How to Choose the Best Local Mover in Lake Forest
You should consider a few crucial factors when choosing a moving company. Here are some things to look for when hiring movers in Lake Forest.
Determine Your Budget
The average hourly rate for a local mover in Lake Forest is $119. Based on this, a local two-bedroom move costs $4,326 in total. Your actual costs will depend on any additional tasks you need your movers to handle, move distance, your home size, and the season.
Consider getting quotes from a minimum of three reputable moving companies in your area to make an informed choice. Written estimates are important in this process. They should have a comprehensive breakdown of the total cost, covering the hourly rate or flat fee. Comparing the estimate provided by your to the final cost after the move helps ensure fair pricing is maintained.
Read Customer Reviews
Customer feedback plays an important role for moving companies. Read customer reviews on sites like Trustpilot, social media, the Better Business Bureau, Google Reviews, and Yelp to find movers that prioritize positive customer experiences.
Ensure Proper Licensing
Moving companies in Lake Forest must follow different licensing requirements depending on their service area. If you are only moving within California, 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.
If you're moving to or from another state, the regulations are different. Choose a company licensed with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). It should also have 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
Assess whether the mover can provide the specific services you need when requesting quotes. Make a list of any basic or add-on services you might need and take a full inventory of your home before requesting quotes. Inform your moving company representative regarding any special conditions or needs to determine whether the company can provide adequate service.
Types of Moving Services
A full-service mover will include the following services for basic moves:
- Basic wrapping materials for furniture protection
- Loading and unloading
- Released liability coverage for loss or damage
When seeking a quote from your moving company, mention any special services you need. 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 Lake Forest, CA
Here are some extra tips to consider when moving in Lake Forest.
Schedule an Early Move
The morning and evening rush hours in Lake Forest 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 will ensure that your movers get there before traffic peaks and head to your new home in the afternoon when traffic is limited.
Avoid Busy Season
Moving season is the busiest between May and September. In Lake Forest, this time corresponds to very hot summer weather, which can delay or worsen your moving experience. Plan ahead and schedule your preferred mover at least eight weeks in advance. You should also be prepared for the potential difficulties the summer weather may pose to your movers during a summer move.
Pack in Advance
You should begin packing about six weeks before you move. Allocate some packing time daily to avoid last-minute scrambling on moving day. Most moving companies won't transport items that haven't been packed by the scheduled moving time.
How Much do Movers Cost in Lake Forest, CA
Movers in Lake Forest 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 Lake Forest
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