How to Choose the Best Local Mover in Lancaster
Consider each moving company's cost, customer reviews, services, and licensing before choosing.
Determine Your Budget
A local move costs $60 per hour on average. Based on this, a standard two-bedroom move costs $4,300 overall. Factors that contribute to your actual cost include the season, any additional tasks you need done, move distance, and your home size.
We suggest 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 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
Moving companies depend on customer feedback. Take the time to read customer reviews on sites such as Google Reviews, Yelp, social media, Trustpilot, and the Better Business Bureau to identify movers with good customer service.
Ensure Proper Licensing
Moving companies in Lancaster must follow different licensing requirements depending on their service area. If you're only moving 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 the company’s registration status and complaint history on the FMCSA’s mover registration search tool.
Services
Ask if your chosen mover can provide the services that meet your expectations when requesting quotes. Prepare for the quote process by taking a detailed inventory of your home and noting any services you may need. Share any specific requirements or unique circumstances with your moving company representative in order to assess if the company is able to meet your specific requirements.
Types of Moving Services
For basic moves, full-service movers will include the following services in the starting cost:
- Basic wrapping materials for furniture protection
- Loading and unloading
- Released liability coverage for loss or damage
If you need additional services from your moving company, inform them of these when requesting a quote. Services that lead to increased pricing include the following:
- Crating for art or antiques
- Extra flights of stairs
- Long carries
- Packing
- Piano moving
- Storage
- Unpacking
- Vehicle shipping
Tips To Consider When Moving in Lancaster, CA
Here are some additional tips to keep in mind for your Lancaster move.
Schedule an Early Move
Lancaster usually gets hectic during rush hour. Maneuvering through it can be more challenging 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 moving companies charge by the hour. You can avoid this by booking movers a few hours before or after morning rush hour.
Avoid Busy Season
Moving season peaks between May and September. In Lancaster, this time corresponds to very hot summer weather, which can delay or worsen your move. By planning your move at least eight weeks in advance, you should be able to secure the moving company you want. However, keep in mind the possibility that the hot weather could make the move more difficult for your movers.
Pack in Advance
Most movers won't transport items that haven't been packed by the time your move begins. Start packing approximately six weeks before your move to avoid rushing at the last minute. You can pack a couple boxes each day to make the process less stressful.
How Much do Movers Cost in Lancaster, CA
Movers in Lancaster 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 Lancaster
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