Best 5 Movers in Altadena, CA

How to Choose the Best Local Mover in Altadena

Consider each moving company's licensing, customer reviews, cost, and services before picking.

Determine Your Budget

The average hourly rate for a local mover in Altadena is $107. Based on this, a standard two-bedroom move costs approximately $4,300 overall. Your actual cost will depend on move distance, any additional tasks you need your movers to handle, your home size, and the season.

Consider getting quotes from at least three reputable moving companies in your area to make an educated choice. Written estimates are crucial in this process. They should include a total cost breakdown, covering the hourly rate or flat fee. Hold onto your moving company's estimate until your move is done.

Read Customer Reviews

Customer reviews are valuable when evaluating moving companies. Reading customer reviews on platforms such as Google Reviews, Yelp, Trustpilot, social media, and the Better Business Bureau will indicate which movers have positive customer experiences. We suggest thoroughly researching customer reviews before choosing a moving company.

Ensure Proper Licensing

Moving companies in Altadena must follow different licensing requirements depending on their service area. If you're only moving within California, choose a company that carries a California Bureau of Household Goods and Services license. You can check a company's state license using the Transportation Carriers Lookup tool.

If you're moving interstate, 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

Assess whether your chosen mover can provide the services you need when requesting quotes. Get ready for the quote process by making a detailed inventory of your home and writing down any services you may need. Share any special conditions or needs with your moving company representative to assess whether the company can accommodate your particular needs.

Types of Moving Services

Full-service movers will provide the following services in the base price for standard moves:

• Basic wrapping materials for furniture protection
• Loading and unloading
• Released liability coverage for loss or damage

If you require additional services from your moving company, mention these when requesting a quote. Services that can contribute 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 Altadena, CA

Here are a few additional tips to keep in mind for your Altadena move.

Schedule an Early Move

Altadena usually gets congested during rush hour. Maneuvering through it can be more challenging in a moving truck compared to a standard personal-use car. Movers caught in traffic may result in delays and a higher cost since local movers charge by the hour. Aim to schedule your move either several hours before or after the morning rush hour to avoid this issue.

Avoid Busy Season

May to September marks the busiest moving season and Altadena's hottest time of the year. Moving during this time can slow or worsen your moving process, particularly if you start searching for a mover too late. The high demand could lead to limited availability with your desired mover. By planning your move at least eight weeks in advance, you should be able to lock in your desired moving company. However, keep in mind the possibility that the hot weather could make the move more difficult for your movers.

Pack in Advance

Most movers only transport items that have been properly packed by the scheduled moving time, so you should have everything boxed up before their arrival. We suggest you start packing about six weeks in advance to prevent rushing to pack on your moving day. Spending time packing some items each day can make the process less stressful.

How Much do Movers Cost in Altadena, CA

Movers in Altadena cost $2,661 on average for moves less than 250 miles. It can cost up to $7,446 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.