How Many Movers Do You Need?

One of the most common questions we hear at Angeleno Movers is, “How many movers should I hire?” It’s a great question and an important one, but the answer isn’t always simple. The ideal number of movers depends on several factors, including the size of your home, the volume of furniture and boxes, whether there are stairs at either location, and even your budget. Hiring the right number of movers can make the difference between a good moving experience and a long, exhausting day.

Why the Number of Movers Matters

When planning a move, it’s easy to underestimate how much work is involved. Clients often assume two movers will be enough to handle their move, especially if they live in an apartment or smaller home. While two movers can technically complete any moves, that doesn’t always mean it’s the most efficient or cost-effective choice. More movers often means less time, and in the world of hourly moving rates, less time can mean more savings. It can also lead to a smoother experience for both you and your movers.

What We Ask Before Giving a Recommendation

When a potential client reaches out to us, we ask a few key questions to determine how many movers would be best for the job. We ask about the number of bedrooms, how many boxes they expect to have ready, the size and weight of their largest items (think sectionals, refrigerators, or wardrobes), and whether there are stairs or elevators at the pick-up or drop-off location. These questions aren’t just for estimating the time and cost; they help us build the right crew for the job.

For example, a second-story apartment with narrow staircases and a heavy dresser is going to be a much more demanding job than a ground-level studio with minimal furniture. By understanding the details upfront, we can recommend the amount of mover you might need for your move, so your move goes off without a hitch.

Two Movers vs. Three Movers: What’s the Difference?

If you’re moving out of a small studio or a bedroom, two movers are typically enough. But for anything beyond that, especially if you have multiple rooms, heavier furniture, or stairs, we strongly recommend going with three movers.

Here’s why: while hiring two movers may seem like the more affordable choice, it can end up costing more. Many clients who opt for just two movers find that their move takes 7 to 8 hours. If they had hired a third mover, the job could have been completed in 5 or 6 hours instead. That extra pair of hands can make a huge difference in speed and efficiency. In many cases, hiring three movers results in a lower total cost due to reduced labor hours.

Understanding How Moving Teams Work

Just like in any workplace, there are different roles within a moving crew. Think of a grocery store: you have cashiers, stockers, clerks in produce, and someone in charge of cleaning. A moving team works the same way. In the moving field, there are typically three key roles: one mover might specialize in wrapping and protecting your furniture, another is responsible for transporting boxes and furniture to the truck using a dolly, and the third focuses on organizing and stacking everything securely inside the truck.

When you only hire two movers, those tasks are split between them, meaning more back-and-forth trips, more time wrapping and carrying, and more physical strain. With three movers, each task can be divided, making everything more streamlined. This structure allows the team to work more safely and effectively, which also helps reduce the risk of damage to your belongings.

When Should You Hire More Than Three Movers?

For larger jobs, like moving an entire single-family home with three or more bedrooms, a garage, outdoor furniture, and possibly a backyard setup, we recommend hiring four or even five movers. These types of moves involve a lot more logistics—multiple rooms, fragile items, and often long walking distances between the house and the moving truck. With a bigger team, the job gets done faster, more efficiently, and with less stress for everyone involved.

Still not sure how many movers you need? We suggest recording a short video walk-through of your space. Send it to your moving company, and they can assess the layout and volume of items to make a more accurate recommendation. At Angeleno Movers, we’re happy to review your video and provide a custom estimate based on your specific situation.

How Hiring More Movers Improves the Experience

A well-staffed moving crew doesn’t just save you time it can improve your entire moving experience. Moves can be stressful, chaotic, and physically demanding. By hiring three or more movers, you’re reducing the burden on each individual and creating a smoother, faster workflow. It also means less risk of injury or fatigue for the crew, which leads to better focus, better care of your belongings, and a more professional result.

Over the years, we’ve noticed that clients who go with three movers are consistently happier with their moves. They tend to feel more relaxed throughout the process, and they’re often impressed with how quickly and carefully their belongings are handled. Many of our most positive reviews come from clients who chose to hire three or more movers and saw firsthand how much smoother the day went as a result.

Type of Move	Recommended Movers
Studio/ Single room	2 movers
1 Bedroom (no stairs)	2 - 3 movers
1 Bedroom (with stairs)	3 movers
2 Bedroom Apartment	3 - 4 movers
3 Bedroom House	4 - 5 movers
4+ Bedroom Home	5+ movers