Are you moving to Atlanta, relocating in the area, or embarking on a long-distance move across the country? No matter where your move is taking you, cost is probably a major concern. Moving isn’t just one of the most stressful things you will ever do; it can also be costly.
How much does it cost to move in Atlanta? This breakdown of the cost of moving in Atlanta covers important factors that are considered and how you can control your moving costs. Just note that this will focus on local moving costs within Metro Atlanta. These moves are completed same-day and generally hourly, unlike long-distance moves which are priced differently.
Top Factors That Affect Your Moving Costs in Atlanta
How much are movers in Atlanta? The best way to predict the cost of moving in Atlanta is understanding the factors that affect your total cost. Professional movers usually charge an hourly moving rate for local moves, or moves in the Atlanta metro area within 50 miles of your origin. The longer it takes to complete your relocation, the higher your total movers cost in Atlanta.
Here are some of the biggest things that must be considered to determine an accurate moving estimate. Some of these factors may be within your control to stay within your moving budget.
Your Moving Dates
Did you know the day and time of year you move impacts moving rates in Atlanta? Here’s how.
- The beginning and end of the month is the busiest time for movers. This is because leases usually end at this time. You may pay a higher hourly rate to move during this time.
- Summer is peak moving season when kids are off school and families decide to relocate. You can expect higher moving company prices and lower availability.
- Weekends are when most people try to move so they don’t need to take time off work. You can expect higher moving rates on the weekend.
Volume of Belongings
The total volume of belongings you need to move will play a big role in your total cost, especially if you are getting packing help or the moving truck will be far from your home, usually with condos and apartments. The more the movers need to pack, load, and unload, the longer your move will take. Carefully go through your items to throw out, donate, or sell what you don’t want to pay to move.
Moving Distance
As you can probably guess, the distance between your origin and destination is the most direct factor considered in your Atlanta moving estimate. How many miles is it from origin to destination? If it’s too far, it’s no longer considered a local move and you may have a different pricing model for a long-distance move. How long does it take to reach your destination? This will be part of the hourly moving rate you pay.
Packing Services
One of the many factors that is considered when giving moving quotes in Atlanta is the level of service you need. Will you opt for professional packing services? This is a convenient option to save you time and worry, but it will be done at the hourly movers rate and increase your cost.
However, packing services can actually save you money on your move! You can avoid taking time off work to pack and unpack and avoid damaged belongings. You can also opt for full-service packing of your entire home, partial packing of just certain items, or unpacking services.
Packing Supplies
The cost of packing supplies will be added on top of the hourly rate if you are having the movers take care of packing. Fortunately, moving companies usually have lower prices for packing supplies like moving boxes, bubble wrap, and shrink wrap than you will pay in store.
Accessibility
One of the most overlooked factors when determining moving costs is the accessibility of your origin and destination. How far must the moving truck be from your front door? Loading, unloading, and walking back and forth is fast and efficient if the truck can be parked right in front of your home. If you are moving into or out of a condo, apartment, or home that requires the moving truck be parked in a parking lot, garage, or even down the street, the move will take much longer.
Consider how long it will take you to walk from your home to where the moving truck can be parked and remember that movers need to walk all the way back to get more items to load. Also consider how much longer this distance feels when carrying heavy furniture.
Stairs & Elevators
Does your home have more than one story? Are you moving from or into a multi-floor building? If the movers need to use an elevator or stairs, it will add time to your move. While elevators are physically less demanding, stairs are actually faster. The floor you are on, the total number of floors in the building, whether the elevators are fast, and whether the building has a loading dock and service elevators are all considered.
Furniture Assembly & Disassembly
Do you need furniture disassembled and reassembled? Professional movers are very efficient at removing furniture legs and performing other disassembly/assembly tasks thanks to years of experience. However, this will add to your total cost.
Special Requests & Specialty Items
Do you have belongings that need special care or any other special requests? Make sure you consider this when estimating your total price. Piano moving and custom crating, for instance, may or may not be done at the same hourly rate. They may require additional movers and special equipment or supplies.
Full-Service Movers vs DIY Moving in Atlanta
A DIY move may save you some money on your relocation, but not as much as you may think. After all, you still need to rent a truck and pay for gas. You may need to take time off work or give friends and family money to help you move. You may even need to rent or buy moving equipment. There’s also the risk of costly damage to your items or even your walls and floors due to improper techniques.
Here’s why hiring moving specialists is worth the cost:
- No heavy lifting, physical exhaustion, or injury
- No renting or driving a large commercial truck
- Professional packing ensures fragile and high-value items survive the trip intact
- Unpacking services mean you can move right into your home with everything set up
- The right techniques, equipment, and supplies ensure your home and belongings are protected
- Moving is faster and more efficient with an experienced team
- No unpleasant surprises, delays, or logistical problems coming up during your move
Average Moving Costs in Atlanta | Atlanta Moving Estimates
Hiring movers in Atlanta for a local move usually means paying an hourly rate based on the number of movers and other factors. A standard moving rate may include two movers, but you can add extra movers to speed up your move with a higher hourly rate. The moving company will help you determine the best number of move specialists for the lowest possible rate and the most efficient moving experience.
How much does it cost to move an apartment in Atlanta? What about a house? Use these moving estimates to figure out how many movers you will need and how long your move will take. Multiply the hourly rate you’re quoted for the movers you need based on the estimated move time. You can then add any additional costs like packing supplies or company-specific charges like a truck fee.
Cost to Move a 1 Bedroom Apartment in Atlanta
For a studio or one-bedroom apartment, expect two movers to take 3-6 hours to finish your move.
Cost to Move a 2 Bedroom Apartment in Atlanta
If you are moving a two-bedroom apartment, you will probably need three movers and 3-6 hours to complete the move. While the hourly rate will be higher, it will take the same amount of time with a larger crew.
Average Cost to Move a Home in Atlanta
If your home is smaller, you can expect 3 or 4 movers to complete the move in 4-7 hours. For a larger three- to four-bedroom house, it may take more movers to complete the move in 10+ hours.
These are only estimates on the amount of time and movers needed. The best thing to do is call for personalized moving company Atlanta prices based on the details of your move.
Tips for a More Affordable Atlanta Relocation
Here are some easy ways to reduce Atlanta moving costs and get the help you need within your moving budget.
- Try to plan your moving date. Avoid moving at the beginning or end of the month or on the weekend if you can for lower moving rates.
- Downsize before moving by selling or donating items you don’t want or need. Don’t pay to move items you’re only going to throw away later!
- Handle as much of the packing as you feel comfortable with. You can save on professional packing help by choosing partial packing to leave items like large mirrors and glassware that need special care to the experts.
- Do prep work to get ready for the movers. You can save time and money by disassembling furniture, disconnecting appliances, unplugging electronics with the cords and controllers secured, and placing items that need special care in one place.
- Get your moving plans approved by your landlord, apartment building, or HOA ahead of time so you have clear instructions.
- Be ready to give the movers instructions on moving day to save time.
- Have cold drinks and snacks for the movers so they can stay hydrated and efficient.
How to Choose an Affordable Atlanta Moving Company
While cost is important, don’t let price be your primary concern when choosing movers. You need reliable and professional moving specialists you can depend on to complete your relocation on schedule without damage or loss. Here is what you should look for:
- Licensed, insured moving company
- Positive reviews
- Many years of experience performing moves similar to yours
- Uniformed and background checked movers
- Specialized equipment to safely move items that are heavy, delicate, or expensive
- Competitive and transparent pricing without high upfront deposits or hidden fees
Wirks Moving & Storage strives to be the best affordable movers in Atlanta. We have proudly served the Atlanta area for more than 12 years with hundreds of 5-star reviews on Yelp and Google. Our award-winning movers have successfully handled over 10,000 moves with an ultra-low claims rate and a 98% referral rate.
Additional Atlanta Moving Tips
Tipping Movers in Atlanta
How much should you tip movers in Atlanta? As a general rule, you can tip about $5/hour per mover or $25 per mover for a job done well.
Turn on Utilities in Advance
Start the process of setting up or transferring utilities about three weeks before your move. Ideally, your new utilities should be turned on before moving so movers (and you!) have electricity and water. Here’s a guide to Atlanta utilities with info on setting up utilities.
Have a Master Moving Checklist
Stay organized and on top of everything with a master list of everything that needs to be done. Download our free Ultimate Atlanta Moving Checklist to make sure you don’t forget anything.
You don’t need to suffer through the exhaustion and stress of moving on your own. Call Wirks Moving & Storage today at 404-635-6683 for a free Atlanta moving quote with affordable rates and dependable service you can count on.
