Your Local Moving (under 50 miles) questions, answered
Answers to commonly asked questions from the experts on HomeGuide.
How much do movers cost for a local move?
Professional local movers cost$300 to $1,500 on average, depending on the home's size. Local moving companies charge $50 to $200 per hour, depending on the number of movers, if it includes packing, unpacking, or reassembly, and if there are specialty items such as a pool table.
What is the cheapest way to move?
The cheapest way to move is renting a U-Haul truck or a PODS moving container, then hiring movers by the hour to help. Save by packing all your belongings yourself. Full-service movers are the cheapest when scheduling during the off-season in late fall, winter, or early spring.
What do full-service moving companies provide?
Full-service moving companies include equipment and supplies, packing and loading boxes, furniture disassembly and loading, transportation, unloading the truck, reassembling the furniture, and unpacking boxes. Full-service movers may also provide storage and offer specialty moves for pool tables, safes, and pianos.
What is considered a local move vs. a long-distance move?
A local move is less than 50 miles and does not cross state lines. A long-distance move is typically 100 to 400 miles or more or crosses over state boundaries. Local moves are charged at an hourly or flat rate, while longer interstate moves are priced by weight.
How much should you tip local movers?
Local movers should be tipped $20 per person for a half-day move or $40 per person for a full 8-hour day. Another option is to tip 5% to 10% of the total moving cost to split among the crew.
Are moving expenses tax deductible?
Moving expenses are no longer tax-deductible on federal tax returns due to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. However, active US armed forces members with a permanent change of station can still write-off moving expenses. Also, some states still allow moving expense deductions on state tax returns.
Are moving companies essential services during COVID-19?
Yes, moving companies are considered essential services and are still operating during COVID-19.
How long do moving companies take?
Local moves take 4 to 8 hours on average, depending on the house's size and the number of movers. Long-distance interstate moves are delivered in 10 to 14 days on average, depending on the distance away.
Where can I find someone to help me move?
Start by searching our list of moving helpers, then compare reviews and costs. After finding and contacting potential candidates:
Get at least three estimates from local movers to compare.
Ask for recommendations from family, friends, and neighbors.
Select companies that are licensed, bonded, and experienced.
Verify their license, insurance, worker’s compensation, and bond guarantees.
Read reviews and check out their previous work on HomeGuide, Google, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and The American Moving & Storage Association (AMSA).
Ask about their warranties and guarantees.
Ask for a full itemized estimate in writing.
Avoid making large payments upfront. Come up with a payment schedule for work completed.
After asking questions and verifying their credentials, hire the best movers near you.
What questions to ask a moving company?
When hiring a local mover, ask them the following questions:
How long have you been in business?
Are you licensed, insured, and bonded?
Can you provide testimonials and references from past customers?
Do you take inventory of all my items?
What insurance coverage is available? Do you offer full-replacement value protection?
How do you calculate moving fees?
Are there any extra fees or surcharges I should be aware of?
Do you background check your employees?
How long moving take?
What does your warranty policy include?
How do you handle loss and damage claims?
Can you provide me a written binding estimate or contract?
What’s your payment schedule? And what payment methods are accepted?
What do I need to provide to get started?
Reviews for Milwaukee local moving companies
Recent success stories from people in the Milwaukee area.
Nev C.
Ero Moving is an amazing company that truly cares about their customers and will go the extra mile to get the job done. I made the mistake of hiring a different, more well known moving company first. On moving day, last Wednesday at 2pm, the first company I hired (Hernia) informed me they were done for the day after only one truckload because they had other jobs to do and couldn't return until the following Monday and had underestimated how long my move would take. In a panic, I then called Ero Moving. Kelsey immediately got a three man crew together on their day off and rented a truck, since all their trucks were already in use, and they arrived at my old apartment within 2 hours. The crew worked their butts off until 11pm to make sure my move was completed on the day I had to be out of my former home. This included heavy and awkward appliances that had to be moved from one second floor apartment to another with narrow and twisting staircases. Kelsey remained available by phone the entire day. She answered all of my calls immediately and cheerfully throughout the day and late into the night. Kelsey and her crew were polite, compassionate and patient during a very trying time for me and my partner. I wish I had called Ero Moving first. It really is a very special company.
ERO Moving LLC Of Milwaukee
How HomeGuide works
Search
Search, get cost estimates, contact pros, and book—all for free.
Compare
View profiles, read reviews, check qualifications, and see prices before hiring.
Hire
Ask questions, confirm their availability, and hire the right pro when you're ready.