If you have ever asked a moving company for a price and heard "it depends," you are not alone. Most local moves in Central Florida are billed by the hour, so the total depends on how long the job takes. The good news: once you know what drives the clock, you have a lot of control over it.
Here is how hourly pricing works, what should be included, and the simple things that save you the most money.
How hourly moving prices work
Local movers usually quote a rate for a crew, not per person. At EconSolutions, a crew of 2 professional movers is $129 per hour. The clock starts when the crew arrives at your door, and there is no travel or trip fee for driving to you.
The basic formula for a local move looks like this:
- Labor: the hours of loading, driving between homes and unloading, times the crew rate.
- Truck (only if you need one): quoted separately, sized to your move, from a cargo van to a 26-ft truck with a ramp.
- Packing (optional): if the crew packs for you, that time is part of the hours.
Ask for it in writing
Florida requires movers to give you a written estimate before the move. Every charge should be on it. If a company will not put its price in writing, keep looking.
What should be included in the hourly rate
A low hourly rate is not a deal if the basics cost extra. With our crew, these are part of the rate, not add-ons:
Included with our hourly rate
- Two-person professional crew
- Furniture padding and shrink-wrap
- Floor and doorway protection
- Disassembly and reassembly of standard furniture
- Room-by-room loading and placement
- Licensed, insured and bonded (FL Mover Reg. IM4160)
What makes a move take longer
Two moves with the same furniture can take very different amounts of time. These are the usual reasons:
- Unpacked boxes. Packing on moving day is the biggest time-eater we see.
- Stairs and elevators. A third-floor walk-up or a shared elevator adds time to every trip.
- Long carries. If the truck has to park far from the door, every item travels farther.
- Drive time. The drive between your old and new home is part of the job.
- Last-minute decisions. Deciding what goes and what stays while the crew waits costs you by the minute.
Five ways to lower the cost of your move
- Pack, tape and label every box before the crew arrives. Label the room on two sides so boxes land in the right place the first time.
- Stage boxes near the entrance, ideally in one room, so the crew can load them quickly.
- Reserve the elevator and a parking spot close to the door. Ask your apartment office or HOA a week ahead.
- Take apart what you can the night before, like bed frames you know how to handle, and keep screws in labeled bags.
- Already have a truck or a portable container? Book labor only and pay just for the loading and unloading.
Small move? Ask about a cargo van
Studios, small one-bedroom moves and single furniture deliveries often fit in a cargo van. See our small moves page for what works well.
Discounts and payment options
We offer military and senior discounts; just mention it when you call or text. We accept Zelle, Venmo, Cash App, cash and credit or debit cards (card payments include a processing fee calculated at the time of payment).
Get a real number for your move
Our 2-mover crew is $129/hr with no travel fee. See everything that is included, or text us your addresses and a quick list of what you are moving and we will send you a written estimate. You can also request a free quote.
Frequently asked questions
How much do movers cost per hour in Central Florida?
Rates vary by company and crew size. Our crew of 2 professional movers is $129 per hour, billed from when we arrive, with no travel fee. A truck, if you need one, is quoted separately.
Is it cheaper to pack myself?
Usually, yes. Packing is one of the biggest factors in how long a move takes. If every box is packed, taped and labeled before the crew arrives, you only pay for loading, driving and unloading.
Do I have to rent a truck?
No. You can book our crew with a truck, which we quote based on your move, or book labor only if you already have a rental truck or a portable container.