How to Choose the Best Local Mover in Fort Smith
Consider each company's cost, customer reviews, services, and licensing before deciding.
Determine Your Budget
Based on our findings, the average cost of hiring a local mover in Fort Smith is $52 per hour. The overall cost amounts to $4,349 for a two-bedroom move. Your actual costs will depend on the season, move distance, any additional tasks you need your movers to handle, and your home size.
We suggest obtaining quotes from three or more reputable movers in your area. Remember to request written estimates. These should provide a breakdown of the total cost, including the flat fee or hourly rate. Comparing the estimate provided by your mover to the final cost after the move helps ensure fair pricing is maintained.
Read Customer Reviews
Good customer feedback is important for all moving companies. You can identify movers with positive customer experiences by reading reviews on platforms like Trustpilot, social media, the Better Business Bureau, Yelp, and Google Reviews.
Ensure Proper Licensing
Moving companies in Fort Smith must follow different licensing requirements depending on their service area. If you're only moving intrastate, your mover must be registered with the Arkansas Department of Transportation.
The requirements differ if you're moving to or from another state. In this case, choose a moving company licensed with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). The team should also have active United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers. You can find a company's registration status on the FMCSA’s mover registration search tool.
Services
Ask if the mover you chose provides the services that align with your expectations as you receive quotes. Conduct an inventory of your home before requesting quotes and note down any basic or add-on services that you may need to ensure accurate pricing. Furthermore, tell your moving company representative about any special conditions or specific needs you may have to evaluate the company's ability to deliver satisfactory service.
Types of Moving Services
A full-service mover includes these services 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, mention any additional services you need. The following services may result in higher 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 Fort Smith, AR
Here are a few additional tips to keep in mind when relocating to, from, or within Fort Smith.
Schedule an Early Move
Fort Smith traffic during rush hour is often hectic. Navigating gridlock in a moving truck is even more difficult than with a personal-use vehicle. Movers getting stuck in traffic during your local move typically leads to higher costs since they’ll still be on the clock while in their trucks. Aim to arrange your move either a few hours before or after the morning rush hour to avoid this issue.
Avoid Busy Season
The busiest moving period, which falls between May and September, coincides with the hot summer temperatures in Fort Smith. This can slow or negatively impact your move. If you book far enough in advance, you should be able to schedule with your preferred mover regardless of the season. However, your movers may be hindered by the heat.
Pack in Advance
We suggest you begin packing around six weeks in advance to prevent rushing to pack on your moving day. Spending time packing some items each day can get it done without overwhelming you. Most moving companies won't move items that aren't packed by the time your move is supposed to start.
How Much do Movers Cost in Fort Smith, AR
Movers in Fort Smith cost $2,678 on average for moves less than 250 miles. It can cost up to $7,654 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 | $2,678 | $3,320 | $7,654 |
250-999 miles | $3,293 | $3,969 | $11,082 |
1,000-2,499 miles | $3,337 | $4,532 | $11,655 |
2,500+ miles | $3,288 | $5,609 | $13,818 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Moving in Fort Smith
What is the housing market like in Fort Smith?
Does Fort Smith have good schools?
How much do movers cost in Fort Smith?
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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
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviewsteam@thisoldhousereviews.com.