Best 5 Movers in Berkeley, CA

How to Choose the Best Local Mover in Berkeley

You should consider a few crucial factors when choosing a moving company. Here are some things to look for when hiring movers in Berkeley.

Determine Your Budget

According to our research, the average moving company in Berkeley charges $92 per hour. The average cost overall is $4,579 for two-bedroom homes. Your actual cost will vary depending on the season, move distance, your home size, and any additional tasks you need your movers to handle.

We advise obtaining quotes from three or more reputable movers in your area. Don't forget to request written estimates. These should provide a breakdown of the total cost, including the hourly rate or flat fee. Keep your mover's estimate and compare it to the final invoice to ensure fair pricing.

Read Customer Reviews

Solid customer feedback is necessary for all moving companies. Check sites like Google Reviews, Trustpilot, the Better Business Bureau, social media, and Yelp to gain insights into the typical customer experience with that moving company.

Ensure Proper Licensing

Moving companies in Berkeley must follow different licensing requirements depending on their service area. If you are moving from one California city to another, choose a company that carries a California Bureau of Household Goods and Services license. You can verify a company's state license using the Transportation Carriers Lookup tool.

If you're moving across state lines, the regulations are different. Interstate moving companies must be licensed with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and must carry active United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers. You can use these numbers to look up a mover’s registration status and complaint history on the FMCSA’s mover registration search tool.

Services

Assessing whether the mover offers the services you need is crucial during the quote process. Take inventory of your home before requesting quotes and document any additional services that might be necessary to ensure accurate pricing. Discuss any specific requirements or unique circumstances with your moving company representative in order to determine whether the company can fulfill your specific requirements.

Types of Moving Services

Full-service movers will provide these moving services in the base price for basic moves:

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

If you need additional services from your moving company, inform them of these during the quote process. These services may lead to 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 Berkeley, CA

Here are a few additional tips to consider for your Berkeley move.

Schedule an Early Move

Berkeley usually gets congested during rush hour. Maneuvering through it can be more difficult 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 hourly. Aim to plan your move either a few hours before or after the morning rush hour to prevent this issue.

Avoid Busy Season

The peak moving season—between May and September—coincides with Berkeley's hottest time of year. This can impact your moving process if you start your search too late and can't find an available moving company. By planning your move at least eight weeks in advance, you should be able to secure the moving company you want. However, be prepared for the possibility that the hot weather could pose difficulties for your movers.

Pack in Advance

You should begin packing around six weeks in advance. Pack a few boxes every day to avoid rushing when move day comes. Your movers may have a few extra boxes with them for last-minute packing, but you shouldn’t depend on it. Most moving companies won't carry items that haven't been packed by your scheduled moving time.

How Much do Movers Cost in Berkeley, CA

Movers in Berkeley cost $2,757 on average for moves less than 250 miles. It can cost up to $8,629 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.