How to Choose the Best Local Mover in Lakewood
Some factors you should consider when choosing a moving company include cost, licensing, customer reviews, and services offered.
Determine Your Budget
According to our research, the average moving company in Lakewood charges $102 per hour. The average local move costs $4,300 total for two-bedroom homes. Your actual cost will vary depending on move distance, your home size, any additional tasks you need your movers to handle, and the season.
Consider getting quotes from three or more reputable movers in your area to make an informed choice. Written estimates are crucial in this process. They should include a comprehensive breakdown of the total cost, including the hourly rate or flat fee. Keep your mover's estimate and compare it to the final cost to ensure fair pricing.
Read Customer Reviews
Positive customer feedback is necessary for all moving companies. Take time to read customer reviews on platforms like Trustpilot, social media, Yelp, the Better Business Bureau, and Google Reviews to find moving companies that prioritize positive customer experiences.
Ensure Proper Licensing
Moving companies in Lakewood 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 to or from another state, 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 look up a mover’s registration status and complaint history.
Services
Assess whether your chosen mover can provide the specific services you need during the quote process. Complete an extensive inventory of your home before getting quotes and note any essential or additional services you may need. Notify the moving company about any specific needs to determine if the company is a fit.
Types of Moving Services
A full-service mover includes the following services for basic moves:
- Basic wrapping materials for furniture protection
- Loading and unloading
- Released liability coverage for loss or damage
Ensure that your moving company is aware of any special services you require while going through 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 Lakewood, CA
Keep these tips in mind before moving to, from, or within Lakewood.
Schedule an Early Move
Lakewood sees its fair share of traffic, and navigating this can be more difficult in a moving truck. Getting stuck in traffic can lead to delays and significantly impact your budget, as local movers charge by the hour. We suggest arranging before morning rush hour, which ensures the movers avoid heavy traffic and finish the move before evening.
Avoid Busy Season
The peak moving season—between May and September—coincides with Lakewood's hottest time of year. This can negatively impact your move if you start your search too late and can't find an available moving company. If you book far enough in advance, you should be able to schedule with your preferred mover regardless of the season. However, your movers may be hampered by the heat.
Pack in Advance
Most moving companies only move items that have been packed by the scheduled moving time, so you should have everything boxed up before their arrival. Begin packing around six weeks before your move so you won't have to rush at the last minute. You can pack a couple boxes each day to make the process less stressful.
How Much do Movers Cost in Lakewood, CA
Movers in Lakewood cost $2,661 on average for moves less than 250 miles. It can cost up to $7,446 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 | $2,661 | $3,227 | $7,446 |
250-999 miles | $3,275 | $3,866 | $10,894 |
1,000-2,499 miles | $3,317 | $4,424 | $11,379 |
2,500+ miles | $3,252 | $5,496 | $13,531 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Moving in Lakewood
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