Crew size is the biggest lever on how long a move takes and what it costs. Too few movers and the day drags. Too many and you are paying for people standing around. Here is how to size it right.
A starting point by home size
- Studio or one-bedroom: 2 movers
- Two-bedroom home or apartment: 2 to 3 movers
- Three-bedroom house: 3 to 4 movers
- Four-plus bedrooms: 4 or more movers
These are starting points. A couple of details can push you up a level.
What pushes the number up
- Stairs and long carries. A second- or third-floor unit slows every trip, so more movers keeps the day on track.
- Heavy or awkward items. A piano, a big sectional, or a gun safe needs enough hands to move safely.
- A tight timeline. If you have a narrow elevator window or a same-day closing, a bigger crew finishes faster.
- Lots of boxes. A fully packed garage adds up in trips.
More movers can cost less
It sounds backwards, but adding a mover often lowers the total. Three movers finishing in four hours can beat two movers taking seven, because the job is billed by the hour. When you get a quote, ask what crew size the estimate assumes.
Common mistakes
- Booking two movers for a three-bedroom house to "save money," then paying for a much longer day.
- Forgetting to mention stairs, which changes the right crew size.
- Not having boxes packed and ready, so the crew waits on you.
When to hire movers (and how many)
If you already have a truck or container and just need muscle, our labor-only moving help lets you book the right number of movers by the hour to load, unload, or move heavy pieces. Tell us your home size and access and we will recommend a crew.
Estimated time
With the right crew, a two-bedroom often loads and unloads in three to five hours, and a three-bedroom in five to seven. Stairs and distance between the two homes add to that.
Local note: Many Santa Clarita apartment complexes and hillside homes in Saugus mean stairs, so factor that in when you decide on a crew size.