Hire Movers in Boston, MA

Local Full-Service vs. Labor-Only: Which Is Right for You?

Wondering which moving service is best for you? We've broken it down so you can find what works for your needs and budget.

Read more about HireAHelper's Moving Services

The Cost of Moving Services in Boston, MA

Give yourself a break from all the planning and heavy lifting. Full-service moving includes the truck, a professional moving team, and optional packing services — worth it if you want your move to be as easy as possible.

If you have a rental truck or portable storage container and just need muscle for loading and unloading, labor-only movers are the way to go. It's a cost-effective way to DIY your move without breaking into a sweat or your savings account.

Check out the comparisons below:

Average Moving Costs in Boston, MA

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The Cost of Labor-Only Movers in Boston

As a Bostonian, you know the streets better than any GPS could. Why not handle the driving and let labor-only movers handle the loading and unloading? They’ll pack all your stuff into a storage container too. At an average cost of $89.58 per hour, labor-only movers are the savvy choice — big help at a smaller price!

Stretch your dollar further by moving during January when hourly labor rates and demand take a nose-dive. Even better, schedule your move on a Sunday to snag the best rates on local moving services in our marketplace.

Labor-only pricing:

The Cost of a Local Full-Service Move in Boston

Full-service moving in Boston is the best of all worlds. Your movers load, drive, and unload — and for an extra fee can even pack and unpack all your stuff. This service costs more than labor only, averaging $1,059.10.

Want to save a few bucks and skip peak times on the Pike? A little timing know-how goes a long way. Move in January or on Sundays, when rates are easier on the wallet.

Full-service pricing:

Moving Services in Boston

How Full-Service Moving With HireAHelper Works

After booking online with HireAHelper, your movers will handle every aspect of moving day so you don’t have to lift a finger. Your moving company will take care of loading, transportation, and unloading at your destination. Want even more support? Many full-service movers offer optional packing and unpacking services to help you settle in faster.

Full-Service Advantages:

• Less Planning: Skip the headache of coordinating truck rentals, parking permits, and loading help—your movers handle everything.
• Less Moving-Day Stress: No need to worry about driving or parking a bulky moving truck—professionals take care of it.
• Peace of Mind: Trust experienced movers to handle your belongings safely from start to finish. Plus, when you book with HireAHelper, you get our $1,000 service guarantee.

How HireAHelper’s Labor-Only Option Works

HireAHelper’s labor-only service gives you complete control of your move while providing the muscle you need to make moving day a breeze. Moving down the road? Your movers can help you load up the rental truck. Moving across the country? Get help loading your PODS in Boston and help unloading in your new time zone.

Labor-Only Advantages:

• Big Savings: Pay only for the labor—perfect if you're renting a truck or using a moving container.
• Flexible & Customizable: You decide what help you need, whether it’s loading, unloading, or both.
• Easy & Transparent: Compare prices, read verified reviews, and book online in minutes—no hidden fees or sales calls.

Other Ways to Use Moving Labor Help

HireAHelper isn't just for moving day! You can also use our platform to find movers who can help with:

• Moving Furniture: Need to rearrange your home or set up a new space? Movers can lift and position heavy items exactly where you want them.
• Loading Heavy Items for Disposal: Whether you're clearing out old furniture, appliances, or other bulky items, movers can handle the heavy lifting into a trailer, dumpster, or curbside.
• Load or Unload a Storage Unit: If you’re moving items into or out of storage, extra hands can help pack, stack, and organize everything efficiently.

Tip 1: Prepare to Park

Nothing says "welcome to your new home" like a parking ticket on your windshield. Avoid the hassle by reserving curb space with a parking permit from the City of Boston’s Transportation Department, available online or in person.

Permits are required throughout the city, especially Downtown or near Boston University. Securing one in advance ensures you have plenty of space for your moving truck or PODS container — while staying on the right side of the law.

Tip 2: Plan for Boston’s Unpredictable Weather

Weather matters. Loading a truck in high temps or unloading in a rainstorm can turn moving day into an extreme sport. Boston’s weather can be unpredictable, so check the forecast and plan accordingly.

If a heatwave is imminent, schedule your move for early morning or evening to avoid peak temperatures. For rainy days, have tarps and plastic covers ready to keep your belongings dry.

Tip 3: Avoid Traffic Jams and Boston’s Tricky Streets

Don’t get stuck on the Pike in a fully loaded moving truck. Plan to drive before 7am, between 10am and 3pm, or after 7pm to avoid rush hour congestion and keep your move on schedule. Use Google Maps or Waze to stay ahead of road incidents and reroute your journey if necessary.