How to Choose the Best Local Mover in Irvine
Consider each moving company's customer reviews, cost, services, and licensing before picking.
Determine Your Budget
A local move costs $115 per hour on average. Based on this, a standard two-bedroom move costs $4,326 overall. Factors that affect your actual cost include any additional tasks you need done, move distance, your home size, and the season.
We advise obtaining quotes from three or more reputable movers in your area. Be sure to request written estimates. These should provide a breakdown of the total cost, including the hourly rate or flat fee. Hold onto your mover's estimate until your move is finished.
Read Customer Reviews
Customer reviews hold significant value when looking into moving companies. You can identify movers that provide good customer service by reading reviews on platforms like Google Reviews, Trustpilot, the Better Business Bureau, Yelp, and social media.
Ensure Proper Licensing
Moving companies in Irvine 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 verify a company's state license using the Transportation Carriers Lookup tool.
If you're moving across state lines, the regulations are different. Interstate moving companies must be licensed with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and must carry active United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers. You can use these numbers to look up a mover’s registration status and complaint history on the FMCSA’s mover registration search tool.
Services
Assess whether the mover provides the services you need when requesting quotes. Create a list of any services you might need and take a full inventory of your home before requesting quotes. Furthermore, inform your moving company representative about any particular requirements or unique circumstances you may have to evaluate the company's capacity to provide adequate service.
Types of Moving Services
Full-service movers will include the following moving services in the base price for standard moves:
- Basic wrapping materials for furniture protection
- Loading and unloading
- Released liability coverage for loss or damage
If you require special services from your moving company, inform them of these when requesting a quote. These services may lead to higher 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 Irvine, CA
Here are a few additional tips to keep in mind when relocating to, from, or within Irvine.
Schedule an Early Move
Irvine usually gets hectic during rush hour. Maneuvering through it can be more difficult in a moving truck compared to a standard personal-use car. Movers caught in traffic may lead to delays and a higher cost since local movers charge by the hour. Scheduling your move for the early morning ensures that your movers get there before traffic peaks and head to your new home in the middle of the day when traffic is limited.
Avoid Busy Season
May to September marks the busiest moving season and Irvine's hottest time of the year. Moving during this time can slow or worsen your move, especially if you start searching for a mover too close to your move. The high demand could reduce your chances of securing your desired mover. If you book far enough in advance, you should be able to schedule with your preferred mover regardless of the month. However, the movers may be hindered by the heat.
Pack in Advance
We recommend you start packing around six weeks in advance to prevent rushing to pack on your moving day. Packing a few boxes each day can make the process less stressful. Most moving companies won't transport items that haven't been packed by your scheduled moving time.
How Much do Movers Cost in Irvine, CA
Movers in Irvine 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 Irvine
What is the average cost of living in Irvine?
What is the average commute time in Irvine?
How much would it cost to complete a move in Irvine for a one-, two-, or three-bedroom house?
When should I begin contacting moving companies?
What should I do if I need to change my move date?
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