How to Bid on Moving Jobs

Moving help is one of the most requested categories on Biddy Jobs, and one of the easiest to underbid if you’re not careful. A move that looks simple in a listing can turn into hours of extra work once stairs, heavy furniture, or a longer walk to the truck are factored in. Here’s how to bid it right.

Hourly vs. Flat Rate — Pick the Right One

For small jobs (a few pieces of furniture, a single room), a flat rate is simple and gives the poster certainty. For anything bigger — a full apartment or house — hourly protects you if the job runs long, which moving jobs almost always do. If you bid hourly, say clearly how many movers that rate includes and what happens if the job takes longer than expected.

Ask About Stairs, Elevators, and Distance

These three things move a job from easy to exhausting faster than anything else. A second-floor walkup with no elevator can double the time compared to a ground-floor move of the same size. If the listing doesn’t mention it, ask before you bid: “Is this a walkup, or is there elevator access?” and “About how far is the parking from the front door?” The answers directly affect how long the job takes — and what you should charge for it.

Call Out Heavy or Awkward Items

Pianos, safes, large appliances, and oversized furniture aren’t just heavier — they often need a second or third person, extra equipment, or more care to avoid damaging walls and floors. If a listing mentions any of these, factor them into your price and mention in your bid that you have experience moving that specific type of item. It reassures the poster and justifies a higher number than a basic furniture move.

Confirm Team Size and Your Own Transportation

Be upfront about whether you’re bidding solo or bringing help, and whether you have a truck or need the poster to arrange one. Posters moving a full household usually need at least two people and a vehicle — bidding as a solo mover with no truck on a job like that will likely go unanswered, even at a low price. Match your bid to what the job actually requires.

More Bidding Guides

This is one of four trade-specific bidding guides. See how to bid on lawn care, landscaping, handyman jobs, or start with our general bidding guide.