The short answer
In the Dallas-Fort Worth market, a two-mover crew with a truck runs roughly $120 to $150 per hour, a three-mover crew $150 to $190, and a four-mover crew $190 to $240. Add one drive-time charge, usually equal to about an hour of labor.
That means a one-bedroom apartment typically totals $400 to $700, a two- or three-bedroom home $700 to $1,400, and a four- or five-bedroom home $1,600 to $3,400.
What actually drives your price
Two homes with identical square footage can differ by hundreds of dollars. Here's why:
- Stairs and elevators — a third-floor walk-up can add 25% to labor hours
- Long carries — if the truck can't park within 75 feet of the door, everything slows down
- Packing status — unpacked kitchens are the single biggest cause of overtime
- Specialty items — pianos, safes and pool tables need extra crew and equipment
- Distance between addresses — drive time inside DFW is usually one charge, not per mile
Fees to ask about before you book
Reputable movers disclose every line item in writing. Ask directly about fuel surcharges, stair fees per flight, materials markups, travel time at both ends, and minimum hours. If a company won't put the hourly rate and the minimum in an email, that's your answer.
How to lower the bill
Finish packing two days early, not the night before. Disassemble what you can. Reserve the elevator and the closest parking. Move mid-month and mid-week if your dates are flexible — the last three days of any month are the most expensive and most crowded in DFW.