The overall cost is based on a variety of factors, but the main variables are: the size of the moving truck, how full it was loaded, and how many oversized items are inside. All things being equal, it usually costs between $400 – $500 to unload a 26 ft truck, $300 – $400 to unload a 20 ft truck and $250 – $300 to unload a 16 ft truck.

It really depends on factors such as: the size of the truck, heavy items in the truck, how organized the truck was packed, how many stairs to go up or down, and whether an elevator is available. But in general, it usually takes 4 hours for 2 movers to unload a 26 foot truck, 3 hours for 2 movers to help unload a 20 foot truck and 2 hours for 2 movers to unload a 16 foot moving truck.

If you just hire movers to help unload the truck, then you don’t need to buy them food because it shouldn’t take more than 3-4 hours to complete the labor-only moving service. However, if you hire a moving company for a full service move, then getting a meal for the movers after they load and before they begin unloading is pretty standard in the industry. That said, considerate moving companies will bring their own lunch just in case, so as not to impose upon the customers voluntary generosity. In short, food is appreciated but not expected.

The advantages to a storage container are: lowest cost, no driving necessary, free storage of items, and smaller size options. The disadvantages are: limited delivery timeframes, unable to transport large vehicles, and parking challenges. The benefits of a moving truck are: variety of truck lengths, car towing options, and ability to park on the street. The negatives are: no storage option, you must drive the truck, and more expensive pricing.

The two biggest players are U-Haul and Penske. Uhaul has the most locations nationwide and charges $39.95 for a 17 ft truck (or bigger) + $1.29 per mile. Penske partners with Home Depot so has trucks available at any Home Depot location. Penske charges $209 for a 16 ft truck or $249 for a 22 ft truck and offers free unlimited miles. For a long distance move (more than 100 miles) you should go with Penske. For a local move (less than 100 miles) U-Haul will be your best choice.

If you live on a high floor of a building that has an elevator available, then yes, you should reserve it for the movers unloading your items. You’ll need to call the concierge to make the reservation before you book the movers. You should be able to reserve the elevator for a 3-4 hour window of time. The apartment may hang protective blankets in the elevator to prevent scratches or other damages. Best of all, there’s no charge associated with an elevator reservation.

Yes, all things considered equal, it’s usually twice as fast to unload a moving truck as compared to loading one. Why? The main reason is because there’s no need to spend all that time packing your items in an organized way to preserve truck space (think Tetris). You won’t need to spend time tying down or wrapping up your items either.

Before you start unloading your storage container or moving truck, you should have a good idea of where everything goes inside your new residence. It’s most strategic to start with the items that need to go upstairs or downstairs. Then you can finish off on the main floor. However, this would require you to have packed the truck accordingly so be sure to think ahead before you start packing.

You should ask for a ballpark estimate on the total cost to hire movers to unload a truck. Be ready to send pictures of your heavier items and share about the number of bedrooms as well as the number of stairs at each location. Ask the truck unloading company how long they’ve been doing it and what their process is like. Google their company name to make sure they have good reviews online. Click here to get a free unloading estimate from His Workmanship.