So, You’re Moving… Now What?
Moving is one of life’s great milestones, and let’s face it – whether you’re moving house or office, it’s a big deal. But what’s the first thing that hits you as you look around at all your stuff? How many movers do I need? It’s a good question, and not one that’s easily answered without some thinking.
Let’s break this down so you can avoid a stressful move with an underwhelming crew that has you scrambling for extra hands, or worse, paying for unnecessary muscle that you don’t need. The key to choosing the right number of movers for your move? It’s all about size, distance, and time – and a little common sense, of course.
What’s the Right Number of Movers for My Move?
First things first: size matters. A 1-bedroom apartment versus a 5-bedroom house requires two entirely different strategies. Moving a 1-bedroom flat typically only needs two movers, while moving a large house may require four or more. But let’s get into the specifics.
1. The Size of Your Property
- Small Move (1-2 Bedrooms):
If you’re moving out of a small apartment or studio, a 2-man team is often enough to get the job done. A single Luton van will usually do the trick, and the entire move can be completed in about 3-5 hours. The question to ask yourself: How much stuff do I have? - Medium Move (3-4 Bedrooms):
When it comes to moving a 3-bedroom or 4-bedroom home, you might need 3-4 movers. A 3-man team will work efficiently in about 6-9 hours for an average 3-bedroom home (depending on how many stairs are involved). But don’t forget: this also includes packing, disassembling furniture, and all the other fun stuff that comes with a move. - Large Move (5+ Bedrooms):
Now, if you’re one of those “I need a whole crew” folks with 5 or more bedrooms, get ready for a 5-6 man team. You’ll likely need two or more vans, and the day’s work might stretch from 6 to 9 hours depending on the load. Don’t think you can do this alone or with one friend.
What Are the Key Factors That Determine the Crew Size?
Okay, so we’ve talked property size. But what other factors should influence your decision?
2. Distance & Complexity of the Move
- Local Moves (Under 50 Miles):
Local moves are typically fast. If your current home and new home are both within the same city, you might get away with fewer movers and fewer trips. But if your new home has narrow staircases, tight hallways, or delicate antique furniture, you might want to opt for an extra set of hands. Expert Removals typically recommends two movers for local moves, as long as your property isn’t packed to the brim with heavy furniture. - Long-Distance Moves (Over 50 Miles):
When it comes to long-distance moves, you want to ensure you’ve got an optimal crew. Not only will you be dealing with more packing, but you may need to make a few more stops along the way. Long-distance moves require more prep and organization, which is why you’ll want at least 3-4 movers to ensure everything is loaded efficiently.
How Do I Know If I Have the Right Number of Movers?
Let’s ask: Should I go with more movers?
It’s easy to assume that more movers mean faster work, but there are cases where an extra person might not speed things up.
Key Considerations for Hiring More Movers:
- The Layout of the Property:
Narrow stairs, steep inclines, and lots of heavy furniture can slow down even the best movers. In cases like this, it’s better to have the extra hands. If you’re moving out of a 3-bedroom townhouse with two flights of stairs, consider hiring four movers, even if your property size is on the lower end. - Time Constraints:
Are you in a rush? Are you buying and selling on the same day and have to be out of the house? If you need to get settled fast, consider bumping up the crew size. A larger team can save you time, and sometimes, time is worth more than money. - Furniture & Fragile Items:
Do you have heavy furniture like pianos, glass tables, or antique wardrobes? Then you’ll want at least three movers to help ensure that these items are handled properly. Expert Removals’ experience shows that fragile items require 30% more care and time than standard furniture.
How Much Will Hiring More Movers Cost Me?
We get it: you don’t want to spend too much on your move, but at the same time, you don’t want to risk a bad experience. Here’s how it shakes out:
| Number of Movers | Estimated Cost | Average Time |
|---|---|---|
| 2 movers | €360 – €745 | 3 – 5 hours |
| 3 movers | €560 – €850 | 6 – 8 hours |
| 4 movers | €730 – €1,200 | 6 – 9 hours |
| 5-6 movers | €1,100 – €1,800 | 6 – 9 hours |
Data: According to ResearchGate’s Housing Study, clients who opt for more movers tend to report a 15% higher satisfaction rate, due to the reduced stress and smoother process.
How to Make the Right Choice:
The answer to your question – How many movers do I need? – depends on several factors. To help you decide, consider the following:
- How much stuff do you have? The more items, the bigger the crew you’ll need.
- How much time do you have? The more time you give yourself, the fewer movers you can hire.
- What type of furniture do you have? Fragile, bulky, or heavy items require extra care and more movers.
The Expert Removals Approach to Choosing Crew Size
At Expert Removals, we’ve seen it all. From small apartments to large office moves, we always tailor our crew to your specific needs. We ask the right questions:
- What’s your property size?
- Is it local or long distance?
- Do you have large or fragile items?
Based on our experience, 70% of moves can be handled by a 2-3 man crew. But when it’s time for a bigger move or something more complex, we don’t hesitate to suggest an expanded team.
In Conclusion:
So, how many movers do you need? It boils down to size, time, complexity, and your budget. More movers aren’t always the right answer, but for many, they can make all the difference in creating a smooth, stress-free move.
And don’t worry – at Expert Removals, we’ve got the knowledge, the team, and the right-sized trucks for every job. Get in touch with us today and we’ll guide you through every step and help you make the best choice for your move.
Now, tell us: How can we help with your next move?