How Much it Costs to Move in 2025 with House Beautiful

When House Beautiful reached out to ask how much movers really cost in New York City, we weren’t surprised. It’s one of the hardest questions to answer.

There’s a lot of generic pricing advice online, but New York moves follow their own rules. The walk-ups, tight corners, elevator schedules, and parking restrictions here can make “average” national numbers feel like fiction. Below, we’re expanding on a few points from the article with insight from our crews who move New Yorkers every day.

Below, we expand on the House Beautiful feature with insight from our crews who move apartments, brownstones, and offices across the city every week.

A Few Quick Truths About Moving Costs in NYC

• There’s no single price. Each building, block, and date can change the estimate.

• Flat-rate pricing offers more predictability than hourly quotes that can stretch with traffic or elevator delays.

• Timing matters. End-of-month and summer weekends are the busiest and priciest time to move.

• Preparation pays off. Decluttering, labeling boxes, and confirming COI details ahead of time keep things efficient.

• The most accurate answer to how much movers cost in NYC is always a custom quote based on your inventory and access.

Why National Moving Cost Averages Don’t Translate Here

Most moving cost calculators lump New York in with the rest of the country. But few cities require movers to navigate fifth-floor walk-ups, freight-only elevators, or “no standing” zones that limit loading to ten minutes.

A move that would take two hours elsewhere can easily take five in Manhattan or Brooklyn. That doesn’t mean movers are slow. The city adds layers of logistics. That’s why we tell clients not to compare their quote to national averages. Local factors, like access, traffic, and costs of doing business, greatly impact the rate.

What Makes NYC Moves Unique

New York is built vertically, which changes everything about how movers work. A few details that rarely show up in national guides but matter here:

• Freight elevator reservations. Many buildings restrict moving hours to weekdays or midday windows.

• Street access. Even a few extra feet between the truck and your building adds time for every item.

• Walk-ups. Fifth-floor apartments take longer, not just because of stairs but because movers carry smaller loads for safety.

• Building staff coordination. Supers often need advance notice for COIs or floor protection.

• Tipping. Guidelines for tipping movers are often different in NYC vs. smaller cities.

Each of these factors can shift your timeline and quote, which is why the best NYC moving companies build estimates around your actual apartment, not a generic checklist.

Tips From the Field: How to Keep Costs Down and Moves Smooth

After years of moving New Yorkers, a few habits consistently make the difference between an easy move and an expensive one.

1. Confirm building details early.
Ask your super or property manager about freight elevator windows, COI requirements, and parking rules before move day. Knowing the schedule saves time — and last-minute fees.

2. Label boxes by room.
Instead of “miscellaneous,” write Kitchen – pantry or Bedroom – dresser drawers. It helps the crew unload faster and keeps things organized in your new space.

3. Pack for efficiency.
Use sturdy boxes that stack evenly. Don’t overload large ones with books. If time is short, professional packing services or reusable bins can make a big difference.

4. Clear paths before the crew arrives.
Remove artwork, plants, and rugs from hallways. Every obstacle adds seconds — and seconds add up quickly in a city move.

5. Be realistic about timing.
Elevators, traffic, and narrow streets are part of the job. A five-hour estimate isn’t padded; it’s practical.

6. Communicate changes right away.
If your access changes or you add furniture, tell your movers as soon as possible. Adjusting in advance is easier (and cheaper) than re-quoting on moving day.

7. Keep essentials separate.
Collect items you’ll need in your first 24 hours in the new place and put them in a carry-on or backpack that you move yourself. Once the movers are gone, you won’t waste time looking for that thing you need.

Why Transparent Pricing Matters

New York has plenty of moving companies, and not all quote the same way. The lowest price isn’t always the best deal if it comes with vague terms or hidden add-ons.

We offer flat-rate pricing so clients could see exactly what they’re paying for before move day — no hourly guessing, no math mid-move, just one clear number based on real details. Transparency isn’t a slogan; it’s how we avoid surprises on both sides. For smaller or more unpredictable services, hourly pricing is also available.

You can read more about our approach.

The Bottom Line

“How much do movers cost in NYC?” depends on your building, timing, and what kind of move you want.
A fair quote should be detailed, transparent, and specific to your space — not pulled from an average.

If you’re comparing options, look for clarity and communication, not just the lowest number.