Hiring Reliable Moving Help

Your moving day is approaching. The boxes, furniture, and belongings are ready to go, but they aren’t going to move themselves. Enlisting friends and family may be your first thought, but hiring professional moving help like the team at Joey’s Movers may be a better idea. Doing so can make all the difference between a stressful process and a smooth, worry-free transition to your new home.

The Pain of Recruiting Friends and Family

We’ve all been there—we’ve promised pizza and beer to friends in exchange for a Saturday of packing, heavy lifting, and unpacking. While it sounds like a good idea at first, experience shows that this approach can lead to frustration, potential injuries, damaged belongings, and strained relationships. On top of that, your move will probably take longer than you thought it would.

Why Professional Moving Help Makes Sense

Hiring moving help may seem like a lot of money, but it’s well worth it. Having pros do the job transforms your experience in several ways:

• Professional movers bring experience, proper equipment, and efficient techniques
• Your belongings are handled by trained individuals who know how to navigate tight spaces
• The physical burden is shifted from you and your loved ones to paid professionals
• Your timeline becomes more predictable and manageable
• Moving professionals have liability coverage that provides peace of mind for valuable or fragile items

Need the pros to help move? Give us a call at (847) 674-7779 or request a free online quote!

Understanding Your Options

Today’s moving assistance market offers various service levels to fit different needs and budgets:

• Full-service movers: Handle everything from packing to unpacking
• Labor-only moving help: Provides the muscle for loading and unloading
• Moving help by the hour: Offers flexibility for smaller moves or partial assistance
• Specialty movers: Focus is on challenging items like pianos or artwork

How to Find Moving Help by the Hour

Sometimes, you just need flexible, affordable assistance rather than a comprehensive moving package. When this is the case, hourly moving help is the perfect solution.

Top Platforms for Hiring Hourly Moving Helpers

There are several reliable services that connect consumers with vetted moving professionals:

Joey’s Movers offers professional, background-checked movers available by the hour, with transparent pricing and flexible scheduling options. Our team specializes in providing reliable moving helpers for jobs of all sizes, from apartment moves to single-item relocations.

Other options include:

• TaskRabbit: Connects you with local “Taskers” for moving assistance
• U-Haul Moving Help: Partners with local moving companies offering labor services
• HireAHelper: A great source for local moving labor providers with verified reviews

Independent vs. Full-Service Moving Companies

There’s a significant difference between hiring independent movers and full-service companies, and knowing what it is will help set proper expectations:

When Hourly Help Makes the Most Sense

Consider hiring moving help by the hour when:

• You’re moving locally and can provide or rent transportation
• Your move is relatively small (studio or one-bedroom apartment)
• You’ve already handled packing but need help with the heavy lifting
• You’re on a tight budget and want to minimize costs
• You need assistance with just a portion of your move (loading or unloading only)

How Much Should You Pay Someone That Helps You Move?

Understanding market rates will help you budget appropriately and pay a fair amount while increasing your chance of receiving quality service. Give us a call for rates at (847) 674-7779, or request a free online quote!

Average Hourly Rates for Moving Helpers

Rates vary based on location and service level:

• Urban areas: $25-40 per helper per hour
• Suburban/rural areas: $20-35 per helper per hour
• Specialty moving (pianos, art, antiques): $50-100 per hour
• Full moving crews (3-4 people): $75-150 per hour total

Joey’s Movers offers competitive rates with transparent pricing and no hidden fees.

Factors Affecting Moving Help Costs

Several variables influence what you’ll ultimately pay:

• Location: Major metropolitan areas command higher rates
• Timing: Weekend and end-of-month moves typically cost more
• Access challenges: Stairs, elevators, long carries, or narrow hallways may incur additional fees
• Item complexity: Heavy, awkward, or fragile items require special handling
• Season: Summer months (peak moving season) generally see higher rates
• Additional services: Packing, furniture disassembly/assembly, or disposal services

Tipping Guidelines for Moving Helpers

While not mandatory, tipping is the best way to recognize excellent service. We suggest tips range from $20-$100 per mover. Tipping for half-day or full day’s work? Here’s a comprehensive tipping guide to take the guesswork away.

Can You Get People to Help You Move?

Trying to decide between hiring professional help versus recruiting friends and family? Consider the following important factors:

Professional Services vs. Personal Connections

While friends will work for free (or pizza and beer), hiring professional help moving out offers distinct advantages:

• Reliable scheduling without last-minute cancellations
• Proper equipment and techniques to prevent injuries and damage
• Experience navigating tight spaces and protecting property
• Insurance coverage for accidents or damages
• No social obligation, relationship strain, or drama

The True Cost of “Free” Help

When friends help you move, the hidden costs include:

• Potential for damaged items without financial recourse
• Risk of injuries and associated guilt
• Extended timelines due to inexperience
• Having to return the favor later
• Providing food and drinks

When to Choose Professional Help

Consider hiring professional movers and helpers when:

• You have valuable or sentimental items that require meticulous handling
• You’re moving heavy furniture or appliances
• There are stairs, tight doorways and hallways, or other obstacles that complicate the process
• You’re moving during inclement weather
• You have a firm deadline for completing your move
• Your friends have helped with previous moves, and it’s time to give them a break

Can You Hire Someone to Help You Move Heavy Items?

Moving heavy or awkward items presents unique challenges requiring specialized expertise.

Finding Specialists for Heavy-Duty Moving

When you need help moving heavy items like pianos, gun safes, or large appliances, look for:

• Moving companies that advertise specialty item expertise
• Movers who promote having appropriate equipment (piano boards, appliance dollies, stair climbers)
• Companies with positive reviews that specifically mention heavy item moves
• Companies offering appropriate insurance coverage for high-value items

Joey’s Movers specializes in heavy item relocations. Our trained teams use proper equipment and have experience in moving even the most challenging pieces.

Essential Equipment for Heavy Item Moving

Professional moving helpers bring specialized tools:

• Forearm lifting straps
• Shoulder dollies
• Appliance dollies with stair-climbing features
• Furniture sliders
• Moving blankets and protective wrapping
• Ratchet straps for securing items

Questions to Ask Before Hiring Heavy Item Specialists

Before booking moving help for heavy items, ask:

1. Have you moved similar items before?
2. What equipment will you bring for this specific item?
3. Does your insurance cover the full value of this item?
4. How many movers will you bring for this job?
5. What’s your plan for working around the specific obstacles in my home?

How to Find Someone to Help You Move

Finding reliable moving assistance requires research and careful vetting.

Using Moving Platforms Effectively

Modern moving platforms streamline the hiring process:

1. Enter your moving details (dates, locations, inventory)
2. Review instant quotes from multiple providers
3. Check ratings and reviews from previous customers
4. Communicate directly with moving helpers to clarify details
5. Book and confirm your reservation online
6. Pay securely through the platform

Essential Pre-Hiring Research

Before committing to any moving helper:

• Verify proper licensing and insurance coverage
• Check for complaints with the Better Business Bureau
• Read reviews across multiple platforms (Google, Yelp, neighborhood pages)
• Ask for references for similar moves
• Confirm availability and booking terms

Questions to Ask Potential Moving Helpers

During your screening process, ask:

1. How long have you been providing moving services?
2. Are you licensed and insured?
3. What happens if something is damaged during the move?
4. Do you provide any guarantees on time or service quality?
5. What additional fees might apply to my specific move?

Comparing Moving Help vs. Full-Service Movers

Understanding the difference between labor-only and comprehensive services helps you choose wisely.

When Labor-Only Services Make Sense

Choose moving help when:

• You’re moving locally and can handle managing the transportation 
• Your budget is limited
• You’ve already packed and organized your belongings
• You want more control over the moving process
• You only need help with specific aspects of your move

When Full-Service Is Worth the Investment

Consider full-service movers when:

• You’re moving long-distance
• You don’t have time to manage the moving process
• You own a lot of valuable or fragile items
• You prefer a hands-off approach to moving
• You have the budget for comprehensive service

Understanding What’s Included

Tips to Save Money When Hiring Moving Help

Smart planning can significantly reduce your moving costs without sacrificing quality.

Strategic Timing

• Book mid-month moves (The 1stof the month and between the15th and 30th are peak times)
• Schedule a weekday move instead of a weekend
• Book during the off-season (October-April) when possible
• Reserve help at least 2-4 weeks in advance for better rates

DIY Preparation to Reduce Hours Needed

• Pack all boxes before the movers arrive
• If you can, disassemble the furniture yourself
• Clear pathways and organize items 
• Label boxes clearly with the room they’re to be unloaded in to speed up the process
• Have an inventory and floor plan ready

Cost-Sharing Opportunities

• See whether neighbors are moving around at the same time so you can consolidate. 
• Share transportation costs with friends moving to nearby locations
• Split moving helper costs for shared household items
• Organize a “moving train” where helpers move multiple clients in the same building

Finding Moving Help Doesn’t Have to Be Complicated

Finding reliable moving help doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. By carefully evaluating your needs, researching your options, and being strategic, you can get professional help that transforms moving day from an ordeal into a manageable process.

Whether you need full-service moving support or just a few hours of help with heavy lifting, there’s a solution for every situation and budget. Start your research early, ask the right questions, and set clear expectations with whoever you choose to get the best results.

For professional, reliable moving help tailored to your needs, contact Joey’s Movers. Our experienced teams provide flexible assistance for moves of all sizes, from single-item relocations to full household moves. Call us today at (847) 674-7779 or get a free online quote to experience the difference professional moving help can make.

Photo by Burst