How Much Will It Cost to Hire Movers in Dover, DE
Planning a move in Dover, Delaware? One of the first questions on your mind is probably: How much does it cost to hire a moving company? Whether you're relocating within Dover, moving across the country, or handling a military PCS move, understanding moving costs helps you budget effectively and choose the right services for your needs.
At Stewart Moving & Storage in Dover, we believe in transparent pricing and helping our customers make informed decisions. After serving Dover families for years, we understand the moving needs of our community—from military families stationed at Dover Air Force Base to families drawn to Delaware's capital city for its rich history and convenient East Coast location.
Let's break down exactly how much it costs for a moving company in Dover, DE, so you can plan your move with confidence!
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Moving Company in Dover, DE?
How much it costs to move varies significantly based on several factors, but here are the typical ranges you can expect in the Dover area:
Local Moving Costs Within Dover
For moves within Dover or to nearby Delaware communities, most moving companies charge by the hour plus additional fees. Below, we break down exactly how much it costs to move locally.
Typical Local Moving Rates in Dover:
| Service | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| 2 Movers + Truck | $160-262/hour |
| 3 Movers + Truck | $220-355/hour |
| 4 Movers + Truck | $280-535hour |
| Travel Time | $80-$400 (one-way) |
| Minimum Hours | 4 hours+ travel charge |
Common Local Move Scenarios:
- 1-bedroom apartment: $1,100-$1,600
- 2-bedroom home: $1400-$1,800
- 3-bedroom home: $1750-$2200
- 4+ bedroom home: $2300-$2,800+
Note: These ranges include typical packing time for customer-packed boxes. Stewart Moving & Storage also offers full-service packing options.
Long-Distance Moving Costs
How much does it cost to move states from Dover? Long-distance moves are typically priced based on weight and distance rather than hourly rates.
Popular Routes from Dover:
| Destination | Distance | Estimated Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia, PA | 95 miles | $2,200-$4,500 |
| Baltimore, MD | 90 miles | $2,200-$4,500 |
| Washington, DC | 120 miles | $2,300-$4,800 |
| Richmond, VA | 180 miles | $2,800-$5,000 |
| New York City, NY | 140 miles | $3,500-$5,200 |
| Atlanta, GA | 500 miles | $3,800-$6,500 |
| Charlotte, NC | 400 miles | $3,400-$5,500 |
Costs based on 2-bedroom homes (about 5,000 lbs.)
Cross-Country Moving Costs
When researching how much it would cost to hire movers for a coast-to-coast relocation, expect higher costs due to distance and logistics complexity.
Cross-Country Moving Estimates:
| Home Size | Weight Range | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| 1-Bedroom | 2,500-4,000 lbs | $3,500-$7,300 |
| 2-Bedroom | 5,000-8,000 lbs | $6,500-$14,500 |
| 3-Bedroom | 8,000-12,000 lbs | $10,500-$14,500 |
| 4+ Bedroom | 12,000+ lbs | $13,000-$21,000+ |
Popular Cross-Country Destinations:
- Dover to Los Angeles: $7,000-$10,000
- Dover to Phoenix: $6,500-$9,500
- Dover to Denver: $5,200-$,800
- Dover to Seattle: $8,200-$11,500
Military and PCS Moving Costs
Dover's proximity to Dover Air Force Base means many of our customers are military families with unique moving needs.
Military Moving Options:
- Government-funded PCS moves: Covered by your branch of service
- Personally Procured Moves (PPMs): You can potentially profit from doing it yourself
- Partial military moves: A combination of government and personal moving
Stewart Moving & Storage Military Services:
- Moving company with stellar CSS scores
- Experienced with military timelines and requirements
- DOD-approved storage solutions for deployment gaps
- Understanding of military family needs
Stewart Moving & Storage began as a military moving company, and we’re proud to continue serving those who serve our country. Contact us for specific military moving quotes based on your orders and allowances.
Moving Routes from Dover to Other U.S. Cities
Dover's central East Coast location provides convenient access to major metropolitan areas. Here are some popular moving routes and what affects pricing:
Regional Moves (Under 300 miles):
| Destination | Distance | Move Time |
|---|---|---|
| Baltimore, MD | 90 miles | Same or next day delivery |
| Philadelphia, PA | 95 miles | Same or next day delivery |
| Washington, DC | 120 miles | Same or next day delivery |
| Richmond, VA | 180 miles | 1-2 day delivery |
| Virginia Beach, VA | 220 miles | 1-2 day delivery |
Mid-Distance Moves (300-800 miles):
| Destination | Distance | Move Time |
|---|---|---|
| Raleigh, NC | 350 miles | 2-4 day delivery |
| Atlanta, GA | 500 miles | 3-5 day delivery |
| Jacksonville, FL | 560 miles | 4-6 day delivery |
| Pittsburgh, PA | 350 miles | 2-4 day delivery |
Long-Distance Moves (800+ miles):
| Destination | Distance | Move Time |
|---|---|---|
| Chicago, IL | 700 miles | 5-7 day delivery |
| Miami, FL | 950 miles | 6-10 day delivery |
| Houston, TX | 1,300 miles | 7-10 day delivery |
| Denver, CO | 1,700 miles | 8-11 day delivery |
Factors affecting route pricing:
- Fuel costs and tolls along the route
- Seasonal demand (summer is typically more expensive)
- Day of the week (weekends may cost more due to higher demand)
- Accessibility at both locations, including stairs and parking access
Factors That Affect the Cost of Movers in Dover, DE
Understanding what influences how much it costs for movers to move your belongings helps you budget accurately and potentially save money.
Distance and Location
- Local moves: Charged hourly
- Long-distance: Charged by weight and distance
- Rural vs. urban destinations affect accessibility
Home Size and Inventory
- More belongings = higher weight = higher cost
- Room count is a general indicator, but actual inventory matters more
- Large furniture and appliances add weight quickly
Services Requested
- Basic moving only: Load, transport, unload
- Partial packing: Kitchen, fragile items, last-minute items
- Full packing service: Everything packed professionally
- Unpacking services: Saves time but adds cost
- Storage services: Temporary or long-term solutions
Timing Factors
- Peak season (May-September): 20-40% higher costs
- End/beginning of month: Higher demand, higher prices
- Weekends: Premium rates often apply
- Holiday periods: Limited availability drives up cost
Special Circumstances
- Stairs or elevator access: May add $100-$300
- Long carry distances: From truck to door
- Specialty items: Pianos, safes, artwork, antiques
- Packing materials: Boxes, tape, bubble wrap, etc.
Coverage and Protection
- Basic valuation coverage (60¢/lb) is included
- Full-value protection costs extra but provides better coverage
How to Save Money When Hiring Movers in Dover
Wondering how much it should cost to move and looking for ways to reduce expenses? Here are proven strategies:
Timing Your Move
- Move during off-peak seasons (October-April)
- Choose mid-month dates when possible
- Schedule weekday moves to avoid weekend premiums
- Book early for better rates and availability
Reduce Moving Weight
- Declutter ruthlessly before getting estimates
- Sell or donate heavy items that would cost too much to move
- Use up consumables (cleaning supplies, pantry items)
- Consider what's worth moving vs. buying new
DIY Some Services
- Pack yourself to save on labor costs
- Handle small/valuable items personally
- Disassemble furniture if you're handy
Get Multiple Quotes
- Compare at least 3 estimates from licensed movers
- Ensure quotes include the same services
- Ask about discounts (military, senior, student)
- Read the fine print for added fees and beware of suspiciously low quotes
Smart Packing Strategies
- Pack heavy items in small boxes
- Use clothes and linens as padding
- Label clearly to speed up the process
- Pack a "survival kit" for immediate needs
More Money-Saving Tips from Stewart Moving & Storage:
- Ask about our current promotions and discounts
- Consider partial packing services for just fragile items
- Bundle moving and storage services for better rates
- Take advantage of our
free estimate service
FAQs About Moving Costs in Dover, DE
What do most movers in Dover charge?
Most Dover moving companies charge $120-$150 per hour for local moves with 2 movers and a truck, with 3-4 hour minimums common. Long-distance moves are typically priced at $1.00-$1.50 per pound plus additional fees. At Stewart Moving & Storage, we provide detailed, transparent estimates that break down all costs so you know exactly what you're paying for.
How much is it to hire movers for a 2-bedroom house in Dover?
A 2-bedroom home typically costs $1,400-$1,800 for local Dover moves, or $2,200-$5,500+ for long-distance relocations, depending on destination. The final cost depends on actual belongings, services needed, and timing. We recommend an in-home estimate for accurate pricing.
How much is it to hire a moving company for a 1-bedroom apartment?
A typical 1-bedroom apartment move in Dover costs $1,100-$1,600 locally, or $3,500-$7,300+ for long-distance moves. Factors affecting cost include the amount of belongings, stairs, distance, and services needed. Studio apartments may cost slightly less, while furnished 1-bedrooms with lots of belongings may cost more.
Can I negotiate the price with moving companies in Dover, DE?
While base rates are typically standardized, there may be room for negotiation on timing, services, or bundled packages. The best approach is getting multiple detailed estimates and asking about available discounts (military, senior, off-peak). Stewart Moving & Storage offers competitive pricing upfront and various money-saving options rather than inflated prices that require negotiation.
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