"How much is this going to cost?" is the first question almost everyone asks us, and it's a fair one. The honest answer is "it depends," but that's not very helpful on its own. So here's how local moving prices actually work, what makes a move take longer (and cost more), and how to get a number you can plan around.
I'm Kyle, one of the two guys behind Miles Above Moving. We do local moves around Pompano Beach, Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale, Coral Springs and the surrounding area, so this is written from the truck, not from a call center.
The two ways movers price local moves
1. Hourly pricing
Most local moves are priced by the hour. You pay for a crew and a truck for the time the job takes. Usually there's a minimum, because even a tiny job means driving the truck out and blocking off part of the day.
To be upfront about our own pricing: we charge $150 an hour for two movers and a 16-foot box truck with a liftgate, with a $250 minimum. Other companies around South Florida price differently, so always compare what's included, not just the hourly number.
Why hourly is fair: you only pay for the time your move actually takes. If you're packed, organized and the elevator is ready, you save money.
The catch: the final total depends on how the day goes. That's why a good mover asks a lot of questions upfront and gives you a realistic estimate before moving day.
2. Flat (fixed) pricing
Some movers quote one fixed price for the whole job. That can be nice for budgeting. But a flat price is only as good as the information behind it. If the quote was based on "a two-bedroom apartment" and you actually have a full garage and a storage unit too, expect the price to change.
Our advice either way: get the estimate in writing, make sure it lists what's included, and ask what happens if the job turns out bigger than described.
What actually changes the price of a local move
Moving price really comes down to time. Here's what eats up time on a South Florida move:
How much stuff you have
This one's obvious, but people almost always underestimate it. Closets, patios, garages and that "few boxes" in the guest room add up. A quick walk-through video on your phone helps a mover give you a realistic number.
Stairs, elevators and walking distance
A ground-floor house with the truck in the driveway is the fastest kind of move. Add a third-floor walk-up, a shared elevator, or a long hallway from the loading area to the unit, and every trip takes longer. In condo buildings, the loading dock can be a long way from your front door.
Building rules
Many condos and apartment buildings in Boca and Fort Lauderdale have move-in windows, elevator reservations, and paperwork requirements. If the elevator is only reserved until noon, that shapes the whole day. Check our condo and apartment moving checklist for what to ask your building.
Big or awkward items
Sectionals, sleeper sofas, armoires, glass tables, big TVs, treadmills and safes all take extra time and care. Some need to be taken apart. Tell your mover about these upfront.
Disassembly and reassembly
Bed frames, cribs, desks and some dining tables need to come apart and go back together. That's normal, and we do it on most moves, but it's time on the clock.
Wrapping and protection
Wrapping furniture in blankets and stretch wrap takes a little time, and it's worth it. It's the difference between your dresser arriving clean or scratched.
Distance and traffic
Even a "local" move from Deerfield Beach to Fort Lauderdale can turn into a long drive at the wrong time on I-95. Morning starts usually help.
How ready you are
This is the one you control. Boxes packed, taped and labeled, drawers emptied, and a clear path to the door can make a real difference in the total.
Examples of what usually makes a move faster (or slower)
Usually quicker:
- Studio or 1-bedroom apartment, everything boxed
- Ground floor or a reserved elevator right next to the loading area
- Parking for the truck close to the door at both ends
Usually slower:
- Lots of loose items, nothing boxed yet
- Walk-up stairs or a shared elevator during busy hours
- Several big pieces that need to come apart
- Stops at a storage unit in between
For reference, most of the typical local moves we do land somewhere in the 4-to-6-hour range. Smaller jobs (a few items, a storage unit, a studio) are often much shorter. Every move is different, which is why we ask before we quote.
How to get an estimate you can actually trust
- Describe the move honestly. Number of bedrooms, big furniture, boxes, stairs or elevator at both ends, and anything unusual.
- Send photos or a quick video. Thirty seconds of walking through each room is worth a dozen questions.
- Mention building rules. Elevator reservations, move windows, and anything the HOA requires.
- Ask what's included. Truck, blankets and wrap, disassembly and reassembly, and whether there's a minimum.
- Get it in writing. The estimate should list the rate or price and what it covers.
- Ask how changes are handled. If you add items on moving day, how will that affect the price? A good mover will tell you straight.
Ways to keep your local move affordable
- Pack ahead. Have everything boxed and taped before the crew arrives.
- Get rid of stuff first. Don't pay to move things you're going to throw out. Sell, donate or haul them away beforehand.
- Reserve the elevator and give your mover the building's rules ahead of time.
- Take apart what you can. If you're handy, take down shelves and empty dressers.
- Be flexible on the day. Weekday moves can be easier to schedule than end-of-month Saturdays.
- Keep small valuables with you. Jewelry, documents and medications ride in your car.
Hourly or flat? Which should you pick?
If your move is simple and well described, either can work fine. If your move has unknowns (you're still packing, you're not sure how much is in storage), hourly is usually fairer to both sides because you pay for what actually happens. Whichever way you go, the most important part is a clear, written estimate and a mover who explains it.
Get a real number for your move
If you're moving around Broward or south Palm Beach, send us the basics: where from, where to, the size of the move, and stairs or elevator. Or call or text 954-408-4024. You'll be talking to Kyle or Andrew, the same people who'll show up on moving day.
You can also see the areas we cover on our service areas page, including Pompano Beach, Boca Raton and Fort Lauderdale, or read more about our local moving service.
