Moving is stressful enough. The last thing customers should deal with is a moving bill filled with surprise charges that make no sense. Unfortunately, many moving companies rely on hidden junk fees to inflate their prices after the move starts.
At Local Movings, we believe in one simple rule: customers should only pay for real labor, real time, and real specialty services. Everything else should already be included.
If a moving company charges extra for the items listed below, that’s not “industry standard” — that’s a red flag.
You Should NOT Pay Extra for Movers Traveling From Their Office to Your Pickup Location
Some companies charge customers just for the movers to drive from their office to the pickup address. This makes no sense.
Travel to the job is part of doing business — not an add-on service. Charging customers for this is simply a way to increase the bill without adding value.
Customers should only pay for the time movers are actively working on their move, not for a company’s internal logistics.
You Should NOT Pay Stair Fees
Stairs are not a surprise. Apartments have stairs. Townhomes have stairs. Houses have stairs.
Charging extra per flight of stairs is one of the most common junk fees in the moving industry. Some companies charge:
- Per flight
- Per mover
- Per trip
This can turn a simple move into hundreds of dollars in unnecessary charges.
Professional movers should already be trained and prepared to handle stairs. It should be included — not punished.
You Should NOT Pay Long Carry Fees
A “long carry fee” is charged when the truck can’t park directly at the door. This happens every day in apartments, condos, gated communities, and urban neighborhoods.
Charging extra because the movers have to walk a little farther is another junk fee designed to surprise customers after the move starts.
Walking is part of moving. Customers should not be penalized for parking limitations they do not control.
You Should NOT Pay Extra for Shrink Wrap or Basic Furniture Protection
Shrink wrap, pads, and basic furniture protection are not premium services — they are essentials.
Some companies charge per roll of shrink wrap or per piece of furniture. That’s like a restaurant charging extra to cook your food.
If a mover touches your furniture, protecting it should be standard, not an upsell.
You Should NOT Pay for Basic Disassembly and Reassembly
Taking apart standard beds, removing table legs, or disassembling basic furniture is normal moving work.
Unless the item is truly specialized, charging extra for basic disassembly is another way companies inflate invoices.
Basic disassembly and reassembly should always be included. Customers should only pay extra for truly complex or specialty items.
You Should ONLY Pay Extra for TRUE Specialty Items
There are items that require special training, equipment, or risk. It is reasonable to charge extra for:
- Pianos
- Pool tables
- Medical equipment
- Gun safes
- Large commercial safes or vaults
- Extremely heavy or custom-installed items
These items require specialized handling. Regular household furniture does not.
The Real Problem: Hidden Junk Fees
Most moving companies advertise a low hourly rate — then quietly add fees for everything else. Customers only find out when the movers arrive or when the bill is already climbing.
This is not transparency. It’s manipulation.
The Smart Alternative: Clear Online Pricing & Owner-Controlled Moving Services
Smart customers choose moving companies that offer:
- Clear, upfront online pricing
- No stair fees
- No long carry fees
- No charges for basic furniture protection
- No fees for standard disassembly
- Owner-controlled operations (not call centers)
When pricing is clear and controlled by the business owner — not salespeople — customers win.
No Hidden Junk. Just Honest Moving.
At Local Movings, we believe moving should be straightforward. You should know your price before you book, understand what’s included, and never feel trapped by surprise charges.
No hidden junk. No games. No nonsense.
Choose Clear, Honest Moving
Book owner-controlled moving services with transparent online pricing.
Local Movings proudly serves Houston, Cypress, Katy, The Woodlands, Spring, Atascocita, and surrounding Texas communities.
