Nine line items rarely on the original quote

Boxes, tape, paper, bubble wrap. DIY $50-$150; mover-supplied $150-$300+

MoveBuddha 2026 reports $20-$60 per mover for local; higher for cross-country

Released-value $0.60/lb is FREE but covers almost nothing. Full-value protection costs 1-3% of declared value.

Reputable movers don't take large deposits. FMCSA: more than 25% deposit is a red flag.

Many movers charge per flight of stairs or per elevator floor above 2

If truck can't park within 75 feet of door

When street access requires offloading to smaller vehicle

If origin and destination don't sync

Always read the policy before booking