Moving FAQs
Uncovered: Lansing MI Moving Company Pro Reveals How Much Movers REALLY Cost — 7 Shocking Secrets The $16 Billion Moving Industry Doesn't Want You to Know Before You Book
Have you ever felt lost when trying to figure out moving?
Maybe you're asking, "How much do movers cost?" or "What should I know before I hire movers?"
You're not alone.
Thousands of people just like you search for "Moving FAQs" every day.
Uncovered: Lansing MI Moving Company Pro Reveals How Much Movers REALLY Cost — 7 Shocking Secrets The $16 Billion Moving Industry Doesn't Want You to Know Before You Book is full of answers you need right now.
Hi, I'm Jae Burnham, a moving industry veteran with 15+ years of experience. I've helped thousands of people move since 2008. I know the moving business inside and out. I'm also a YouTube influencer and the author of "How Much Do Movers Cost? ...And Other Moving FAQs."
Today, I'm going to share the truth about moving. The stuff big moving companies don't want you to know. The secrets that can save you thousands of dollars. And if you want ALL the answers, you'll find them in my book.
The Truth About How Much Movers Really Cost
Let's start with the biggest question: "How much do movers cost?"
Most moving companies won't tell you the real answer. They hide fees. They trick you with low quotes. Then they hit you with a huge bill on moving day.
Here's the truth: Local moves usually cost $50-$75 per hour per mover. Long-distance moves cost about $1 per pound per mile.
But that's just the start. Moving companies add fees for:
Stairs
Long walks from the truck to your door
Packing supplies
Heavy items
Storage
Weekend moves
Last-minute moves
In my book "How Much Do Movers Cost? ...And Other Moving FAQs," I break down all these costs in detail.
No more surprises.
No more hidden fees.
Just the plain truth about what you'll really pay.
Top 5 Moving FAQs You MUST Know Before You Call Any Mover
1. How Far In Advance Should I Book Movers?
Most people don't know this, but you should book your move at least 30-60 days ahead.
The best movers get booked fast.
If you wait until the last minute, you'll end up with the worst movers or paying extra for a rush job.
My book includes a complete timeline for planning your move, from 60 days before to moving day.
Follow this timeline, and you'll avoid the last-minute panic that costs so many people extra money.
2. What Do Movers Not Take?
Did you know most movers won't move these items:
Plants
Pets
Hazardous materials (paint, chemicals, gas)
Perishable food
Valuable items (jewelry, cash, important papers)
Firearms and ammunition
Many people don't learn this until moving day - when it's too late! Then they're stuck trying to figure out what to do with these items.
In Chapter 12 of "How Much Do Movers Cost? ...And Other Moving FAQs," I give you a complete list of items movers won't transport, so you can plan ahead and avoid moving day surprises.
3. Are My Belongings Insured During A Move?
This is where most moving companies lie to you.
They'll tell you your stuff is only insured for 60 cents per pound. That means if your 50-pound TV worth $1,000 breaks, you only get $30!
The truth is: By law, movers must offer full replacement value protection. But they hide this option or charge extra for it.
Chapter 6 of my book explains all your insurance options in detail, so you can make the best choice for protecting your valuable belongings during the move.
4. How Do I Prepare For Professional Movers?
Getting ready for movers is crucial. Good preparation can save you hours of moving time - and that saves you money!
Here's what you should do:
Pack everything in boxes (even lamps and pillows)
Use standard-sized moving boxes
Label all boxes clearly
Move boxes to a central location
Clear pathways
"How Much Do Movers Cost? ...And Other Moving FAQs" includes 10 detailed checklists for every aspect of your move, including a comprehensive preparation checklist.
Following these steps can save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
5. Should I Tip Movers?
Most people don't know if they should tip movers or how much. Here's the inside scoop:
Tipping is not required, but it's appreciated for good service.
Typical tips are:
$20-$30 per mover for small moves
$40-$60 per mover for larger moves
Important: Tip each mover individually, not just the crew leader. This ensures everyone gets their fair share.
Chapter 17 of my book covers everything you need to know about tipping, including when you should and shouldn't tip, and alternative ways to show appreciation if you're on a tight budget.
The 7 Shocking Secrets Most Moving Companies Don't Want You To Know
Secret #1: Most Moving Quotes Are Designed To Trick You
Big moving companies give low quotes to get you to sign up. Then they add fees later when it's too late for you to cancel.
In my book, I show you exactly how to get an accurate quote and what questions to ask to avoid these costly surprises.
Secret #2: Moving Companies Make Most Of Their Money On Packing Services
Packing services can double or triple your moving cost. And most movers won't tell you that you can save thousands by packing yourself.
"How Much Do Movers Cost? ...And Other Moving FAQs" gives you professional packing tips that can save you money while still protecting your belongings.
Secret #3: Your Stuff Isn't Protected Unless The Movers Pack It
If you pack your own boxes, most moving companies won't cover damage to items inside. They call this "PBO" (Packed By Owner) and use it to deny claims.
Chapter 13 of my book explains this risk in detail and gives you strategies to protect yourself - whether you pack yourself or hire professionals.
Secret #4: Moving Companies Can Legally Hold Your Stuff Hostage
Some shady movers will load your stuff, then demand more money before they unload. This is called "hostage loading" and it happens more than you think.
My book shows you how to spot and avoid these scam movers before they get their hands on your belongings.
Secret #5: The Delivery Window For Long-Distance Moves Is Often A Lie
Many long-distance movers say they'll deliver in 7-10 days. But their contracts actually allow up to 30 days! Your stuff could sit in a warehouse for weeks.
In Chapter 7 of "How Much Do Movers Cost? ...And Other Moving FAQs," I explain how delivery windows really work and how to get a guaranteed delivery date.
Secret #6: Many Movers Aren't Properly Licensed Or Insured
Did you know anyone can buy a truck and call themselves a moving company? Many movers operate without proper licenses or insurance.
My book gives you a simple checklist to verify any moving company's credentials before you trust them with your belongings.
Secret #7: The Cheapest Quote Will Cost You The Most In The End
The moving company with the lowest price usually provides the worst service. They cut corners, hire untrained workers, and damage more items.
In "How Much Do Movers Cost? ...And Other Moving FAQs," I show you how to evaluate moving companies beyond just price, so you get the best value - not just the lowest quote.
Moving FAQs: Your Burning Questions Answered
Let's answer some more common moving questions that I cover in detail in my book:
Do I Need To Empty Drawers For Movers?
Yes, you should empty all drawers before movers arrive. Furniture is heavier and more likely to break when drawers are full. Plus, items inside drawers can shift and get damaged.
Do Movers Disassemble Furniture?
Most movers will disassemble and reassemble basic furniture like beds and tables. But they may charge extra for complex items or may not handle certain types of furniture.
How Long Does A Local Move Take?
A typical local move takes 4-8 hours, depending on:
Size of your home
Amount of furniture and boxes
Access to your home (stairs, elevators, long walkways)
Distance between your old and new homes
My book breaks down exactly how long different sizes of moves typically take, so you can plan and budget accurately.
What Should I Do Before Movers Arrive?
Before movers arrive, you should:
Finish packing all boxes
Clear pathways in your home
Remove items movers won't take
Protect floors and doorways
Have payment ready
Make a plan for kids and pets
"How Much Do Movers Cost? ...And Other Moving FAQs" includes a detailed pre-move checklist to make sure you're fully prepared.
The TRUTH About Moving Costs That No One Tells You
Everyone wants to know: "How much will my move really cost?"
Here's a breakdown of actual moving costs for different home sizes:
Studio/1-Bedroom Apartment: $300-$600
2-Bedroom Apartment/House: $600-$1,000
3-Bedroom House: $1,000-$1,500
4+ Bedroom House: $1,500-$3,000+
These prices assume a local move within 30 miles. Long-distance moves cost significantly more.
But here's what most people don't know: The final price often depends more on how prepared you are than on the size of your home!
A well-organized 3-bedroom move can sometimes cost less than a chaotic 2-bedroom move.
In my book, I explain all the factors that affect your moving cost and give you strategies to keep those costs as low as possible.
Moving Day Disasters: How To Avoid Them
Moving day disasters happen all the time.
Here are the most common problems and how to avoid them:
Movers Don't Show Up: Choose a reputable company with good reviews
Final Bill Is Much Higher Than Quote: Get everything in writing and choose a company that guarantees their quotes
Items Get Damaged: Proper packing and professional movers are your best protection
Move Takes Much Longer Than Expected: Be realistic about how much stuff you have and prepare properly
Bad Weather: Have tarps ready and check the forecast to plan accordingly
Not Ready When Movers Arrive: Use a pre-move checklist to ensure you're fully prepared
Chapter 10 of "How Much Do Movers Cost? ...And Other Moving FAQs" gives you a complete disaster preparedness plan, so you're ready for anything on moving day.
How To Pack Like A Pro: Tips From A Moving Expert
Want to save even more money on your move? Here are some expert packing tips from my book:
Use the right size boxes (small boxes for heavy items, large boxes for light items)
Fill boxes completely to prevent crushing
Wrap fragile items individually in packing paper
Label every box with its contents and destination room
Pack an "essentials box" with items you'll need right away
Take photos of electronic setups before disconnecting
Use clothing and towels as free packing material
These simple tips can save you hours of packing time and prevent damage to your belongings. And my book has dozens more money-saving strategies.
What About DIY Moving? The Pros and Cons
Some people think renting a truck and moving themselves will save money. But is it really cheaper?
Let's look at the real costs of DIY moving:
Truck rental: $100-$200 per day
Gas: $100-$300 depending on distance
Equipment rental (dollies, furniture pads): $50-$100
Your time: Priceless
Risk of injury: Very high
Risk of damage: Very high
Stress level: Through the roof!
When you add it all up, hiring professionals often costs about the same as DIY - but with way less stress and risk.
In "How Much Do Movers Cost? ...And Other Moving FAQs," I break down all your moving options, from full-service to DIY to hybrid approaches, so you can choose the best option for your budget and situation.
What Payment Methods Do Movers Accept?
This is a question many people forget to ask until moving day.
Most movers accept:
Credit cards (with a processing fee)
Cash
Certified checks or money orders
But almost none accept personal checks.
And payment is typically due when your belongings are delivered - not before, not after.
Chapter 15 of my book explains all the payment options and what to watch out for to protect yourself financially.
Can I Get An Accurate Moving Estimate?
Yes, but only if you know what to ask for. Most people don't realize there are two types of estimates:
Non-binding (can change on moving day)
Binding (guaranteed price)
Always ask for a binding estimate if possible, especially for long-distance moves.
In Chapter 3 of "How Much Do Movers Cost? ...And Other Moving FAQs," I explain exactly how to get an accurate estimate and what information movers need to provide one.
How Do I File A Claim If Items Are Damaged?
If the movers damage your belongings, you need to:
Document the damage immediately with photos
Notify the moving company in writing
File a formal claim within the deadline (usually 9 months)
Most people make critical mistakes in this process that cost them their claim.
Chapter 14 of my book walks you through the entire claims process, with tips to maximize your chances of a successful claim.
Want ALL The Answers? Get The Ultimate Moving Guide
I've shared a lot of moving advice today, but there's so much more to know.
If you want ALL the answers to your moving questions, you need my book:
"How Much Do Movers Cost? ...And Other Moving FAQs"
This book gives you:
Clear answers to the 15 most common moving questions
10 detailed moving checklists
Insider tips to save hundreds or even thousands on your move
Strategies to avoid common moving scams
Everything you need for a perfect, stress-free move
It's a quick read - just about an hour or two - but it can save you thousands of dollars and countless hours of stress.
Why I Wrote This Book
After 15 years in the moving business, I got tired of seeing people get ripped off. I saw too many families pay way too much for terrible service. I watched as big moving companies took advantage of people who didn't know any better.
So I decided to share everything I know. All the insider secrets. All the money-saving tips. All the strategies for a smooth, stress-free move.
This isn't just another moving guide written by someone who's never loaded a truck.
This is real-world advice from someone who's been in the trenches, who's helped thousands of families move across town and across the country.
Who Needs This Book?
"How Much Do Movers Cost? ...And Other Moving FAQs" is for:
First-time movers who don't know what to expect
Homeowners looking to save money on their next move
Renters who need to maximize their moving budget
College students moving to or from campus
Seniors downsizing to a smaller home
Anyone who wants to avoid moving scams and ripoffs
If you're planning a move in the next year, this book will pay for itself many times over.
My Promise To You
As I say in the book, my promise to you is simple:
I won't waste your time or money
I'll give you only the most useful, practical information
I'll share everything I've learned from 15 years in the moving business
This book is short, to the point, and packed with valuable information.
No fluff. No filler.
Just the answers you need for a successful move.
Get Your Copy Today
Don't wait until you're stressed out and surrounded by boxes to get the information you need. Grab your copy of "How Much Do Movers Cost? ...And Other Moving FAQs" today.
Available on Amazon in both print and Kindle formats: How Much Do Movers Cost? ...And Other Moving FAQs
Remember: Knowledge is power, especially when it comes to moving. This small investment could save you thousands of dollars and countless headaches on your next move.
Get your copy now, and move with confidence!
