How Much Does It Cost to Hire Movers in Atlanta? (2026 Pricing Guide)
How Much Does It Cost to Hire Movers in Atlanta? (2026 Pricing Guide)
If you're planning a move in Atlanta and trying to figure out what it's going to cost, you're not alone — "how much do movers cost" is one of the most searched questions by anyone getting ready to relocate. The honest answer is: it depends. But that doesn't mean you have to go in blind.
This guide breaks down exactly how Atlanta movers price their services, what factors affect your final bill, and what red flags to watch out for when comparing quotes.
How Atlanta Movers Charge: Hourly Pricing Explained
Most local moving companies in Atlanta — including GoodGuys Concierge Moving & Storage — charge by the hour. The clock typically starts when the crew arrives at your home and stops when the last item is placed at your destination.
At GoodGuys, we price per mover, per hour — so you only pay for the crew size your move actually needs:
Crew Size | Weekday Rate | Saturday Rate |
|---|---|---|
2 movers | $150 / hr | $170 / hr |
3 movers | $225 / hr | $255 / hr |
4 movers | $300 / hr | $340 / hr |
Our rate is $75 per mover/hr on weekdays and $85 per mover/hr on Saturdays. Crew size is matched to your home size and the complexity of your move.
We also have a 3-hour minimum on all moves. This is standard across the industry and covers the crew's time, the truck, and the logistics of getting to and from your location.
What's Included — and What's Not
We believe in transparent pricing with no surprises on moving day. Here's exactly what's covered:
Always included at no extra charge:
Moving blankets to protect your furniture
Shrink wrap for upholstered items and drawer bundles
Tape
The truck
Charged separately:
Travel fee: A flat $100 in-state travel fee applies to all moves. This covers drive time to and from your location.
Boxes: If you need us to supply packing boxes, those are charged separately. Want to save money? Pack and box your belongings yourself before moving day — it's one of the easiest ways to reduce your total cost.
What Does a Full Move Actually Cost? Real Estimates by Home Size
Here's a realistic cost breakdown based on home size, using a 2-mover weekday crew:
Home Size | Estimated Duration | Labor Cost | + Travel Fee | Total Estimate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Studio / 1-bedroom | 3 – 4 hours | $450 – $600 | $100 | $550 – $700 |
2-bedroom | 4 – 6 hours | $600 – $900 | $100 | $700 – $1,000 |
3-bedroom | 6 – 8 hours | $900 – $1,200 | $100 | $1,000 – $1,300 |
4+ bedroom | 8 – 12+ hours | $1,200 – $1,800+ | $100 | $1,300 – $1,900+ |
Saturday rates are approximately 13% higher. A 3-mover crew costs 50% more per hour but can significantly reduce the total hours on larger moves.
Want to Save Money on Your Move? Pack First.
One of the best ways to reduce your moving bill is simple: have everything packed and boxed before the crew arrives.
Here's why it matters:
Movers charge by the hour, so every minute spent waiting on packing is money out of your pocket
Pre-packed homes move dramatically faster — sometimes cutting an hour or two off a full-day job
You save on box costs since you can source your own boxes for free from grocery stores, liquor stores, or Facebook Marketplace
If you'd rather not deal with it, GoodGuys offers professional packing services as a separate add-on. Just know it will add to your total.
What Factors Drive the Price Up?
Beyond home size and crew, a few other things can add time — and cost — to your move:
Stairs
If either your pickup or destination has stairs, movers carry items up and down carefully, which takes more time than flat-surface work. Multi-floor townhomes and walk-up apartments are common in Atlanta neighborhoods like Midtown, Inman Park, and Virginia-Highland.
Long Carries
If the truck can't park close to your front door — apartment complexes with distant lots, gated communities, or narrow streets — movers walk longer distances with every load. This adds up quickly over dozens of trips.
Heavy or Specialty Items
Pianos, gun safes, pool tables, and large appliances require extra hands, special equipment, and extra care. These add time and may require a larger crew than a standard move.
Volume of Items
The more you have, the longer it takes. Decluttering before your move is one of the smartest things you can do — both for your wallet and your sanity. GoodGuys also offers junk removal before or after your move if you need help clearing out.
What About Packing Services?
GoodGuys offers professional packing services as a separate add-on. Our team brings the materials and handles everything — wrapping, boxing, and labeling — so you don't have to. It's especially worth considering for kitchens, fragile items, art, and antiques.
Packing service pricing varies by home size and scope. Contact us for a custom quote.
What About Storage?
Sometimes your new home isn't ready the moment your old lease ends, or you need a temporary home for items that aren't making the trip. GoodGuys offers storage by size — you only pay for the space your items actually take up. Reach out for a custom quote — it's typically more affordable than you'd expect.
How to Get an Accurate Quote
The most reliable way to know what your move will cost is to request a free estimate. At GoodGuys, estimates are completely free and no-obligation. To get the most accurate number:
Be specific about your inventory — the more detail you give, the more precise the estimate
Mention access challenges upfront — stairs, long parking distance, elevator-only buildings
Tell us about specialty items — pianos, safes, large appliances
Let us know if you need packing — so we can factor that in separately
Pick your day — weekday vs. Saturday affects your rate
Red Flags to Watch For When Comparing Movers
The moving industry has more than its share of bad actors. Before you book anyone, watch for these:
Unusually low quotes. Some movers lowball estimates, then pile on fees once your belongings are already on the truck.
Surprise fees on moving day. A trustworthy company is upfront about every charge — travel fees, box costs, minimum hours — before the job starts, not after.
No license or insurance. Always verify your mover is fully licensed and insured. GoodGuys is — if something is damaged, you're protected.
Verbal-only quotes. Get everything in writing. A professional company provides a clear, itemized estimate.
Hidden fees for basic supplies. Blankets, shrink wrap, and tape should be included. At GoodGuys, they always are.
Should You Tip Your Movers?
Tipping isn't required, but it's absolutely appreciated and very common in the industry. Moving is hard, physical work — and a tip is a meaningful way to show the crew you noticed.
A general guideline:
Straightforward move: $20 – $30 per mover
Average move: $30 – $50 per mover
Large or difficult move: $50 – $100+ per mover
Cash, given directly to each mover at the end of the job, is always preferred.
Why the Right Mover Is Worth Every Dollar
The cheapest quote isn't always the best value. A bad move — broken furniture, damaged walls, a no-show crew — costs far more in stress and repairs than the few dollars saved upfront.
At GoodGuys Concierge Moving & Storage, our pricing is transparent, our supplies are included, and our crew shows up ready to work. No surprise fees on moving day. No games.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do movers cost for a 1-bedroom in Atlanta?
Expect to pay $550 – $700 total for a weekday move with a 2-person crew, including the $100 travel fee and a 3-hour minimum.
Do Atlanta movers charge by the hour or by weight?
For local moves, almost all Atlanta movers charge by the hour. By-weight pricing is more common for long-distance interstate moves.
What's the cheapest day to hire movers in Atlanta?
Weekdays (Monday–Friday) are cheaper than Saturdays. Our weekday rate is $75/mover/hr vs. $85/mover/hr on Saturdays.
Does GoodGuys charge for moving blankets or shrink wrap?
Never. Blankets, shrink wrap, and tape are always included at no extra charge.
Is a deposit required to book?
Yes — GoodGuys requires a $100 deposit to hold your move date. It goes toward your total cost and is fully refundable if you cancel more than 48 hours before your scheduled move. Cancellations within 48 hours of the move date are non-refundable.
Are GoodGuys estimates free?
Yes — completely free and no obligation. Get yours here.
Ready to get a real number for your move? Contact GoodGuys Concierge Moving & Storage for a free, no-obligation estimate. Transparent pricing, no hidden fees, and white-glove service across Atlanta and the surrounding metro.