How to Choose the Best Local Mover in El Cajon
A few factors to consider when choosing a moving company include licensing, customer reviews, cost, and services offered.
Determine Your Budget
According to our research, the average local mover in El Cajon charges $60 per hour. The average local move costs $4,304 total for two-bedroom homes. Factors that contribute to your actual cost include the season, any additional tasks you need done, your home size, and move distance.
Consider obtaining quotes from three or more reputable moving companies in your area to make an educated choice. Written estimates are essential in this process. They should have a total cost breakdown, covering the hourly rate or flat fee. Hold onto your mover's estimate until your move is complete.
Read Customer Reviews
Customer reviews hold significant value when evaluating moving companies. Read customer reviews on websites such as Trustpilot, the Better Business Bureau, Yelp, Google Reviews, and social media to identify movers that prioritize positive customer experiences.
Ensure Proper Licensing
Moving companies in El Cajon must follow different licensing requirements depending on their service area. If you're only moving intrastate, choose a company that carries a California Bureau of Household Goods and Services license. You can verify a company's local license using the Transportation Carriers Lookup tool.
The requirements change if you're moving to or from another state. In this case, choose a moving company licensed with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). The team should also carry active United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers. You can find a company's registration status on the FMCSA’s mover registration search tool.
Services
Assess whether your chosen mover can deliver the services that meet your expectations when requesting quotes. Get ready for the quote process by making a comprehensive inventory of your home and writing down any services you may need. Moreover, inform your moving company representative about any extra services you may need to gauge the company's capability to offer adequate service.
Types of Moving Services
Full-service movers will include 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. Additional fees may apply for these services:
- Crating for art or antiques
- Extra flights of stairs
- Long carries
- Packing
- Piano moving
- Storage
- Unpacking
- Vehicle shipping
Tips To Consider When Moving in El Cajon, CA
Here are a few additional tips to keep in mind when moving to, from, or within El Cajon.
Schedule an Early Move
El Cajon sees its fair share of traffic, and navigating this can be a challenge in a moving truck. Being stuck in traffic during your move can lead to delays and significantly impact your budget since local movers charge by the hour. We recommend arranging before morning rush hour, which guarantees the movers avoid heavy traffic and wrap up the move before evening.
Avoid Busy Season
May to September marks the busiest moving season and El Cajon's hottest time of the year. Moving during this time can slow or worsen your move, especially if you begin your search for a mover too close to your move. The high demand could reduce your chances of securing your desired mover. By planning and booking at least eight weeks before your move, you should be able to secure the moving company you want. However, keep in mind the possibility that the hot weather could make the move more difficult for your movers.
Pack in Advance
We suggest you begin packing about six weeks in advance to avoid rushing to pack on your moving day. Spending time packing a couple boxes each day can get it done without overwhelming you. Most moving companies only move items that have been packed by the scheduled moving time, so you should have everything boxed up before they arrive.
How Much do Movers Cost in El Cajon, CA
Movers in El Cajon cost $2,662 on average for moves less than 250 miles. It can cost up to $7,464 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 | $2,662 | $3,235 | $7,464 |
| 250-999 miles | $3,277 | $3,875 | $10,910 |
| 1,000-2,499 miles | $3,319 | $4,433 | $11,402 |
| 2,500+ miles | $3,255 | $5,506 | $13,555 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Moving in El Cajon
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