Moving is stressful enough without being blindsided by surprise fees after signing a contract.
While quotes may appear straightforward, a recent Forbes Home survey in 2024 revealed that customers still paid an average of $723 more than expected once the move was complete. Those extra charges often come from fine print, vague estimates, or services that are not clearly explained upfront.
Fuel Charges Can Shift With Market Prices
Some movers include fuel in the quote, but others apply a fuel surcharge based on the U.S. diesel index. As of June 2025, certain national carriers increased the base rate when diesel reached $3.72 per gallon. The longer the distance, the more those added costs tend to grow.
You should request a copy of the surcharge table or look for language such as “fuel included” in any binding quote. If you are unsure about a charge or term, have the company put it on paper.
Distance From The Truck To The Door Can Cost You
If the path from the truck to your home is more than 75 feet, there is often an added fee to cover this distance. Long-carry fees usually range from $90 to $120 per additional 75 feet. Similarly, stairs can cost $50 to $250 per flight beyond the first one, especially with no elevator access. These are approximate figures, dependent on factors such as type of belonging, number of stairs, and location.
Secure curbside parking or a loading dock to reduce the walking distance. Also, be upfront about stairs, tight hallways, or awkward entrances.
When a Shuttle Truck Becomes Necessary
Standard moving trailers are long and can’t always reach every destination. If the street is narrow or a driveway is too steep, movers may need to offload items into a smaller truck first. Shuttle truck charges typically run $0.08 to $0.12 per pound, or around $0.75 per cubic foot, with minimums that often start at $200 to $400.
A smart step is to walk the access path with the estimator. If a shuttle is needed, it should appear on the written quote upfront.
Extra Charges For Bulky Or Difficult Items
Some things just don’t fit in a regular moving box; items such as pianos, treadmills, canoes, motorcycles, and even large safes often have a separate handling fee. You can expect to pay between $150 and $350 for each oversized or specialty item.
The best approach is to give your mover a complete list of non-standard items ahead of time, as having surprises on moving day typically costs more.
Packing Supplies and Labor Often Come at a Premium
Professional packing help is convenient but rarely included in the base price. On average, packing labor costs about $60 per person per hour.
For full-house jobs, that adds up quickly, with typical totals ranging from $280 to as much as $2,200. Packing materials such as boxes and tape are also often marked up significantly over retail prices.
If possible, try to supply your own materials, or ask if the company will charge “materials at cost.”
Disassembling Furniture Or Disconnecting Appliances May Not Be Included
Taking apart furniture or preparing appliances for transit is not always covered up front in the base quote. Labor-only disassembly typically costs $30 to $50 per hour, and appliance services may be billed as a flat fee between $75 and $150 per unit.
Plan ahead and unscrew table legs and unplug appliances before the crew arrives unless you pay for full-service moving.
Storage Fees Can Sneak In
If your belongings need to be stored temporarily, most movers include about 30 days at no charge.
After that, fees can range from $40 to $300 per month, with some charging hourly labor to retrieve stored items. Others calculate storage costs by cubic foot, such as $0.65 per cu ft each month.
If you expect a longer delay between move-out and move-in, you should compare the mover’s rates with self-storage options.
Building Rules & Permit Fees Can Affect The Bottom Line
Moving into a condo or urban high-rise? Many buildings charge non-refundable elevator reservation fees or security deposits, usually in the $350 to $400 range. Some even require a Certificate of Insurance (COI) from your mover, listing the HOA by name. Overlooking those steps can cause costly setbacks.
To stay ahead, you should forward your building’s move-in requirements to your mover at least a few days before the job.
Local Governments Might Require Permits
In cities such as Washington, DC, or Boston, you will likely need a permit to reserve curb space for the moving truck. These can cost $50 to $110 per day, depending on the city and number of spaces needed. Without a permit, fines for illegal parking or blocking zones can run $60 to $115 per violation.
Have your provider include permit costs in the estimate and post “No Parking” signs at least two days before the move.
Delays, Overtime, & Hourly Minimums Add Up Fast
Most movers bill $108 to $125 per crew hour and have three or four-hour minimums, even if your move takes less time than that. If you’re waiting on keys, elevators, or access to the new place, the clock doesn’t stop.
To avoid this, double-check access at both locations the day before and confirm any necessary time slots.
Protecting Your Moving Budget By Reaching Out To MG Moving Today!
Any unexpected fees can turn an already stressful move into an even more expensive experience. But by asking detailed questions, reading the fine print, and confirming services in writing, you can avoid the common charges that often catch people off guard.
At MG Moving Services, we believe transparency makes all the difference. Our team has helped thousands of customers across the East Coast move their homes and businesses with less stress and no hidden costs.
Contact us today for a free quote and let us show you how simple moving can be when you work with the right team. Call (888) 707-7709 or get a free moving quote online to get started.