Best Labor-Only Movers of 2026

What labor-only movers do

Labor-only movers provide trained, insured crews without a truck. You supply the vehicle — a rental truck, portable container, or freight trailer — and the crew handles all the physical work: loading, unloading, and in-home furniture moves. Labor-only services typically cost 40–60% less than full-service moving and work well for short local moves, apartment rearrangements, or when you have already arranged your own transport.

When labor-only moving makes sense

• You are renting a truck yourself and need help with the loading and unloading.
• You have a portable container at your home that is ready to be filled.
• You need help moving or rearranging heavy furniture within your current home.
• You have a small load — a few large items — that does not justify a full-service quote minimum.

How much do labor-only movers cost?

Labor-only movers typically charge $100–$200 per hour for a two-person crew with a two-hour minimum. A studio apartment usually takes two hours to load and one to two hours to unload. Always confirm the minimum booking time, the rate for additional hours, and whether travel time to your location is included in the estimate.

• Two-person crew: $100–$160/hr
• Three-person crew: $150–$220/hr
• Minimum booking: typically two hours

What to confirm before booking

• Ask whether the crew is employed directly by the company or through a third-party app — employment status affects accountability.
• Confirm the company carries workers compensation insurance — labor-only moves involve physical risk to the crew.
• Ask about the damage policy: what happens if they damage an item or your property during loading or unloading.