How Many Hours Do I Need for Moving Help Providers?

Moving Helpers are professionals. People are amazed at how quickly they’re able to finish a job. However, they're not superheroes! They can’t fly up four flights of stairs with a mattress in one hand and a dresser in the other.

Accurately estimating the number of hours you need Moving Help for is important for the success of your move.

How Many Hours Do I Need?

That depends on your individual moving situation. Two hours is the minimum amount of time to reserve Moving Helpers. The maximum amount is 10 hours.

For loading and unloading, you can estimate the amount of time you need based on the size of your move (how many rooms/square feet and how much furniture) and then add time for things like stairs (one hour per flight), and how far the moving truck is from your home (add 30 minutes for every 25 ft).

Use the chart below to get a better idea of how much time you need:

Crew Size & Time Estimate
Sq. Ft.	2 Helpers	3 Helpers	4 Helpers
Under 800	2 hrs	2 hrs	N/A
800-1000	2 hrs	2 hrs	N/A
1000-1500	3 hrs	2-3 hrs	2 hrs
1500-2000	4 hrs	3-4 hrs	2-3 hrs
2001-3000	6 hrs	4-5 hrs	3-4 hrs
3000-4000	6-8 hrs	5-6 hrs	4-5 hrs
4000+	10+ hrs	8-10 hrs	6-8 hrs

Can I Start With Two Hours and Add More During the Move?

Yes, you can select two hours and if you need more, you can use your Customer Account or the U-Haul App to add more hours to your move. Please note that many Moving Helpers are quite busy and they may not be able to work the extra hours for you — it’s likely they have another job to get to right after yours is complete. It’s important to get as close as you can to the number of hours you really need at the time of booking so this doesn’t happen.

Can I Select 10 Hours and Get a Refund For the Hours I Don’t Use?

No, we do not issue refunds for unused hours. This is because when you reserve a set number of hours, that time is blocked off exclusively for your job. During those hours, your helpers aren’t able to accept other jobs. Booking an accurate amount of time helps ensure everyone’s schedule is used efficiently.

If your job is done early, you can ask your Helpers to assist with other post-moving tasks, like cleaning, taking out the garbage, furniture assembly/disassembly, or other tasks. Just note that a refund for unused hours is not possible. We recommend selecting your hours carefully to best match your needs.

Can My Moving Helper Help Estimate How Many Hours I Need After I've Booked?

Yes! During the reservation process, you'll be given the option to write in what furniture you have, the number of stairs, and any other details about the move. Then, when your Moving Helper contacts you, you can ask them if they think they can do the job in that amount of time based on the added details. They should be able to tell whether more time is needed or if your original estimate is enough.

Can I Base the Amount of Time I Need on How Large My Moving Truck is?

To a certain extent, yes. If you reserve a 26′ truck you know it’s going to take longer to load than a 10′ truck. Generally, if you know everything you have can fit into a 10′ truck you will only need two hours. Then, you can add an hour for every larger size truck. Make sure to add the extra time for things like stairs and the distance things need to be carried.

Ready to get moving? Find your Moving Help dream team today!