How Much Does Moving Really Cost? Your Complete Guide to Understanding Moving Expenses

November 14, 2024

From Estimates to Tipping: Everything You Need to Know About Moving Costs

How Much Does Moving Cost? A Guide to Understanding Moving Expenses

One of the most common questions at S.B. Taylor Transport is, “How much will my move cost?” Moving costs can vary widely based on factors like the size of your home, the distance of your move, and the specific services you need. Here’s a breakdown of typical moving costs and the key factors that impact pricing so you know what to expect.

1. Small Local Moves: $800 - $1,000

The cost usually falls on the lower end for smaller moves, such as those involving a studio or one-bedroom apartment. A small move can be efficient and cost-effective with fewer items and straightforward access (minimal stairs or walking distance). These costs are calculated in our system and represent an average, but each move is unique.

2. Larger Local Moves: $1,600 - $3,200

The cost typically increases for larger homes or moves involving more complex logistics, such as multiple flights of stairs or additional bedrooms. Here’s why:

- Home Size and Complexity: More rooms and heavier items require extra time and manpower.

- Walking Distance & Stairs: Extra effort with long walks or multiple levels increases labor time and cost.

- Additional Services: These services are factored into the estimate if you need assistance with specialty items or extra setup.

3. Long-Distance Moves: Varies Based on Distance and Complexity

Long-distance moves are priced according to mileage, travel time, and the volume of belongings. Additionally, costs can vary based on:

- Travel Distance: The longer the distance, the higher the cost due to fuel and time.

- Size and Weight: Larger loads or multiple bedrooms can require additional trucks or resources.

- Additional Services: Long-distance moves often involve extra packing or setup services, which add convenience and protection for your belongings.

How We Calculate Your Moving Costs

At S.B. Taylor Transport, we use a comprehensive **moving system** that calculates each move based on your specific details. Every move is unique, and this system helps us estimate costs as accurately as possible. These costs are not exact but represent an average range for local moves.

Essential Factors That Impact Your Moving Estimate:

- Additional Services: Specialty items, additional laborers, and extra services can influence costs.

- Labor and Trucks Needed: The amount of manpower, trucks, and equipment impacts the final price.

- Materials Used: Packing materials, protective wrapping, and other supplies are calculated and included in the estimate.

We believe in transparency with our estimates and billing, so we base our rates on labor hours and service requirements. To ensure accuracy, we provide free estimates and recommend sharing photos or scheduling a video walkthrough if an in-person visit isn’t possible. This helps us provide the most precise estimate and ensures you know exactly what to expect.

Specialty Items and Extra Care

For specialty items like pianos, sheds, and hot tubs, we bring specialists with the training and equipment required for these unique moves. Since we don’t typically handle these items on a standard move, partnering with professionals in those areas makes more sense than investing in equipment used only occasionally. This ensures your valuable items receive the highest level of care and expertise.

Flexible Payment Options with Financing

We now offer financing options through Wisetack to make moving more affordable. This allows you to spread out your moving costs over time if needed, making your move more manageable without compromising quality. Ask us about Wisetack financing when you get your estimate!

Tipping

While tipping is never required, it is customary as a way to show appreciation for a job well done. If our team has helped make your move smooth and stress-free, a tip is a wonderful way to say thanks! A general guideline is 5-10% of the total cost or $20-$40 per mover, depending on the level of service.

Beware of Low-Ball Estimates

When choosing a moving company, beware of low-ball estimates, which may lead to unexpected costs and lower-quality service. Always ensure you’re working with a fully authorized and insured moving company. S.B. Taylor Transport follows all required standards for safe, reliable moving services to give you peace of mind.

Ready to Get Started?

At S.B. Taylor Transport, we aim to make your move as straightforward and transparent as possible. Reach out today for a free estimate, and let’s start planning a move that works for your needs and budget. We’re here to make the moving process stress-free and tailored to your unique requirements!

Please note these figures are based on averages and can vary depending on your unique moving needs. Your actual cost may be less or more based on factors like distance, size, and any additional services you choose.

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Overwhelmed by Packing? You Don't Have to Do It Alone

By Brie Grant • January 31, 2026

Moving is stressful enough. Packing doesn't have to be. We've heard it countless times: "I know I should start packing, but every time I look at my closet, I just freeze." Or "I'm working full-time, managing kids' schedules, and now I have to pack an entire house in three weeks?" Here's what we want you to know: You don't have to pack your own boxes. It's Okay to Ask for Help There's this unspoken expectation that packing is just something you should do yourself. Like somehow you're not a capable adult if you can't manage to wrap every dish, fold every piece of clothing, and label every box while juggling everything else in your life. Let us be clear: that's nonsense. Packing an entire household is physically exhausting and emotionally draining. You're handling memories with every item. You're making a thousand tiny decisions about what goes where. You're doing this while probably also managing work, family obligations, and the million other details that come with moving. Asking for help isn't a luxury—it's smart planning. What Professional Packing Actually Looks Like When you work with S.B. Taylor Moving for packing services, you're not just hiring people to throw things in boxes. You're working with a team trained in the art of careful, thoughtful packing. Our team approaches packing the same way we approach moving: with care, compassion, and respect for your belongings and your story. Here's what we can help with: Full packing services - We pack everything, room by room, with systematic labeling so you know exactly where things are when you arrive at your new home Partial packing - Maybe you want to pack personal items yourself but need help with the kitchen, garage, or those overwhelming "everything" rooms. We work alongside you. Unpacking and setup - Moving day is exhausting. We can unpack boxes, put dishes in cabinets, hang clothes in closets, and help you settle in so you can actually sleep in a functional bedroom that first night. Organization as we go - With my 20 years of experience as a CNA working with seniors and families in transition, I understand how overwhelming it feels when you can't find anything. We organize as we unpack so your new space is actually livable from day one. Why Our Packing Services Are Different Before I started S.B. Taylor Moving, I spent two decades as a Certified Nursing Assistant. I worked in memory care, hospice, and with veterans. I learned how to handle people's most precious belongings during vulnerable moments. I learned patience. I learned how to read what someone needs even when they can't articulate it. That background shapes everything we do. Our team isn't just trained in proper packing techniques (though we absolutely know how to wrap a wine glass so it arrives intact). We're trained to see you as a whole person, not just another job on the schedule. We understand that the box of photo albums isn't just heavy—it's your entire family history. We know that packing up a nursery when you're downsizing hits differently than packing up a garage. We get that sometimes you need us to just quietly work while you process, and sometimes you need us to chat and keep things light. We're caregivers who happen to pack boxes. When Packing Help Makes the Most Sense You might benefit from professional packing if: You're moving on a tight timeline and there aren't enough hours in the day You have mobility limitations or health concerns that make packing physically difficult You're managing a household move while working full-time or caring for family members You're downsizing from a long-term home and feeling overwhelmed by decades of belongings You have valuable or fragile items that need specialized packing You're already emotionally exhausted and need someone else to handle the logistics You simply don't want to pack and would rather spend your limited time on other priorities That last one? Completely valid. How It Works: The Three-Day Process Day Before Moving Day: Packing Our team arrives with all supplies and packs your entire home systematically. We use detailed box labeling—not just "kitchen" but "kitchen - everyday dishes and coffee mugs." This makes unpacking SO much easier. Moving Day: Strategic Placement We load everything, transport it to your new home, and here's the key: we set up your bed first and place every box in its correct room. No mountain of boxes in the garage. No digging through the living room to find your kids' school clothes. Everything goes where it belongs from the start. Day After Move: Unpacking With our detailed labeling system, we know exactly which boxes need unpacking first. We unpack strategically—kitchen essentials, bathrooms, bedrooms—so your home is functional, not just full of empty boxes. You can cook dinner and shower in a space that feels like home, not a storage unit. This three-day approach means you go from packed and ready to settled and living in your new space in 72 hours. Real Talk About Cost Yes, professional packing is an additional cost. We're transparent about that. But here's what we've seen time and again: people who try to do everything themselves often end up: Taking time off work (lost wages) Buying supplies piecemeal at retail prices (expensive and inefficient) Packing poorly in a rush (leading to damaged items) Arriving at their new home completely exhausted and unable to function Taking weeks to unpack because they're overwhelmed When you factor in your time, energy, and peace of mind, professional packing often makes financial sense—especially during an already expensive and stressful life transition. You Deserve Support Moving is ranked as one of life's most stressful events, right up there with loss of a loved one and divorce. You're not being dramatic if it feels hard—it is hard. At S.B. Taylor Moving, we built our entire business on a simple idea: people deserve compassionate support during life transitions. Whether you need us to pack three boxes or three thousand, we're here. Whether you're moving across town or across the state, whether you're upsizing, downsizing, or just sizing differently—we've got you. You don't have to do this alone. Ready to take packing off your plate? Call S.B. Taylor Moving at 207-502-4035 or visit www.sbtaylortransport.com to schedule a free packing consultation. Serving York and Cumberland counties with the care you deserve.