How to Choose the Best Local Mover in Huntsville
Make an informed choice by taking the following factors into consideration when deciding on a mover in Huntsville.
Determine Your Budget
A local move costs $67 per hour on average. Based on this, a local two-bedroom move costs around $4,093 overall. Your actual cost will depend on your home size, move distance, the season, and any additional tasks you need your movers to handle.
You should obtain quotes from three or more reputable movers in your area. Ask for written estimates that provide a clear breakdown of the total cost, including the hourly rate or flat fee. Hold onto your mover's estimate until your move is done.
Read Customer Reviews
Customer feedback plays a crucial role for moving companies. Visit websites such as Yelp, the Better Business Bureau, Trustpilot, Google Reviews, and social media to gain insights into the typical customer experience with that mover.
Ensure Proper Licensing
Moving companies in Huntsville must follow different licensing requirements depending on their service area. If you are only moving intrastate, your mover must be registered with the Alabama Public Service Commission, Transportation Division to legally operate.
If you're moving across states, the regulations are different. Choose a company licensed with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). It should also carry 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
Assessing whether the mover offers the services you need is crucial during the quote process. Compile a list of any services you may require and take inventory of your home before requesting quotes. Tell the moving company about any specific needs to evaluate whether the company is a good fit.
Types of Moving Services
For basic moves, full-service movers often include the following services in the starting cost:
- Basic wrapping materials for furniture protection
- Loading and unloading
- Released liability coverage for loss or damage
Tell your moving company about any special services you need during the quote process. The following services may lead to increased pricing for your move:
- Crating for art or antiques
- Extra flights of stairs
- Long carries
- Packing
- Piano moving
- Storage
- Unpacking
- Vehicle shipping
Tips To Consider When Moving in Huntsville, AL
Here are a few additional tips to keep in mind when relocating to, from, or within Huntsville.
Schedule an Early Move
Huntsville traffic during the morning and evening rush hours is often congested. Navigating gridlock in a moving truck is even more challenging than with a personal-use vehicle. Movers getting stuck in traffic typically leads to higher costs since they’ll still be on the clock. You can avoid this by booking movers several hours before or after morning rush hour.
Avoid Busy Season
The busiest time for movers—between May and September—coincides with Huntsville's hottest time of year. This can affect your move if you begin looking too late and can't find an available moving company. Plan ahead and secure your desired moving company 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 moving companies treat 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 begin. We suggest you start packing about six weeks before your move to avoid rushing to pack on your moving day. Spending time packing a couple boxes each day can make the process less overwhelming.
How Much do Movers Cost in Huntsville, AL
Movers in Huntsville 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 Huntsville
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