How to Choose the Best Local Mover in Downey
You should consider a few important factors when choosing a mover. These are some things to keep in mind when hiring movers in Downey.
Determine Your Budget
A local move costs between $67 and $97 per hour. Based on this, a standard two-bedroom move costs around $4,300 in total. Factors that affect your actual cost include your home size, move distance, the season, and any additional tasks you need done.
Consider obtaining quotes from a minimum of three moving companies in your area to make an educated choice. Written estimates are important in this process. They should have a comprehensive breakdown of the total cost, including the hourly rate or flat fee. Keep your mover's estimate on hand until after the company has completed your move to ensure fair pricing practices.
Read Customer Reviews
Positive customer feedback is necessary for all moving companies. Looking at customer reviews on forums such as the Better Business Bureau, social media, Yelp, Google Reviews, and Trustpilot will show you which movers have positive customer experiences. We suggest thoroughly researching customer reviews before choosing a moving company.
Ensure Proper Licensing
Moving companies in Downey must follow different licensing requirements depending on their service area. If you're 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 local license using the Transportation Carriers Lookup tool.
The requirements are 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 check a company's registration status on the FMCSA’s mover registration search tool.
Services
Asking whether the mover offers the services you need is crucial during the quote process. Conduct an inventory of your home before getting quotes and note down any basic or add-on services that you may need to ensure accurate pricing. Discuss any specific requirements or unique circumstances with your moving company representative to determine if the company is able to meet your particular needs.
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
Inform your moving company about the additional services you require as you go through the quote process. Services that can contribute to higher pricing include the following:
- Crating for art or antiques
- Extra flights of stairs
- Long carries
- Packing
- Piano moving
- Storage
- Unpacking
- Vehicle shipping
Tips To Consider When Moving in Downey, CA
Here are a few additional tips to keep in mind for your Downey move.
Schedule an Early Move
Downey traffic during the morning and evening rush hours is notoriously congested. Navigating gridlock with a moving truck is even more difficult than with a personal-use vehicle. Movers stuck in traffic typically leads to higher costs since they’ll still be on the clock while in their trucks. Aim 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 Downey. This can slow or negatively impact your move. If you plan far enough in advance, you should be able to schedule with the mover you desire regardless of the month. However, the movers may be hindered by the heat.
Pack in Advance
Most moving companies only move items that have been properly packed by the scheduled moving time, so you should finish your packing before their arrival. Begin packing approximately six weeks before your move so you won't have to rush at the last minute. You can pack a few boxes each day to make the process less stressful.
How Much do Movers Cost in Downey, CA
Movers in Downey 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 Downey
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