How to Choose the Best Local Mover in Altadena
Make an informed choice by taking the following factors into consideration when deciding on a mover in Altadena.
Determine Your Budget
According to our research, Altadena movers charge $107 per hour on average. The typical local move costs $4,300 total for two-bedroom homes. Factors that contribute to your actual cost include any additional tasks you need done, move distance, the season, and your home size.
You should obtain quotes from at least three reputable movers in your area. Request written estimates that break down the total cost and the flat fee or hourly rate. Keep the estimate from your mover and compare it to the final invoice to ensure fair pricing.
Read Customer Reviews
Good customer feedback is essential for all moving companies. Read customer reviews on websites like Trustpilot, Yelp, Google Reviews, social media, and the Better Business Bureau to identify movers that prioritize positive customer experiences.
Ensure Proper Licensing
Moving companies in Altadena must follow different licensing requirements depending on their service area. If you're making a short-haul move that's purely within California, choose a company that carries a California Bureau of Household Goods and Services license. You can verify a company's license using the Transportation Carriers Lookup tool.
The requirements are a bit different 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 have 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 provides the services that meet your expectations as you receive quotes. Take a full inventory of your home before getting quotes and note down any essential or additional services you may need. Tell the moving company if you have any particular needs to assess whether the company is a fit.
Types of Moving Services
A full-service mover will include these services for basic moves:
- Basic wrapping materials for furniture protection
- Loading and unloading
- Released liability coverage for loss or damage
If you require special services from your moving company, inform them of these when requesting a quote. 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 Altadena, CA
Here are a few additional tips to keep in mind when moving to, from, or within Altadena.
Schedule an Early Move
The morning and evening rush hours in Altadena are widely known for their extreme traffic congestion. Movers stuck in traffic can also increase your moving costs when charged an hourly rate. Try to arrange your move either several 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 Altadena. This can negatively impact your move. Plan ahead and book your desired moving company at least eight weeks in advance. You should also be prepared for the potential challenges the hot summer weather may pose to your movers during a summer move.
Pack in Advance
Most movers won't move items that haven't been packed when your move starts. Begin packing approximately six weeks before your move so you can avoid rushing at the last minute. You can pack a few boxes each day to make the process more manageable.
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.
Distance | Studio-1 Bedroom | 2-3 Bedroom | 4+ Bedroom |
---|---|---|---|
Less than 250 miles | $2,661 | $3,227 | $7,446 |
250-999 miles | $3,275 | $3,866 | $10,894 |
1,000-2,499 miles | $3,317 | $4,424 | $11,379 |
2,500+ miles | $3,252 | $5,496 | $13,531 |
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