Local moves: how they are priced
The Massachusetts DPU regulates companies that move household goods within the state. Mass.gov says movers must file their rates with the DPU and may not charge more or less than the rates on file. Those filed rates are called tariffs, and you can look them up.
Most local moves are billed by the hour. Mass.gov says that an hourly move is also charged travel time, based on the distance from where the mover loads to where it unloads, on top of the time the move takes. Packing, supplies and extra services are added.
| Tariff | What it shows |
|---|---|
| Posted October 2024 | 2 movers and 1 truck: $125 an hour. 3 movers and 1 truck: $165. 4 movers and 1 truck: $205. 4 movers and 2 trucks: $225. Boxes from $4.50 to $15 each. |
| Posted April 2022 | Rates for 3 movers and a truck change by month and by day type (off peak, peak, prime peak): from $110 an hour on off-peak winter days to $225 on peak days in August and September, and higher on prime peak days. A 2-hour minimum, with standard travel time of 1 hour, longer for distances over 25 miles. |
Each mover files its own tariff, so rates differ. Read the tariff of any mover you consider. The state list is on Mass.gov.
Massachusetts licensing and your rights
- Look for a DPU certificate number. Mass.gov says all household moving companies in Massachusetts must be licensed by the DPU, and that you should make sure the company has an up-to-date certificate number. Check the company on the state list.
- Get the bill of lading. It is the contract. It should show the company name, address, DPU license number and phone, your address, dates and the declared value. Read both sides before you sign.
- Know the liability limit. Many movers offer a base rate that limits what they pay to 60 cents per pound per article. Ask about more coverage, and about items of special value.
- Complaints. Talk to the mover first, then the DPU, which must investigate written complaints. The DPU does not regulate storage. For storage issues, Mass.gov points to the Office of Public Safety and Inspections.
Estimate types
Mass.gov says a written estimate from a representative who comes to your home is one of your best protections against overcharges. Phone or email estimates are non-binding. An estimate is not a bid or a contract, and the lowest estimate does not assure the lowest cost. The final price is based on the hourly rate, the amount of packing done and any extra services.
For moves between states, federal rules apply. The FMCSA’s booklet (49 CFR Part 375, Appendix A) explains:
| Estimate | What it means |
|---|---|
| Binding | A written agreement made in advance that guarantees the total, based on the items and services listed. You cannot be required to pay more at delivery. If you add items or services, the mover must prepare a new estimate. |
| Non-binding | The mover’s best guess, based on estimated weight and services. The final charge is based on actual weight and services, but at delivery the mover cannot require you to pay more than 110% of the non-binding estimate. |
Federal rules also say movers must give you a written estimate, the “Ready to Move” brochure, information about their arbitration program, notice of how to see their tariff, the claims process and the rights booklet.
Long-distance moves
We could not find an official average cost for long-distance moves from the FMCSA, the American Trucking Associations’ moving group or Mass.gov, so we do not print one. Interstate moves are priced by weight and services, and by distance, so one number would mislead you.
- Interstate movers need a U.S. DOT number. FMCSA runs a mover search tool that lists registered interstate movers and their complaint history. FMCSA’s number for questions is (888) 368-7238.
- Get written estimates from several movers based on an in-person inspection of your belongings.
- Do not choose only by price. FMCSA warns that the lowest price can mean other things, such as safety and on-time delivery, suffer.
Storage costs
Self-storage prices vary a lot by town and by building. RentCafe’s Massachusetts listings (undated, so check current prices) showed these ranges per month:
| Unit size | Monthly range in MA listings |
|---|---|
| 5x5 | $49 to $206 |
| 10x10 | $87 to $407 |
| 10x20 | $107 to $728 |
Cities close to Boston cost more, and climate control and drive-up access raise the price. Read the contract for the first-month deal, rate increases, insurance and the lien terms. Moving companies also offer storage, but the DPU does not regulate storage, so read that contract with care. If you rent a unit to declutter for a sale, see declutter and clean before selling.
Moving scams and red flags
FMCSA lists these warning signs (use them for any move):
- The mover gives an estimate over the phone or online without seeing your belongings.
- The mover will not give a written estimate, or says the price will be set after loading.
- The company demands cash or a big deposit before the move.
- The mover asks you to sign blank documents.
- The website has no local address and no information about registration or insurance.
- The phone is answered with “Movers” or “Moving Company” instead of a company name.
- A rental truck shows up on moving day instead of a marked company truck.
- The mover says you have more belongings than estimated.
Before you book, check the company on the Massachusetts DPU list, or for interstate moves in FMCSA’s mover search. Read reviews from more than one source, and never hand over your only copy of anything valuable.
Timing and cheaper months
We did not find an official source on the cheapest months to move. What we did find is that at least one DPU-filed tariff charges more in summer and on peak days, with the highest rates in August and September and the lowest in winter. Other movers set their own rates, so ask each one if prices depend on the month, the day or the end of the month.
If you are also selling, your moving date follows your closing date. A closing date that fits your move, or a rent-back after the sale, can give you flexibility. See how long it takes to sell a house in Massachusetts. If you are an older adult moving to a smaller place, see the downsizing guide and senior move managers.