving toward proper price transparency. However, base costs continue to climb, driven by rising labor rates, tighter commercial insurance markets, and the sustained demand for experienced, background-checked crews.

Key Takeaways

1. Budget Range: Expect to spend between $900 and $2,500 for a local 3-bedroom move this year.
2. Hourly Billing: Local moves are billed by the hour, not by weight. Current rates average $160 to $290 per hour for a 3-person crew.
3. Labor Inflation: Rates have increased 3 to 4 percent this year due to rising healthcare and insurance premiums.
4. Optimal Crew: A 3-person crew handles standard 1,500 to 2,000 square foot homes efficiently. Upgrade to 4 movers for larger loads, multi-story homes, or long carry distances.
5. Protection: Always opt for Binding Not-to-Exceed estimates to cap total expenditures.

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1. The Short Answer: What to Budget for a 3-Bedroom Local Move

For most homeowners this year, the national average cost to move a 3-bedroom home locally ranges from $900 to $2,500. If you have a standard amount of furniture and your boxes are packed and ready, you will likely find the final bill landing in the $1,500 to $2,000 midpoint. It is imperative to remember that local moves (typically defined as relocations under 50 to 100 miles) are billed on an hourly basis rather than by the total weight of the shipment.

This year’s pricing environment reflects a year-over-year increase driven by the rising cost of retaining experienced labor and the volatile commercial insurance market. While diesel prices have stabilized relative to their 2022 peak, moving companies are paying more per qualified crew member than ever before. A key reminder for any household is the cost of a professional move is not simply the cost of a truck. It includes the cost of having trained, insured professionals handle an entire household’s worth of possessions.

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2. How Local Moving Companies Price a 3-Bedroom Move

In the local moving world, the hourly rate model is king. Most companies charge a set rate per mover, per hour, taking into account the cost of the truck and basic equipment.

A. Current Hourly Rate Ranges

The geographic location of your home sets the standard for hourly rates you will see on  estimates:

• National Average: $105 to $165 per hour for a 2-person crew.
• High-Cost Metros (NYC, SF, Boston, Chicago): $160 to $230 per hour. A local moving company in Brooklyn, NY, for instance, frequently operates at the top of this band, reflecting the borough’s dense street grids, prevalent walk-up buildings, and strict parking regulations that add time and complexity to every job.
• Small Cities / Midwest / South: $85 to $115 per hour.

B. Standard Crew Configurations for 3-Bedroom Homes

A 3-bedroom home typically requires a 3 or 4-person crew to maintain efficiency. While a 2-person crew costs less per hour, the job takes significantly longer and the total bill often ends up higher. Three movers handle a moderately loaded home well while adding another is worth the premium for larger loads, multi-story homes, or properties with long carry distances.

Most reputable companies also enforce a 2 to 4 hour minimum charge. Even if your move only takes 90 minutes, you are billed for the company’s minimum.

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3. The 7 Factors That Affect Your Final Bill

Every home is a unique logistical puzzle. Here are the seven variables that influence pricing:

1. Number of movers and crew size: Adding a fourth mover can actually save you money by cutting the total time by 25 percent.
2. Stairs, elevators, and access issues: Expect surcharges of $50 to $150 per flight of stairs. If you have an elevator,  reserve in advance to avoid wait time charges.
3. Long carry distances: If the truck cannot park within 75 feet of your front door, movers will charge a long carry fee. This is because it adds significant physical strain and time.
4. Professional packing services: Full packing for a 3-bedroom home adds $800 to $1,800 to your bill. This includes all boxes, tape, and the labor to wrap every dish.
5. Time of year and season: Moving between May and September can cost 15 to 30 percent more than a winter move.
6. Specialty items: Upright pianos, pool tables, and standard gun safes require specialized equipment and often carry flat fees anywhere from $150 to $500. Grand pianos, oversized safes exceeding 500 pounds, or items requiring hoisting and rigging can push well above that range.
7. Valuation coverage: Released value protection is free but only covers $0.60 per pound. Full Value Protection typically costs about 1 percent of your shipment’s total value.

4. Standard Inclusions and What Costs Extra

Transparency is the hallmark of a professional mover. Before you sign, understand the difference between base service and add-ons.

A. Typically Included in the Base Price

• Loading and unloading of all items.
• Moving truck and fuel (within a defined local radius).
• Basic furniture disassembly (beds, tables) and reassembly at the new home.
• Moving blankets, floor protection, and specialized dollies.
• Basic liability coverage (Released Value).

B. Common Add-On Charges

• Packing materials (boxes, tape, bubble wrap).
• Full or partial packing and unpacking services.
• Piano or specialty item handling.
• Stair or long carry surcharges.
• Storage-in-transit if your new home isn’t ready.
• Shuttle service if a large 26-foot truck cannot navigate your narrow street.

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5. How to Get an Accurate Quote (Not a Ballpark)

A phone estimate is only a guess. To get a number that can be reliably budgeted around, an in-home or virtual survey is essential. AI-enhanced video surveys have become the norm across most major carriers. Platforms like Yembo power virtual walkthroughs for United Van Lines, Allied, Atlas, and hundreds of regional companies. Homeowners record a walkthrough on their smartphone, AI builds an inventory automatically, and relocation specialists produce a binding quote from that data. It takes nearly 15 minutes and is nearly as accurate as an in-person visit.

A. Understanding the Estimate Types

• Binding Estimates: The price is locked. Even if the move takes longer, you pay the quoted price.
• Non-Binding Estimates: This is merely a guess. Your final bill is based on the actual hours worked.
• Binding Not-to-Exceed: Here is the gold standard. Your price can go down if the move is faster, but it cannot exceed the quote.

Get at least three written quotes from licensed companies. If one quote is 40 to 50 percent lower than the others, it is likely a bait and switch operation that should be avoided.

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6. Smart Ways to Lower Your Moving Costs

You don’t have to be at the mercy of the hourly clock. Here are savvy ways you can take control of the bill:

1. Declutter before moving day: Don’t pay movers to transport items that will be thrown away.
2. Pack non-fragile items yourself: Pack your own books, clothes, and linens. Let the pros handle the china cabinet.
3. Move mid-week: Tuesday through Thursday moves are often cheaper than weekend relocations.
4. Be flexible: Some companies offer a 10 to 15 percent discount if you can move during their off-peak windows.
5. Pre-disassemble furniture: If you take apart the bed frames and desks yourself, it saves the crew 45 to 60 minutes of billable time.
6. Confirm parking: Ensure the truck has a clear spot right at the door to avoid long-carry fees.

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7. Red Flags to Watch for When Hiring a Local Mover

The moving industry has its share of rogue operators. Watch for these warning signs:

1. No physical office address or legitimate website.
2. No USDOT or state license number provided on their marketing materials.
3. Providing a firm quote without ever seeing your inventory.
4. Requiring a large cash deposit upfront (reputable companies rarely ask for more than 10 to 20 percent).
5. Using rented trucks (like U-Haul) with no company branding.
6. Refusal to provide a Bill of Lading (legal contract).
7. Vague or guaranteed low prices that seem too good to be true.

Conclusion

Moving a 3-bedroom home is a major milestone, and the key to a successful experience is transparency. By understanding the hourly economy of local moving and preparing your home in advance, it can keep your costs closer to the $1,500 range and avoid the budget creep that catches many families off guard.

If you are ready for an honest, transparent look at your upcoming move, contact us today for a free, no-obligation quote. Our experts are here to ensure there are no surprises on moving day.

FAQs About How Much Does It Cost to Move a 3-Bedroom Home Locally

1. How long does a local 3-bedroom move typically take?
A standard 3-bedroom move usually takes between 6 and 9 hours. This includes approximately 3 to 4 hours of loading, 1 hour of transit, and 2 to 3 hours of unloading and basic furniture setup.

2. Do I tip my movers?
While not mandatory, tipping is standard for good service. Acceptable ranges are $20 to $50 per mover for a local move, or roughly 10 to 20 percent of the total bill for exceptional service. Another reliable rule of thumb is $5 to $10 per mover, per hour worked.

3. Is it cheaper to move yourself or hire movers for a 3-bedroom home?
While DIY appears cheaper on paper, the true all-in cost for a 3-bedroom local move this year is typically $400 to $900 once you account for truck rental, per-mile charges, fuel, packing supplies, equipment rentals, and optional damage protection. That gap narrows considerably when weighed against the experience, efficiency, and liability coverage that a professional crew provides.

4. What is the best time of year to move locally to get the best price?
The best prices are found between October and April. Moving mid-week and mid-month will also yield lower rates and allow you to get the company’s top crew.

5. What happens if movers damage my furniture?
If you have Released Value protection, you receive $0.60 per pound. If you have Full Value Protection, the company must either repair the item to its pre-move condition or replace with a like-item at current market value.

6. Can I leave my clothes in the dresser drawers?
Generally, yes. For standard dressers, you can leave soft items like clothing inside. However, you should always empty triple dressers, armoires, or pieces with delicate joinery to prevent structural damage during the carry.

7. Are there items that professional movers are prohibited from carrying?
Yes. For safety reasons, movers cannot transport hazardous materials like propane tanks, paint thinner, or pressurized aerosol cans. Many companies now also have strict policies against transporting high-wattage lithium-ion batteries found in e-bikes.

8. What is the 110 percent rule in moving?
This is a federal consumer protection for interstate moves with non-binding estimates, governed by 49 CFR Part 375. It explains that a mover cannot demand more than 110 percent of the original estimated charges at the time of delivery. Any balance above 110 percent must be deferred and billed at least 30 days later. Note that intrastate moves are governed by individual state law, so check your state’s regulations for local-move protections.

9. How does a virtual survey differ from an in-person survey?
A virtual survey uses your smartphone camera to allow a relocation specialist to assess the home remotely. This is done via a live video call or a self-guided AI walkthrough that you record on your own schedule. Today, AI-powered platforms process the footage automatically and can generate a room-by-room inventory. The result is nearly as accurate as an in-person walk-through and typically faster to schedule.

10. Do I need special regulations for moving my houseplants locally?
For local moves under 150 miles, most movers will transport plants if the trip is under 8 hours. However, since moving trucks are not climate-controlled, sensitive plants are best transferred in a personal vehicle to avoid wilting or heat damage.