Costs & Pricing
How Much Are Movers Per Hour in NYC?
Hourly rates for New York movers swing widely depending on the job. Here is what drives the number, plus simple ways to keep your total down.
Costs & Pricing · May 20, 2025 · 4 min read
A moving crew can do a lot more than carry boxes. Depending on what you book, the job might include loading and unloading, driving, packing, taking furniture apart and putting it back together, or even TV dismounting and remounting.
Because every job calls for different skills and equipment, hourly pricing in New York varies a lot. As a typical range, expect something like $65 per hour at the low end and $120 or more per hour at the high end; your written quote is final.
Where you land depends on how heavy and bulky your things are, how many flights of stairs are involved, whether there is an elevator and how roomy it is, and plenty of other details. That is why a proper estimate, in person or through a thorough video walkthrough, is the only way to get a fair number.
How Can I Save Money When Moving?
At MPs New York, we aim to give every customer a fair, competitive price and an honest estimate. Our approach is straightforward: show up when we said we would, treat your belongings with care, and deliver on schedule. You always know what is happening, whether you add packing and unpacking or simply have us handle the heavy lifting.
We also know budgets are tight for a lot of people. If you have a move coming up, these steps can lower the bill while still getting you the benefits of a professional crew.
Five Ways to Lower Your Moving Costs
- Step 1
Get rid of what you don't use
Every item you skip moving is time and weight you are not paying for. Sell, donate or recycle anything you have not touched in a year. This matters even more on a long-distance move, where shipping a worn-out sofa can cost more than buying a new one at the other end.
- Step 2
Stop grocery shopping
Two to three weeks before moving day, start cooking down the fridge, freezer and pantry. You save on food and avoid hauling heavy cases of cans and jars, which can weigh as much as a box of books. Unopened items you cannot finish can go to a neighborhood food pantry.
- Step 3
Source your packing supplies
If you plan to pack yourself, gather boxes from friends, local shops or online marketplaces, and use towels, blankets and clothing as padding. Reusable plastic bins are another option that saves you from buying and recycling cardboard. If time is short, our packing services can take the whole job off your plate.
- Step 4
Pack a necessities bag
Set aside one bag or suitcase with medications, toiletries, chargers, towels, a change of clothes and anything you use daily. It keeps you from buying duplicates in the first few days and gives you a safe spot for small valuables during the move.
- Step 5
Move during an off time
Demand peaks from late spring through summer, so prices and availability tighten between May and August. If you can move in the colder months, and on a weekday instead of a weekend, you will usually pay less.
Hourly or Flat Rate?
Hourly billing is not your only choice. A flat-fee move sets your price before moving day, so a slow elevator or a traffic jam on the bridge does not change what you pay. For many apartment moves, that predictability ends up cheaper and far less stressful.
When you are ready for a competitive quote on an upcoming move, reach out to MPs New York. Our local movers cover Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens and beyond.
Find Out What Your Move Will Cost
Get a written estimate from MPs New York, hourly or flat rate, based on your actual inventory and building details.