How to Choose the Best Local Mover in El Centro
Make an informed choice by taking the following factors into consideration when choosing movers in El Centro.
Determine Your Budget
Based on our findings, the average cost of hiring a local mover in El Centro is $53 per hour. The overall cost adds up to $4,128 for a two-bedroom move. Your home size, move distance, move date, and any additional tasks you need the movers to do will affect your actual cost.
You should get quotes from a minimum of three movers in your area. Ask for written estimates that provide a clear breakdown of the total cost and the hourly rate or flat fee. Hold onto your mover's estimate until your move is done.
Read Customer Reviews
Solid customer feedback is important for all moving companies. Read customer reviews on platforms like Google Reviews, the Better Business Bureau, Trustpilot, Yelp, and social media to identify moving companies with excellent customer service.
Ensure Proper Licensing
Moving companies in El Centro must follow different licensing requirements depending on their service area. If you are only moving intrastate, 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 a bit different 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 have active United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers. You can see a company's registration status on the FMCSA’s mover registration search tool.
Services
Assess whether the mover can provide the specific services you need when requesting quotes. Take inventory of your belongings when requesting quotes and note down any basic or add-on services that might be necessary to ensure accurate pricing. Additionally, tell your moving company representative about any particular requirements or unique circumstances you may have to evaluate the company's ability to deliver adequate service.
Types of Moving Services
Full-service movers include the following standard services as a part of their base price:
- Basic wrapping materials for furniture protection
- Loading and unloading
- Released liability coverage for loss or damage
Make sure you inform your mover of any special services you need in the quote process. Additional fees may apply for the following 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 Centro, CA
Keep these tips in mind before moving to, from, or within El Centro.
Schedule an Early Move
El Centro usually gets congested with traffic 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 lead to delays and a higher cost since local moving companies charge hourly. We suggest scheduling before morning rush hour, which makes sure the movers avoid the traffic and complete the move before evening.
Avoid Busy Season
Moving season peaks between May and September. In El Centro, this time corresponds to very hot summer weather, which can delay or worsen your moving experience. If you book far enough in advance, you should be able to schedule with your preferred mover regardless of the month. However, your movers may be hindered by the heat.
Pack in Advance
You should start packing about six weeks before you 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 El Centro, CA
Movers in El Centro cost $2,601 on average for moves less than 250 miles. It can cost up to $6,719 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 | $2,601 | $2,902 | $6,719 |
| 250-999 miles | $3,213 | $3,506 | $10,237 |
| 1,000-2,499 miles | $3,245 | $4,046 | $10,412 |
| 2,500+ miles | $3,127 | $5,102 | $12,530 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Moving in El Centro
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