Are you about to move? Exciting! But let’s be honest, the question on your mind right now is probably: “How much is this adventure going to cost me?” Don’t worry, we get it. Let’s take a look at what you can expect in terms of moving costs in 2024.

How much does a moving company cost? The costs at a glance

"How much does a move cost?" It's like asking how much a car costs. It all depends on whether you want a second-hand Fiat or a brand-new Ferrari. It's the same with moving. Moving a small apartment is of course a different story than moving a three-storey villa.

But hey, you want to see numbers. Here it goes:

For one mover you pay approximately €40 to €60 per hour.
Are you moving within the same city? Then count on €300 to €800 for a small move.
If you are going further away or have more stuff, you can easily spend €1000 to €3000.

Of course, these are just estimates. Just like buying that car, there are many other factors that affect the price.

Factors That Affect the Cost of a Moving Company

Distance: The further away you move, the more you pay. Makes sense, right?
Volume of your belongings: Have you used the Marie Kondo method or are you an avid collector? It makes a world of difference.
Accessibility: Do you live on the top floor without an elevator? Phew, that's going to be extra sweat for the movers (and extra money for you).
Additional services: Do you want everything packed for you? Or even your entire house cleaned? It is possible, but it will cost a little extra.
Date and time: Moving on a Saturday in the summer? Then you pay the highest price. Choose a Tuesday in November and you will save a lot.
Insurance: Suppose your antique vase breaks. You want that to be covered, don't you?

Average Cost of a Moving Company: A Detailed Overview

Let's take a look at what different scenarios could cost you:

Type of move	Estimated costs	Comments
Small move (1-2 rooms) within the same city	€300 - €800	As fast as a pizza delivery (well, almost)
Medium move (3-4 rooms) within the same city	€800 - €1500	Half a day's work
Large move (5+ rooms) within the same city	€1500 - €3000	This is going to be a long day
Moving to another city (< 100 km)	€1000 - €2500	Prepare for traffic jams
Long distance moving (> 100 km)	€2000 - €5000+	Grab a thermos of coffee

Please note: these prices are indicative. As with the weather in the Netherlands, reality can sometimes turn out differently.

Cost per service: How much does a moving company charge for specific tasks?

Maybe you just want some help packing? Or maybe you have that one closet you can’t seem to get out of? Here’s a breakdown of what different services could cost you:

Packing service: €20 - €40 per hour per mover (Tetris skills included)
Unpacking service: €20 - €40 per hour per mover (They know exactly where that one sock has gone)
Furniture disassembly and assembly: €30 - €50 per hour (IKEA manuals are their specialty)
Removal lift rental: €75 - €150 per day (If stairs aren't your thing)
Storage: €5 - €15 per m³ per month (For all those things you can't part with yet)
Cleaning service: €25 - €35 per hour (So you can hand over the key with peace of mind)

Hidden costs: what should you look out for?

You know, those small letters that no one pays attention to? We put them in big letters for you:

Call-out charges: Sometimes moving companies charge a small fee to come to you. Especially if you live in a remote castle.
Parking fee: In the city center, parking is sometimes more expensive than gold. Unfortunately, they can pass that on.
Overtime: If the move takes longer, there may be additional costs. Time is money, as they say.
Material costs: Boxes, tape, bubble wrap… it may seem like small things, but it adds up.

Saving on moving company costs: tips and tricks

Want to save some money for that new couch? Try this:

Compare quotes: Shop around, as the English say. Ask for a quote from at least three companies.
Choose a convenient date: Tuesday is the new Saturday, at least for moving.
Do what you can: Pack what you can handle. Every box you pack yourself saves you money.
Declutter: Less stuff = less money. Besides, when was the last time you used that old toaster?
Be flexible: If you are not tied to a fixed date, you can take advantage of last-minute offers.

Case study: The de Vries family wanted to save money on their move at all costs. They packed their own, picked a Tuesday and compared three quotes. Result? They saved €500! They eventually chose a recognized moving company which, while not the cheapest, did offer the best value for money. Smart!

Moving yourself vs. hiring a moving company: which is more cost-effective?

You may be considering moving yourself. Logical, because it seems cheaper. But is that really the case? Let's do some math:

Costs of moving yourself:

Rental moving van: €50 - €150 per day
Fuel: €50 - €100
Moving boxes and materials: €100 - €200
Help from friends: Pizza and drinks €50 - €100
Total: €250 - €550

Costs of a professional moving company:

Movers and transport: €500 - €1500
Insurance: Often included
Moving supplies: Often included
Total: €500 - €1500

At first glance, moving yourself does indeed seem cheaper. But don't forget:

Time is money: Moving yourself takes a lot more time and energy.
Risk of damage: Professional movers are experienced and insured. Your back and your furniture will thank you.
Stress: A moving company takes all your worries away. How much is your peace of mind worth?

Conclusion: For a small apartment, doing it yourself can be more cost-effective. But once you have more than a few boxes, the benefits of a professional moving company often outweigh the extra costs.

What Do Movers Do? A Day in the Life of a Professional Mover

You may think that movers only carry boxes. Nothing could be further from the truth! Let’s take a look at what you can expect when you hire a moving company:

Preparation: They load the moving van with all the necessary materials.
Arrival and planning: Once they arrive at your home, they will make a smart plan of action.
Protection: Your floors and door frames are carefully protected.
Packing up: If you have requested this, they will pack everything professionally.
Disassemble: Large pieces of furniture are taken apart.
Loading: Everything is loaded efficiently into the car.
Transportation: On to your new location.
Unloading and placing: Everything will have a place in your new home.
To assembleThe furniture is being reassembled.
Completion: They will go over everything again and have you sign.

"A good mover is not only strong, but also an excellent planner and problem solver," says Jan, an experienced mover. "And a little humor every now and then helps too!"

How do you choose the right moving company?

Of course, you don't want your belongings to end up in the mailbox of the first cowboy you see. Here's how to find a reliable moving company:

Search for certified movers: Choose a company that is affiliated with a trade association. That inspires confidence.
Read reviews: What did others think of the company? A few bad reviews are not necessarily a bad thing, but pay attention to how the company responds to them.
Request multiple quotes: This will give you a good idea of the market prices. But beware: the cheapest is not always the best.
Pay attention to the details: A good quote is clear and transparent. No small print or hidden costs.
Ask for insurance: You don't want to be faced with any surprises if something goes wrong.
Look beyond the price: Good service and reliability are worth their weight in gold.

Frequently Asked Questions about Movers and Moving Costs

Q: Are moving expenses tax deductible? A: Sometimes yes! If you move for work, you may be able to deduct the costs. But to be sure, check with a tax advisor.

Q: How far in advance should I book a moving company? A: The earlier the better. We recommend booking 4-6 weeks in advance. Summer can be extra busy, so plan a bit more in advance.

Q: What if my belongings get damaged during the move? A: Don't panic! Good moving companies are insured against damage. Report it immediately and take pictures. They will solve it together with you.

Q: Do I have to tip the movers? A: This is not mandatory, but is certainly appreciated if you are satisfied. A guideline is €5-€10 per mover per day. Or treat yourself to a nice lunch!

How much does a move really cost?

We’ve seen a lot of numbers, but let’s keep it simple: for an average move within the same city, you can expect to pay between €800 and €1500. Are you moving further away or do you have a lot of stuff? Then it can go up to €3000 or more.

Yes, that is a lot of money. But think of what you get in return: peace of mind, professional service and a smooth start in your new home. Plus, if you follow our tips, you can save a lot.

Remember: cheap is often expensive. Choose quality and experience. Your stuff (and your back!) will thank you.

Request a free quote

Are you ready to take the big step? Request quotes from Moving Company Direct today. And who knows, you might see our friendly movers standing at your door with a big smile on their face soon!

Good luck with your move and much happiness in your new home!

How Much Do Movers Cost? Hiring Professional Movers in 2024