Cost of Movers in Boston 2026

How much do movers cost in Boston?

Movers in Boston cost $100–$200 per hour for a 2-mover crew with a truck in 2026, with most companies charging a 3-hour minimum. A studio runs $300–$500 total, a 1-bedroom $500–$1,000, a 2-bedroom $900–$1,500, and a 3-bedroom $1,500–$2,500. Long-distance moves from Boston are priced by weight and distance, typically $2,300–$5,500 for a 1- or 2-bedroom shipment, per 2026 Angi data.

Here is a table of the average cost of Movers in Boston by apartment or house size.

Boston hourly rates by crew size (2026)

Rates compiled from MoveAdvisor 2026 Boston data, Poseidon Moving, and Boston Best Rate Movers.

What is included in the hourly rate of moving in Boston?

Usually when it comes to the hourly rate moving companies try to include everything in the rate, so customers won't be overwhelmed with unnecessary information, but it's not always the case. That's why it's important to learn before you book with Boston movers if everything is included in the rate or if you have to pay for something additional. By everything I mean tolls, gas, moving insurance, wrapping, and protecting materials such as tape, blankets, and shrink wrap. In some cases, you will have to pay additionally for tape or shrink wrap, depending on how much has been used during your moving process in Boston.

Included in the Hourly Rate:

1. 🛣️ Tolls
2. ⛽ Gas
3. 📋 Moving Insurance
4. Wrapping Materials:
   • 🛏️ Blankets
   • 🛡️ Basic protective materials
5. 🧑‍🏭 Labor Charges
6. 🔧 Disassembly and Reassembly of Furniture
7. 🛠️ Use of Moving Equipment:
   • Dollies
   • Hand trucks
   • Straps, etc.

Potential Additional Costs:

1. 📏 Tape - Some companies may charge extra depending on the amount used.
2. 🔄 Shrink Wrap - Additional charges might apply based on usage.
3. 🎹 Specialty Items Handling - Pianos, antiques, etc.
4. 🏠 Storage Fees - If temporary storage is needed.
5. 🏢 Stairs/Elevator Fees - Extra charges for moving items up/down stairs or via elevators.
6. 📦 Packing Services - If you require professional packing of your belongings.
7. 🚏 Additional Stops - Charges for extra pick-up or drop-off locations.

Always verify with the moving company to avoid unexpected expenses.

Tips to help you save money

Some movers offer flexible services, meaning you can save money by taking on a number of responsibilities. For example, you can disassemble furniture yourself, move some things yourself, do the packing yourself, etc. It's best to discuss this with the moving company.

Don't forget to declutter before the move to reduce the amount of stuff that needs to be moved, thereby reducing the Boston movers cost of the move.

Why September 1 is the most expensive day to move in Boston

Roughly two-thirds of Boston-area leases turn over on September 1 — a tradition local movers call "Allston Christmas." On August 31 and September 1, demand for trucks and crews exceeds local capacity, rates rise 25–40%, and even pre-booked moves can be delayed by traffic and double-parked trucks. Boston Pads tracks lease turnover patterns if you want to see the volume.

If your lease forces a Sept 1 move:

• Book 6–8 weeks in advance. Most reputable Boston movers are fully booked by mid-July.
• Schedule first thing in the morning. Crews running back-to-back jobs on 9/1 can fall hours behind by afternoon.
• Reserve building elevators in advance, both at origin and destination. Most Allston, Brighton, Cambridge, and Somerville buildings require booking.
• Check City of Boston parking permit rules. Permits are mandatory in much of the city for moving trucks; apply through Boston.gov at least 14 business days before your move.

If your lease is flexible, the cheapest Boston move days are Tuesday or Wednesday, mid-month, October–April — typically 20–30% less than peak rates with full crew availability.

Do movers charge extra for stairs in Boston?

Most Boston movers do not charge a separate stair fee — instead, the time stairs add to the move shows up on your hourly bill. Boston Best Rate Movers explicitly includes all stairs in its hourly rate, and Move & Care follows the same approach. The minority of Boston companies that charge a flat stair fee typically bill $50–$70 per flight beyond the first, per HireAHelper's industry data. What matters more in Boston is whether the building has elevator service: a 4th-floor walk-up adds 1–2 hours to a 1-bedroom move versus an elevator building, and that's where the real cost lives. Tell your mover the floor number, walk-up vs. elevator, and number of flights at quote time so the estimated hours are accurate.

Packing and Moving cost

If you are looking for an additional packing service, then they are usually rated the same as moving. For example, for an average one-bedroom apartment it will take 2 movers around 4 hours to pack which will cost you around $400. All packing materials cost additionally and most of the companies will sell you the number of moving boxes, tape, and wrapping materials that you exactly need.

Moving and Storage Cost

How much does moving and storage cost? Storage rates are different and depend on such factors as location, size, and additional features like temperature control and security. Most of the companies provide storage services in Boston. Contact them to learn more about rates. Also, you can find your local Storage provider.

Long-distance moves from Boston (2026 ranges)

Long-distance moves are priced by shipment weight + distance, not hourly. Most companies issue a binding written estimate after an inventory walk-through. Expected ranges for popular routes from Boston:

Interstate movers must be registered with the FMCSA. Move & Care holds USDOT 3212621 and MC 1018431.

Move & Care quotes long-distance moves at a flat binding rate, set after a virtual inventory walkthrough — the price doesn't change at delivery if the inventory matches.