When you’re getting ready to move, the cost of hiring a moving company has to be part of the equation. Out of all the decisions you make leading up to your big move, the moving company you choose can have the most significant impact.
During your research, you’ll discover there are tons of factors to consider. From national conglomerates to local movers, there’s a wide range of professionals ready to help you move…for a price.
Sure, you could ask your friends with trucks to help you out, but that’s an unreliable option when it really matters. Instead of your frat bros rolling up, hungover, to complain about how heavy your stuff is, hiring the pros seems like the easy way to go. And it is, at least until you see that the final bill doesn’t match what they quoted you.
For some moving companies, a $600 quote is just to get through the front door. By the time they’ve moved everything, it could balloon up to $1,400-$2000, or more! It’s fair to get frustrated, or even angry, when this happens.
Unclear pricing models and too-good-to-be-true quotes give the moving industry a bad name. At Little Guys Movers, we’re dedicated to changing that perception, one move at a time. Our transparent pricing model and flat-rate quotes ensure that you won’t have sticker shock when the time comes to settle up.
Why Moving Quotes and Final Costs Don’t Match
To be fair, moving quotes are just that: an estimate of what it costs to move your stuff. Prices are often slightly higher or lower depending on several factors. Some are legit, and some are shady. Let’s make sure you know the difference.
Legitimate Moving Cost Changes
Getting a quote for your move with Little Guys Movers is a straightforward process. Typically, you’d fill out our Free Quote form on our website or call your local shop directly. When speaking with our estimators, you’ll detail the items in each room of your house, discuss stairs and the distance you’re moving, and dates and times. For more complicated moves, we can have someone come to you and assess the cost of your job.
Once they’ve crunched the numbers, you’ll get a binding estimate that helps you understand what it’ll cost to move your stuff. Unless something changes on your end, the quote we provide is what you pay.
Legit changes include
- Items added or more boxes than estimated in the initial quote
- Items that require special handling that we didn’t know about ahead of time
- Being unprepared when the crew arrives
- Harder to access or more stairs than described
In these cases, it’s reasonable to assume +/- 5 percent around the estimated moving costs.
The Lowball Trap
Not every moving company is as invested in the customer experience as we are. Some will quote much lower than the final price you’ll pay. Shady moving companies might offer a lowball moving quote online that doesn’t include a conversation.
Estimator tools are a good starting point, but without a skilled estimator asking questions, it’s easy to miss things that can inflate the final cost of your move.
These tools provide what could be considered a non-binding estimate. This type of estimate is a verbal or online assessment of the cost of your move. If you underreport your belongings, don’t include information about stairs or distance, or add services after the initial estimate, moving costs will climb.
Binding estimates, on the other hand, provide a guaranteed price based on items and services as discussed. It’s still possible for prices to shift if you add items on the day of the move, but generally you’ll pay close to the quoted price.
On the day of your move, our crew lead will walk through your home, room by room, with the inventory list. If you request additional items, we’ll add them to the final cost, no surprises.
Hidden Fees & Upcharges
It’s typical for movers to charge fees for items such as stairs, long-distance/long-carry fees, and fuel surcharges. However, they become a problem when they aren’t discussed beforehand. For instance, Little Guys charges a premium on specialty items that go up or down stairs. It’s not a secret, and it’s part of the initial quoting conversation.
If a moving company adds charges you weren’t expecting, you have the right to question the final price. Long-distance, interstate moves are typically charged by weight, and some movers change their estimates based on actual weight. Little Guys Movers uses a binding guaranteed estimate that won’t!
Other unexpected charges include weekend or holiday premiums or bulky item fees. Again, these fees are often reasonable, but only when discussed in advance.
One way to avoid a nasty surprise at the end of your move is to stay available throughout the process. This way, the crew leader can ask questions about items you may or may not want moved, discuss additional fees you can agree to or decline, and generally keep you in the loop.
Hourly vs. Flat-Rate: The Hidden Moving Costs That’ll Shock You
You might be thinking that going hourly is a way to save you some scratch, and in some cases, you’re right. Smaller local moves when you’re doing some of the work ahead of time can break even or even come in lower. However, that’s not always the case, even in a smaller local move.
Let’s see how you could take a bath on your move in an hourly vs. flat rate situation.
How Hourly Pricing Actually Works
Moving companies base the cost of an hourly moving estimate on some assumptions made during your quote.
Your estimate is based on the following formula:
- Base rate: $100-$150/hour for two movers + truck
- Minimum hours to cover the mover’s costs (usually 2-4)
- Travel time charged
On the surface, this looks like a good deal. However, there could be hidden moving costs and other additional charges that could catch you by surprise.
Real Hourly Example: 3-Bedroom Local Move
Let’s take a look at an example based on an hourly quote. For this three-bedroom, local move, the moving company quoted a five-hour estimate at their base rate of $120. But the client didn’t disclose the two flights of stairs in the home, and the estimate was off by two hours.
No big deal, right?
Then, the client was surprised by an additional stair fee and long-carry charges. At the end of the day, the final bill of $1,065 was a shock.
Here’s the breakdown:
Estimated: 5 hours × $120/hour = $600
Reality: 7 hours (stairs took longer) × $120 = $840
Plus stair fee: $150
Plus long carry: $75
Final bill: $1,065
Flat-Rate Pricing
In our previous example, the client was mainly responsible for the lapse in communication that ultimately cost them. There’s more to the story, though. A skilled estimator asks the right questions and even visits the site to assess the actual costs of a move.
A flat-rate quote from Little Guys includes a binding estimate that guarantees the quote. As long as there aren’t any changes to the list of items, the price should be within 5% of the original quote.
This quote includes
- Stairs, standard carries, and basic assembly
- Clearly stated potential extra charges
Looking at the same three-bedroom home, the charges came out to $850. If the same homeowner got quotes from both movers, they might think they’re about to save $250 by going with an hourly rate.
But, in reality, the undisclosed information added items to the bill. Instead of saving, the homeowner ended up paying over 50% higher than quoted.
Choosing Between Hourly and Flat-Rate: What Actually Makes Sense
Now that you understand why quotes can shift, let’s break down the big question every customer eventually asks:
Should I go hourly, or should I go flat-rate?
The truth is, both pricing models can be fair — when they’re used in the right situations. But choosing the wrong one can cost you hundreds.
Here’s how to know which pricing model is best for your move.
Local Moves Under 100 Miles
For a standard local move across town or within the same metro area (generally under 100 miles), an hourly rate can make perfect sense when:
- You’re mostly packed and ready
- Access is straightforward
- You don’t have unusual items or heavy specialty pieces
- You’re not moving during peak times (tight apartment elevators, downtown traffic, etc.)
- You’ve accurately described the stairs, distance, and amount of stuff
In these cases, hourly pricing can be totally fair. You pay for the time you use, and if your preparation keeps the move efficient, you may save money.
But here’s the catch: hourly falls apart when the unexpected happens.
Long carries, complicated staircases, elevators with wait times, tight corners, or last-minute item additions can quickly turn your “cheap” hourly move into a wallet punch.
Local Moves That Take Over 3 Hours
Even within the same city, once a move stretches past the three-hour mark, the risk of price creep increases.
Flat-rate often becomes the better option when:
- You have a 2 to 4-bedroom home
- You’re moving into/out of apartments or townhomes
- You have stairs at either location
- You expect a longer load or unload
- Travel time is unpredictable
- You want a guaranteed final price
A good flat-rate estimator can review your layout, inventory, stairs, timing, and truck access to give you a number that won’t surprise you later.
If your move is more complex, a flat rate is almost always the safer financial choice.
Long-Distance Moves
When you’re crossing state lines, the FMCSA rules state that moving costs are based on weight only. Jeff Barnard, our in-house long-haul expert, further explains the process:
Technically, under FMCSA rules, interstate moves are based solely on weight, not on hourly rates. So the non-binding version adjusts according to the actual weight, the level of expedited delivery, stairs, carries, etc.
The binding version is the “flat-rate” pricing model. We base our charges on the estimated weight of the inventory. We will adjust if the inventory changes, but we will only weigh it if we’re concerned about the truck being overweight.
That’s why reputable moving companies (including Little Guys Movers) rely on flat-rate pricing for long-distance work.
Flat-rate is better because:
- You get one guaranteed number
- Fuel, distance, drive time, overnight stays, and labor are all baked in
- You don’t pay more because of a traffic jam, accident, or weather delay
- We schedule, plan, and staff your move based on the actual workload — not guesswork
- It prevents predatory practices like adding charges mid-route
For long-distance moves, choosing anything other than flat-rate exposes you to unpredictable costs you can’t control.
Quick Decision Matrix: Hourly vs. Flat-Rate
Use this simple grid to make the call in seconds:
| Move Type / Situation | Hourly | Flat-Rate |
| Local move under 100 miles | Best when simple, packed, and predictable | Not necessary unless complex |
| Local move expected to take < 3 hours |
Often cheapest | Hourly usually fine |
| Local move expected to take > 3 hours |
Risky — costs can balloon | Safer and more predictable |
| Stairs, long carries, tricky access | Extra fees and more time add up | Price locked in & transparent |
| Multiple bedrooms (2+) | Time can extend unexpectedly | Typically better value |
| Long-distance/out-of-state | Not appropriate | Industry standard |
| You want guaranteed pricing | Not possible | You know the exact cost up front |
| You’re nervous about “surprise” bills | Hourly is too variable | No sticker shock |
What SHOULD Be Included in Your Estimated Moving Costs
No matter which direction you choose for your quote, both types should include the basics. Little Guys Movers will work with you and provide either an hourly or flat-rate quote, depending on your preferences. Our goal is to provide you with a quote that you’re happy with, regardless of your situation.
Our quotes include:
- Labor (all movers, loading/unloading)
- Truck and fuel
- Basic equipment (dollies, blankets, straps)
- Standard distance travel to/from your home
- Basic disassembly/reassembly
- Standard stairs
- Basic liability insurance coverage
What usually costs extra (and why):
In addition to the typical move, we also offer other services. Just like anything else, they’ll cost more than just a load/unload.
- Packing services and materials: our crews are happy to help you pack and sell packing materials to you in advance.
- Long carries (50-yard increments from the truck): long carries put extra stress on our crews, and while they’re sometimes necessary because of access, they’ll cost you.
- Excessive stairs (3+ flights): moving into a fifth-floor walkup or specialty items? Expect to see additional stair charges in your quote.
- Shuttle service (truck can’t access): If we can’t get to you, that doesn’t mean we can’t do the job. It DOES mean that there will be additional costs associated with the move.
- Storage: Other than at our Lubbock shop, Little Guys doesn’t offer storage, but we will happily load your storage unit for you! We can also retrieve things like holiday decorations, additional furniture, and other bulky items for you.
- Specialty items (piano, hot tub, safe): Big, heavy items require special handling, and we’re experts at that. However, they also need special equipment, and that means an extra cost.
- Full Value Protection: We offer insurance that gives you peace of mind that your stuff will arrive at your final destination safely, with no deductible. Typically, you’ll pay $8 per $1000 of FVP (Full Value Protection). North Carolina moves come in a little cheaper at $7.50 per $1000 FVP. Want more? That’ll cost you.
Ultimately, moving isn’t a favor; it’s a service. Additional items will 100% cost you, but they shouldn’t be a surprise.
How to Get an Accurate Quote of Moving Costs
Here’s a handy checklist of things you should do to ensure you have an accurate quote before you sign.
Before the Estimate: Your Prep Checklist
☐ Take a complete inventory of everything you’re moving
☐ Measure large items (so estimators know what fits and what won’t)
☐ Note stairs, long carries, parking distance, and access issues
☐ Declutter first — less stuff = lower cost
☐ Be thorough about what you’re moving (no “oh yeah, that too”)
During the Estimate: What to Cover
☐ Show or describe to the estimator everything — closets, garage, attic, storage
☐ Point out potential challenges (tight turns, heavy items, elevators)
☐ Ask exactly what’s included and what’s excluded from the quote
☐ Get the estimate in writing (not just verbal or online)
☐ Confirm whether it’s binding vs. non-binding
☐ Request an itemized breakdown of labor, travel, materials, etc.
Questions to Ask Your Moving Company
☐ “Is this estimate binding or non-binding?”
☐ “What exactly does this price include?”
☐ “What could cause this price to change?”
☐ “What’s your policy on unforeseen circumstances?”
☐ “Can I see your standard contract ahead of time?”
Little Guys’ Transparent Pricing Philosophy
With over 30 years of experience and tens of thousands of moves, Little Guys Movers knows the estimator equation. Building relationships is a core part of our business philosophy, and treating our customers with respect is a big part of that.
Choosing a mover is a big decision, and when you call us, we treat that as an opportunity to build trust. Generally, you won’t see more than a 5% difference between what you’re quoted and what you pay.
And, while we do an exemplary job, we also know when there might be a better fit. If we think there’s a way for you to get a better price than we can offer, we’ll let you know. No bullshit.
To get your free, no-strings-attached quote, use our free quote form or call your local Little Guys Movers.