How to Choose the Best Local Mover in Florence
Consider each moving company's licensing, customer reviews, cost, and services before deciding.
Determine Your Budget
According to our research, the average local mover in Florence charges $48 per hour. The average local move costs $4,093 total for two-bedroom homes. Factors that contribute to your actual cost include any additional tasks you need done, the season, your home size, and move distance.
Consider getting quotes from a minimum of three reputable moving companies in your area to make an informed choice. Written estimates are crucial in this process. They should contain a comprehensive breakdown of the total cost, covering the hourly rate or flat fee. Comparing the estimate provided by your mover to the final cost after your move helps ensure fair pricing is maintained.
Read Customer Reviews
Customer feedback plays an important role for moving companies. You can find movers that prioritize positive customer experiences by reading reviews on platforms like Trustpilot, social media, Yelp, the Better Business Bureau, and Google Reviews.
Ensure Proper Licensing
Moving companies in Florence must follow different licensing requirements depending on their service area. If you're making a short-haul move that's purely within Alabama, your moving company must be registered with the Alabama Public Service Commission, Transportation Division to stay in good legal standing.
If you're moving to or from another state, the regulations are different. Choose a company licensed with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). It should also have active United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers, which you can use on the FMCSA’s mover registration search tool to look up a mover’s registration status and complaint history.
Services
Assess whether the mover can provide the specific services you need when requesting quotes. Make a list of any services you might need and take inventory of your home before seeking quotes. Additionally, inform your moving company representative about any extra services you may need to gauge the company's capacity to provide adequate service.
Types of Moving Services
A full-service mover will include these services for standard moves:
- Basic wrapping materials for furniture protection
- Loading and unloading
- Released liability coverage for loss or damage
Inform your moving company about the special services you need while going through the quote process. Services that can lead to higher pricing include:
- Crating for art or antiques
- Extra flights of stairs
- Long carries
- Packing
- Piano moving
- Storage
- Unpacking
- Vehicle shipping
Tips To Consider When Moving in Florence, AL
Keep the following in mind before moving to, from, or within Florence.
Schedule an Early Move
Florence traffic during rush hour is often hectic. Navigating gridlock with a moving truck is even more difficult than with a standard personal-use vehicle. Movers stuck in traffic typically leads to higher costs if they charge by the hour. We advise planning before morning rush hour, which makes sure the movers avoid the traffic and complete the move before evening.
Avoid Busy Season
May to September marks the peak moving season and Florence's hottest time of the year. Moving at this time can slow or worsen your move, especially if you start searching for a moving company too close to your move. The high demand could reduce your chances of securing your desired mover. Plan ahead and book your desired mover at least eight weeks in advance. You should also be prepared for the potential difficulties the summer weather may pose to your movers during a summer move.
Pack in Advance
Most movers handle same-day packing requests similarly. In many cases, movers won't move loose items that haven’t been packed by the time your move is scheduled to start. You should start packing about six weeks before you move. Allocate some packing time each day to avoid last-minute scrambling on moving day.
How Much do Movers Cost in Florence, AL
Movers in Florence cost $2,589 on average for moves less than 250 miles. It can cost up to $6,570 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 | $2,589 | $2,836 | $6,570 |
| 250-999 miles | $3,200 | $3,432 | $10,104 |
| 1,000-2,499 miles | $3,230 | $3,969 | $10,215 |
| 2,500+ miles | $3,101 | $5,022 | $12,326 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Moving in Florence
What is the average cost of living in Florence?
Does Florence have good schools?
How much would a Florence move cost for a one-, two-, or three-bedroom house?
When should I begin contacting moving companies?
What should I do if I need to change my move date?
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