How Hourly Pricing Works
An hourly rate covers the crew and truck. Larger homes get a bigger crew so the job still finishes in a reasonable window. A two-mover job for a small apartment looks very different from a four-mover job for a full house.
What Drives the Total Up or Down
Access, stairs, and how packed the home is at start time are the biggest variables. A boxed and labeled home almost always finishes faster than one still being packed while the crew is on the clock.
- Number of flights of stairs at either end
- Long carries between the front door and the truck
- Bulky items like pianos, safes, and treadmills
- Whether packing is finished before arrival
Comparing Written Estimates
Ask each company for a written estimate that lists the hourly rate, minimum hours, travel time policy, and any fees for materials. That is the only fair way to compare two quotes.