How to Choose the Best Local Mover in Scottsdale
Consider each company's cost, services, licensing, and customer reviews before choosing.
Determine Your Budget
A local move costs $100 per hour on average. Based on this, a local two-bedroom move costs around $4,291 overall. Your home size, move date, move distance, and any additional services you need will affect your actual cost.
We suggest obtaining quotes from a minimum of three reputable movers in your area. Get written estimates, which should break down your total cost and the flat fee or hourly rate. Comparing the estimate provided by your mover to the final cost after the move helps ensure fair pricing.
Read Customer Reviews
Positive customer feedback is necessary for all moving companies. Take time to read customer reviews on websites like Google Reviews, social media, Trustpilot, the Better Business Bureau, and Yelp to identify movers with excellent customer service.
Ensure Proper Licensing
Moving companies in Scottsdale must follow different licensing requirements depending on their service area. If you're making a short-haul move that's purely within Arizona, no state license is required. However, you can reach out to the Arizona Department of Public Safety if you need to dispute charges or file a complaint about the company.
The requirements change if you're moving to or from another state. In this case, choose a company 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 see a company's registration status on the FMCSA’s mover registration search tool.
Services
Ask if your chosen mover can deliver the services that meet your expectations as you receive quotes. Get ready for the quote process by taking a comprehensive inventory of your possessions and noting any services you may need. Tell the moving company if you have any particular conditions or needs to assess if the company is a fit.
Types of Moving Services
Full-service movers will include the following 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 asking for a quote from your moving company, communicate any extra services you require. Services that lead to increased pricing include the following:
- Crating for art or antiques
- Extra flights of stairs
- Long carries
- Packing
- Piano moving
- Storage
- Unpacking
- Vehicle shipping
Tips To Consider When Moving in Scottsdale, AZ
Keep the following in mind before moving to, from, or within Scottsdale.
Schedule an Early Move
Scottsdale usually gets congested with traffic during rush hour. Navigating it can be more difficult in a moving truck compared to a personal-use car. Movers caught in traffic may lead to delays and a higher cost since local moving companies charge hourly. You can prevent this by scheduling your move several hours before or after morning rush hour.
Avoid Busy Season
Moving season peaks between May and September. In Scottsdale, this time coincides with very hot summer weather, which can slow or worsen your moving experience. If you plan in advance, you should be able to schedule with your preferred mover regardless of the month. However, the movers may be hindered by the heat.
Pack in Advance
We recommend you begin packing about six weeks in advance to avoid rushing to pack on your moving day. Spending time packing a few boxes each day can make the process less stressful. Most movers won't carry items that haven't been packed by the scheduled moving time.
How Much do Movers Cost in Scottsdale, AZ
Movers in Scottsdale cost $2,658 on average for moves less than 250 miles. It can cost up to $7,411 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 | $2,658 | $3,211 | $7,411 |
250-999 miles | $3,272 | $3,848 | $10,862 |
1,000-2,499 miles | $3,313 | $4,406 | $11,332 |
2,500+ miles | $3,246 | $5,477 | $13,482 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Moving in Scottsdale
What is the average cost of living in Scottsdale?
What is the housing market like in Scottsdale?
How much would it cost to complete a move in Scottsdale for a one-, two-, or three-bedroom house?
What is the best moving company in Scottsdale?
What items should I move myself?
- Art pieces
- Cash
- Family photo albums and other cherished photographs
- Firearms
- Hazardous items like pesticides and gasoline
- Jewelry
- Personal documents
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