How to Choose the Best Local Mover in Fresno
Consider each company's cost, services, licensing, and customer reviews before choosing.
Determine Your Budget
The average cost of a local mover in Fresno is $54 per hour. The overall cost adds up to $4,132 for a two-bedroom move. Your actual costs will vary depending on move distance, your home size, any additional tasks you need your movers to handle, and the season.
We recommend obtaining quotes from a minimum of three reputable movers in your area. It's essential to get written estimates, which should break down your total cost and the flat fee or hourly rate. Keep the estimate from your mover and compare it to the final cost to ensure fair pricing.
Read Customer Reviews
Customer feedback plays an important role for moving companies. Take the time to read customer reviews on websites such as Google Reviews, social media, the Better Business Bureau, Trustpilot, and Yelp to identify moving companies with good customer service.
Ensure Proper Licensing
Moving companies in Fresno 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.
The requirements are different if you're moving to or from another state. In this case, choose a mover 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 see a company's registration status on the FMCSA’s mover registration search tool.
Services
Assess whether the mover you chose can provide the services that meet your expectations while obtaining quotes. Get ready for the quote process by making a detailed inventory of your possessions and writing down any services you may need. Tell your moving company representative regarding any specific requirements or unique circumstances to evaluate if the company can provide adequate service.
Types of Moving Services
Full-service movers offer 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
When asking for a quote from your moving company, disclose any services you require. The following services may result in 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 Fresno, CA
Here are a few additional tips to keep in mind for your Fresno move.
Schedule an Early Move
The morning and evening rush hours in Fresno are widely known for their extreme traffic congestion. Movers stuck in traffic can also lead to higher costs when charged an hourly rate. You can prevent this by booking movers several hours before or after morning rush hour.
Avoid Busy Season
May to September marks the busiest moving season and Fresno's hottest time of the year. Moving at this time can slow or worsen your moving process, especially if you begin your search for a moving company too late. The high demand could reduce your chances of securing your desired mover. You should be able to secure the moving company you want by reaching out to companies at least eight weeks before your move. However, keep in mind that the heat may impact your movers.
Pack in Advance
Most movers won't handle items that haven't been packed by your scheduled moving time. You should begin packing about six weeks before your move. Spend some time packing daily to avoid last-minute scrambling on moving day.
How Much do Movers Cost in Fresno, CA
Movers in Fresno cost $2,603 on average for moves less than 250 miles. It can cost up to $6,736 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 | $2,603 | $2,910 | $6,736 |
| 250-999 miles | $3,214 | $3,514 | $10,253 |
| 1,000-2,499 miles | $3,246 | $4,055 | $10,435 |
| 2,500+ miles | $3,130 | $5,112 | $12,554 |
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