How to Choose the Best Local Mover in Carson
A few factors you should consider when looking for a moving company include services offered, licensing, cost, and customer reviews.
Determine Your Budget
A local move costs between $73 and $105 per hour. Based on this, a standard two-bedroom move costs approximately $4,300 in total. Your actual costs will depend on any additional tasks you need your movers to handle, the season, move distance, and your home size.
You should obtain quotes from at least three movers in your area. Request written estimates that provide a clear breakdown of the total cost, including the flat fee or hourly rate. Keep the estimate from your mover and compare it to the final cost to ensure fair pricing.
Read Customer Reviews
Customer feedback plays an important role for moving companies. You can identify moving companies that provide good customer service by reading reviews on platforms like social media, Trustpilot, Google Reviews, Yelp, and the Better Business Bureau.
Ensure Proper Licensing
Moving companies in Carson 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 check 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 the company’s registration status and complaint history on the FMCSA’s mover registration search tool.
Services
Assess whether your chosen mover can deliver the services that meet your expectations while obtaining quotes. Complete an extensive inventory of your home before getting quotes and write down any essential or additional services you might require. Notify the moving company about any special needs to evaluate whether the company is a good fit.
Types of Moving Services
Full-service movers offer the following basic services as a part of their base price:
- Basic wrapping materials for furniture protection
- Loading and unloading
- Released liability coverage for loss or damage
Ensure that your moving company is informed of any special services you require during the quote process. The following services may result in increased 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 Carson, CA
Here are a few additional tips to keep in mind when moving to, from, or within Carson.
Schedule an Early Move
Carson usually gets congested 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 movers charge hourly. Arranging your move for the early morning will ensure that your movers get there before traffic peaks and head to your new home in the afternoon when traffic is less congested.
Avoid Busy Season
May to September marks the busiest moving season and Carson's hottest time of the year. Moving during this time can slow or worsen your move, especially if you start searching for a mover too close to your move. The increased demand could lead to limited availability with your desired mover. You should be able to book your preferred moving company by reaching out to movers at least eight weeks before your move. However, remember that the heat may impact your movers.
Pack in Advance
You should start packing about six weeks before your move. Allocate some packing time each day to avoid needing to pack at the last minute. Most moving companies won't carry items that haven't been packed by your scheduled moving time.
How Much do Movers Cost in Carson, CA
Movers in Carson 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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Frequently Asked Questions About Moving in Carson
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