Highlights
The number of movers is primarily determined by the size of your home, but oversized items, long drives, or stairs could demand more help.
Work with local moving companies that will give you an in-person estimate for the most accurate pricing.
On average, hiring movers costs $25 to $50 per mover for each hour.
Before you can hire a moving company to help with your upcoming move, you’ll need to learn the art of hiring the right number of movers for the size of your home. Whether you’re leaving a studio apartment or a five-bedroom villa, we’ve got you covered. Our guide will walk you through the appropriate number of movers for any size house, as well as some considerations that might require additional hires.
How to Determine the Number of Movers to Hire
Many moving companies will help you calculate the number of movers you will need based on the size of your home (and sometimes an inventory list), but they might also give you the option to hire additional workers to get the job done quicker.
It’s important to find the right balance between the number of movers and the cost of each mover against the amount of time it will take to complete the move. In other words, three movers can finish a move in less time, but you’ll need to pay them for their labor.
Here’s an estimated breakdown of how many movers you should hire for your home, depending on its size, and a time estimate.
| Home Size | Loading Only | Loading and Unloading |
|---|---|---|
| Studio (400-600 sq. ft.) | Two movers; two hours | Two movers; two to three hours |
| One-to-two bedroom (700-1,200 sq. ft) | Two movers; three hours | Two movers; four to five hours |
| Two-to-three bedrooms (1,100-1,600 sq. ft.) | Three movers; three to four hours | Three movers; five to seven hours |
| Three-to-four bedrooms (1,500-2,200 sq. ft.) | Three movers; four to five hours | Three movers; seven to nine hours |
| Four-to-five bedrooms (2,000-3,000 sq. ft.) | Four movers; four to six hours | Four movers; seven to ten hours |
| Over five bedrooms (3,000 sq. ft. or more) | Four to six movers; five to eight hours | Five to six movers; eight to ten hours |
To get the most accurate moving estimate, request that the moving companies visit your home to provide an in-person estimate. That way, they can see how easy or difficult it will be to move everything, including difficult pieces like antiques or large couches.
Additional Factors That Influence the Number of Movers
There is more to consider than the amount of belongings you’re moving. Keep the following factors in mind when deciding how many movers to hire.
If the Movers Do the Packing
If you’re doing all the packing yourself, and the movers simply have to get everything into the moving truck, that saves them considerable time. If you requested that the moving company help with packing, assembly, or disassembly, the move will take longer and you might need to hire an additional mover to assist.
If You Need to Move Oversized or Difficult-to-Transport Items
Some items are simply too heavy for two people to carry. Pianos, pool tables, grandfather clocks, hot tubs, and similarly-sized items will require special handling and possibly additional movers. It’s imperative to flag any large or bulky items for the moving company when you get your quote for the move. Generally speaking, any item weighing over 400 pounds will require at least three movers, often four.
If Your Home is Difficult to Maneuver
Live in a Brooklyn brownstone? Those flights of stairs will likely cost you more—either in additional move time or number of movers. Similarly, if the movers can’t park the truck right next to the door and need to schlep items halfway down the block, the move will take longer to complete. If that’s the case, you may want to consider hiring an additional mover to speed up the process.
If it’s a Long Drive to Your New Home
Unless you agreed to a flat rate, movers typically consider the time driving from your old home to your new home as billable time. Typically, a short move within the same city using a local moving company does not necessitate the hiring of additional movers, assuming the move is standard in every other way.
The Cost of Hiring Movers
The cost to hire movers is an average of $25 to $50 per mover for each hour. Intrastate moves cost roughly $1,400 for every 7,400 pounds, and packing services will run you an extra $1,000 or so.
Don’t forget to factor in additional funds for tipping your movers, which should be 10 to 20 percent of the final bill—more if they provide exceptional service.
