How to Choose the Best Local Mover in Fountain Valley
You should consider a few important factors when choosing a moving company. These are some things to keep in mind when hiring movers in Fountain Valley.
Determine Your Budget
A local move costs between $80 and $115 per hour. Based on this, a local two-bedroom move costs $4,326 in total. Your actual costs will vary depending on your home size, the season, move distance, and any additional tasks you need your movers to handle.
You should get quotes from a minimum of three movers in your area. Ask for written estimates that outline the total cost, including 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 sites like Google Reviews, Trustpilot, Yelp, social media, and the Better Business Bureau to identify moving companies that prioritize positive customer experiences.
Ensure Proper Licensing
Moving companies in Fountain Valley must follow different licensing requirements depending on their service area. If you are making a short-haul move that's purely within California, 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.
If you're moving interstate, the regulations are different. Choose a company licensed with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). It should also carry active United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers, which you can use on the FMCSA’s mover registration search tool to check a mover’s registration status and complaint history.
Services
Asking whether the mover offers the services you need is crucial during the quote process. Take inventory of your home when seeking quotes and note down any additional services that might be necessary to ensure accurate pricing. Inform your moving company representative regarding any special conditions or needs to evaluate if the company can provide satisfactory service.
Types of Moving Services
Full-service movers provide 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
Tell your moving company about the other services you need during the quote process. Increased pricing 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 Fountain Valley, CA
Here are some additional tips to keep in mind when moving to, from, or within Fountain Valley.
Schedule an Early Move
The morning and evening rush hours in Fountain Valley are widely known for their extreme traffic congestion. Movers stuck in traffic can also lead to higher costs when charged an hourly rate. Arranging your move for the early morning ensures that your movers get there before rush hour and make the trip to your new home in the afternoon when traffic is limited.
Avoid Busy Season
May to September marks the busiest moving season and Fountain Valley's hottest time of the year. Moving during this time can slow or worsen your move, particularly if you begin your search for a moving company too late. The increased demand could reduce your chances of securing your desired mover. You should be able to schedule with the moving company you prefer by reaching out to movers at least eight weeks before your move. However, remember that the heat may impact your movers.
Pack in Advance
Most moving companies won't handle items that haven't been packed by your scheduled moving time. You should begin packing about six weeks before you move. Spend some time packing each day to prevent needing to pack at the last minute.
How Much do Movers Cost in Fountain Valley, CA
Movers in Fountain Valley cost $2,670 on average for moves less than 250 miles. It can cost up to $7,556 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 | $2,670 | $3,276 | $7,556 |
| 250-999 miles | $3,285 | $3,920 | $10,993 |
| 1,000-2,499 miles | $3,328 | $4,481 | $11,524 |
| 2,500+ miles | $3,271 | $5,556 | $13,682 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Moving in Fountain Valley
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