How to Choose the Best Local Mover in Chico
You should consider several key factors when choosing a mover. These are some things to keep in mind when hiring movers in Chico.
Determine Your Budget
According to our research, Chico moving companies charge $54 per hour on average. The average local move costs $4,357 total for two-bedroom homes. Your home size, move distance, move date, and any additional services you need will determine your actual cost.
We suggest obtaining quotes from three or more reputable movers in your area. Remember to request written estimates. These should detail the total cost, including the hourly rate or flat fee. Comparing the estimate provided by your mover to the final cost after the move helps ensure fair pricing is maintained.
Read Customer Reviews
Solid customer feedback is essential for all moving companies. You can identify moving companies that provide good customer service by reading reviews on platforms like Yelp, the Better Business Bureau, social media, Google Reviews, and Trustpilot.
Ensure Proper Licensing
Moving companies in Chico 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
Assessing whether the mover provides the services you need is crucial during the quote process. Compile a list of any services you may require and take inventory of your home before requesting quotes. Inform your moving company representative regarding any special conditions or needs to evaluate whether the company can provide satisfactory service.
Types of Moving Services
Full-service movers will provide the following 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 require additional services from your moving company, disclose these during the quote process. The following services may lead to 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 Chico, CA
Here are a few additional tips to consider for your Chico move.
Schedule an Early Move
Chico usually gets congested during rush hour. Maneuvering through it can be more challenging in a moving truck compared to a personal-use car. Movers caught in traffic may result in delays and a higher cost since local movers charge by the hour. Try to arrange your move either a few hours before or after the morning rush hour to prevent this issue.
Avoid Busy Season
The busiest moving period, which falls between May and September, coincides with the hot summer temperatures in Chico. This can slow or negatively impact your move. If you book in advance, you should be able to schedule with your preferred mover regardless of the season. However, the movers may be hindered by the heat.
Pack in Advance
You should start packing around six weeks before your move. Pack a few boxes each day to avoid rushing when move day comes. Your movers may have some spare boxes with them for last-minute packing, but you shouldn’t depend on it. Most moving companies approach same-day packing requests similarly. Movers will not move loose items that haven’t been packed when your move is scheduled to begin in many cases.
How Much do Movers Cost in Chico, CA
Movers in Chico cost $2,680 on average for moves less than 250 miles. It can cost up to $7,686 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 | $2,680 | $3,334 | $7,686 |
250-999 miles | $3,296 | $3,985 | $11,110 |
1,000-2,499 miles | $3,341 | $4,549 | $11,698 |
2,500+ miles | $3,294 | $5,627 | $13,861 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Moving in Chico
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