Labor Only Moving Company: When to Use and Cost Guide

Moving day often brings a familiar dilemma: you have the truck, the boxes, and the friends who promised to help, but the heavy lifting is still a concern. Hiring a full-service moving company can be expensive, while a DIY move risks injury or damage to your belongings. This is where a labor only moving company steps in. These services provide professional crews to load, unload, and arrange your items, leaving you to handle the truck rental and logistics. Understanding when to use this option and what it costs can save you hundreds of dollars while ensuring your move stays on schedule.

In this guide, we break down the scenarios where labor only moving companies shine, the typical pricing structures, and how to choose a reliable crew. Whether you are moving across town or into a walk-up apartment, knowing your options helps you plan a smooth home relocation without overspending.

What Is a Labor Only Moving Company?

A labor only moving company supplies trained movers who handle the physical work of a move, but not the transportation. You rent the truck, provide the packing materials, and drive the vehicle yourself. The crew arrives at your location, loads your belongings, and then meets you at the new home to unload and place items where you want them.

This model separates the cost of labor from the cost of the truck. It is ideal for people who already have access to a vehicle or who want to save money by not paying for a full-service moving package. Moving labor services typically charge by the hour, and you pay only for the time the crew works.

When Should You Use a Labor Only Moving Company?

Labor only moving is not right for every situation, but it works exceptionally well in several common scenarios. Below are the most practical use cases.

You Already Have a Truck or Trailer

If you own a pickup truck, have access to a friend’s van, or can rent a moving truck at a low rate, adding professional movers for the heavy lifting makes financial sense. Renting a 26-foot truck might cost $80 for a day, while a full-service mover could charge $500 or more for the same distance. By combining a cheap truck rental with hourly moving labor, you get the best of both worlds: professional handling and a lower total cost.

You Are Moving Within the Same City

Local moves of under 50 miles are the sweet spot for labor only companies. Since you do not pay for travel time or fuel surcharges, the hourly rate remains predictable. A two-bedroom apartment load can often be completed in three to four hours with a two-person crew, keeping the bill under $400 in many markets.

You Need Help With a Partial Move

Sometimes you only need assistance with the largest items: a piano, a sectional sofa, or a heavy safe. Labor only movers can handle these specific tasks without requiring a full truck and crew. You can also hire them to load a storage unit or unload a POD container that has been delivered to your driveway.

You Have Flexible Timing

Because you control the truck rental, you can schedule the movers around your availability. This flexibility is valuable for renters who must vacate by a certain date but cannot take a full day off work. You can load the truck one evening and unload the next morning, paying for only the hours the crew works each session.

How Much Does a Labor Only Moving Company Cost?

Pricing for moving labor services varies by location, crew size, and the complexity of the job. However, a general range is $50 to $100 per mover per hour. A standard two-person crew will cost between $100 and $200 per hour. Most companies require a minimum of two hours, and some charge a travel fee if your location is far from their base.

The table below outlines typical costs for common move sizes.

• Studio or one-bedroom apartment: 2 movers for 2-3 hours, total $200 to $450.
• Two-bedroom home: 3 movers for 3-4 hours, total $450 to $800.
• Three-bedroom house: 4 movers for 4-6 hours, total $800 to $1,600.
• Partial load or single item: 2 movers for 1-2 hours, total $100 to $300.

Keep in mind that peak moving season (May through September) often comes with higher rates and minimum hour requirements. Booking on a weekday or during the off-season can reduce your costs by 10 to 20 percent.

What Is Typically Included in Moving Labor Services?

When you hire a labor only moving company, the crew’s responsibilities usually include:

• Loading your pre-packed boxes, furniture, and appliances onto the truck.
• Using protective pads, straps, and dollies to prevent damage.
• Unloading at the destination and placing items in designated rooms.
• Basic reassembly of furniture such as bed frames or table legs.

Most companies do not provide packing materials or pack your belongings. They also do not drive the truck or cover any damage that occurs during transit, because they are not responsible for the vehicle. If you want packing assistance, some labor only companies offer that as an add-on service for an additional fee.

Comparing Labor Only vs. Full-Service Moving

Full-service movers handle everything: packing, loading, transportation, and unloading. They provide the truck, fuel, insurance, and often storage options. The convenience is high, but the price tag is significantly higher. A full-service local move for a two-bedroom apartment can cost $800 to $1,500, while the same move with a labor only crew and a rental truck might cost $300 to $600.

On the other hand, labor only moving requires you to manage the truck rental, drive the vehicle, and handle all packing. If you are not comfortable driving a large truck or you have a long-distance move, full-service may be the safer choice. For local moves where you can handle the driving, labor only is almost always the more affordable route.

How to Choose a Reliable Labor Only Moving Company

Not all moving labor services are created equal. Follow these steps to find a trustworthy crew.

1. Read online reviews on Google, Yelp, and the Better Business Bureau. Look for consistent praise about punctuality, careful handling, and clear communication.
2. Ask about insurance. A reputable company carries liability and workers’ compensation insurance. This protects you if a mover is injured on your property or if your items are damaged during loading.
3. Get a written estimate. The estimate should include the hourly rate, number of movers, travel fees, and any minimum hours. Avoid companies that give vague quotes over the phone without asking about your inventory.
4. Confirm the crew’s experience. Ask how long the company has been in business and whether the movers are employees or subcontractors. Employees are typically better trained and vetted.
5. Check for hidden fees. Some companies charge extra for stairs, long carries, or moving heavy items like pianos or safes. Clarify these costs before booking.

For more guidance on evaluating moving companies, read our article on how to read and trust moving company reviews. It explains which review patterns signal reliability and which ones should raise red flags.

Tips to Save Money on Labor Only Moving

Even though labor only moving is already cheaper than full-service, you can reduce your costs further with a few strategies.

• Pack everything before the crew arrives. If the movers have to wait while you pack a box or disassemble furniture, you pay for that idle time.
• Disassemble large furniture yourself. Removing bed frames, table legs, and shelving units before the movers arrive saves time and reduces the hourly bill.
• Clear pathways. Move small items out of hallways and doorways so the crew can walk through without obstacles.
• Book during off-peak hours. Early morning, weekdays, and mid-month dates often have lower rates than weekends and the first or last day of the month.
• Provide your own moving supplies. Have boxes, tape, markers, and padding ready so the crew can focus on lifting.

Each of these steps can shave 30 to 60 minutes off the total time, which translates directly into savings at the hourly rate.

What to Ask Before Hiring a Labor Only Moving Company

Before you confirm a booking, call the company and ask these specific questions.

• What is your hourly rate per mover, and is there a minimum number of hours?
• Do you charge a travel fee or a fuel surcharge?
• What forms of payment do you accept? (Cash, credit card, check)
• Will the same crew who loads the truck also unload it?
• Do you provide furniture pads and dollies, or do I need to rent them?
• What happens if the job takes longer than estimated?

Getting clear answers to these questions prevents surprises on moving day. A reputable company will answer them openly and provide a written contract that includes all fees.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is labor only moving cheaper than full-service moving?

Yes, in most cases. You save money by renting the truck yourself and not paying for the mover’s transportation costs. For a local two-bedroom move, labor only can be 40 to 60 percent less expensive than full-service.

Do labor only movers drive the truck?

No. Labor only movers do not drive the truck or provide a vehicle. You are responsible for renting, fueling, and driving the truck yourself. The crew only handles loading and unloading.

Can I hire labor only movers for a long-distance move?

You can, but it is less common. You would need to drive the truck over a long distance, which is tiring and may require multiple days. For moves over 200 miles, full-service movers are usually a better option because they handle the driving and logistics.

How far in advance should I book labor only movers?

Book at least two to three weeks in advance during peak season (May to September). For off-peak moves, one week is usually enough. Popular companies book up quickly, so early reservations give you more choices.

What if my items get damaged during loading?

Reputable labor only companies carry liability insurance that covers damage caused by their crew. Ask for proof of insurance before hiring. Note that damage during transit (while the truck is moving) is your responsibility or your truck rental insurance’s responsibility.

Final Thoughts on Hiring a Labor Only Moving Company

Choosing a labor only moving company is a smart middle ground between a stressful DIY move and an expensive full-service relocation. It gives you control over the truck and schedule while providing professional muscle for the hardest part of the job. By understanding the cost structure, knowing what to ask, and preparing ahead of time, you can keep your move efficient and affordable. Whether you are moving a studio apartment or a three-bedroom house, this approach puts you in the driver’s seat, both literally and financially.