Household Movers
Overview
Introduction
Household movers pack and load furniture and other household belongings into moving vans, drive the vans to new locations, and unload the contents. Movers often unpack and set up items according to the customers specifications. Before the move, they may prepare inventories that describe the condition of the items they are transporting, and then, check that the items are undamaged after the move.
Household movers are often hired to move home and business furniture. Sometimes movers are employed by retail furniture and applianc...
Quick Facts
Median Salary
Employment Prospects
Minimum Education Level
Experience
Skills
Personality Traits
Earnings
Most furniture movers are paid on an hourly basis. Their wages depend on which area of the country they live in, the size of the company they work for, and their skills and experience level. Laborers and freight, stock, and material movers earned median hourly salaries of $13.59 in May 2018 (or $28,260 annually), according to the U.S. Department of Labor. The lowest paid 10 percent earned
Work Environment
Movers spend a considerable amount of time outdoors, loading and unloading their cargo. They may find themselves moving furniture in extreme heat, below-freezing cold, snow, or rain. The work itself is physical and fairly strenuous, requiring the lifting of heavy and bulky objects, like couches and pianos. Movers have to learn techniques for lifting that minimize the chance of muscle strains an...
Outlook
On average, people in the United States move about once every five to seven years. This pattern is likely to continue in the foreseeable future, suggesting that the overall demand for movers is going to stay strong. However, there may be periods when fewer movers are needed. During economic downturns, people may avoid spending money by postponing moves or by doing part or all of the moving them...