How to Choose the Best Local Mover in Dothan
You should consider several crucial factors when choosing a mover. These are some things to look out for when hiring movers in Dothan.
Determine Your Budget
A local move costs $57 per hour on average. Based on this, a local two-bedroom move costs approximately $4,063 overall. Your actual cost will depend on your home size, any additional tasks you need your movers to handle, the season, and move distance.
We suggest obtaining quotes from at least three reputable movers in your area. It's essential to get written estimates, which should break down your total cost and the flat fee or hourly rate. Comparing the estimate provided by your moving company to the final cost after your move helps ensure fair pricing.
Read Customer Reviews
Solid customer feedback is essential for all moving companies. Read customer reviews on sites like Trustpilot, social media, Yelp, Google Reviews, and the Better Business Bureau to find moving companies that prioritize positive customer experiences.
Ensure Proper Licensing
Moving companies in Dothan must follow different licensing requirements depending on their service area. If you're making a short-haul move that's purely within Alabama, your mover must be registered with the Alabama Public Service Commission, Transportation Division to legally operate.
The requirements differ if you're moving to or from another state. In this case, choose a mover licensed with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). The team should also carry active United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers. You can check a company's registration status on the FMCSA’s mover registration search tool.
Services
Assess whether the mover can provide the services you need during the quote process. Take a full inventory of your home before getting quotes and write down any basic or add-on services you might require. Share any special conditions or needs with your moving company representative in order to determine whether the company can accommodate your particular needs.
Types of Moving Services
Full-service movers will provide these services in the base price for basic moves:
- Basic wrapping materials for furniture protection
- Loading and unloading
- Released liability coverage for loss or damage
When seeking a quote from your moving company, communicate any additional services you need. Increased pricing may apply for these services:
- Crating for art or antiques
- Extra flights of stairs
- Long carries
- Packing
- Piano moving
- Storage
- Unpacking
- Vehicle shipping
Tips To Consider When Moving in Dothan, AL
Keep these tips in mind before moving to, from, or within Dothan.
Schedule an Early Move
Dothan gets hectic during rush hour. Navigating it can be more difficult in a moving truck compared to a personal-use car. Movers caught in traffic may result in delays and a higher cost since local movers charge hourly. We suggest scheduling before morning rush hour, which ensures the movers avoid heavy traffic and finish the move before evening.
Avoid Busy Season
Moving season is the busiest between May and September. In Dothan, this time overlaps with very hot summer weather, which can slow or worsen your move. Plan ahead and schedule your preferred mover at least eight weeks in advance. You should also be prepared for the potential difficulties the hot summer weather may pose to your movers during a summer move.
Pack in Advance
You should start packing around six weeks before your move. Pack a few boxes every day to avoid rushing when move day comes. Your movers may have a few extra boxes with them for last-minute packing, but you shouldn’t depend on it. Most movers won't transport items that aren't packed when your move begins.
How Much do Movers Cost in Dothan, AL
Movers in Dothan cost $2,579 on average for moves less than 250 miles. It can cost up to $6,443 to move a larger 4 bedroom house the same distance. See the chart below for more moving estimates, and contact a moving company for a more accurate quote specific to your situation.
Distance | Studio-1 Bedroom | 2-3 Bedroom | 4+ Bedroom |
---|---|---|---|
Less than 250 miles | $2,579 | $2,779 | $6,443 |
250-999 miles | $3,189 | $3,369 | $9,989 |
1,000-2,499 miles | $3,217 | $3,902 | $10,046 |
2,500+ miles | $3,079 | $4,953 | $12,151 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Moving in Dothan
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