How to Choose the Best Local Mover in Long Beach
Make an informed choice by considering the following crucial factors when choosing movers in Long Beach.
Determine Your Budget
The average hourly rate for a local mover in Long Beach is $69. Based on this, a local two-bedroom move costs around $4,300 in total. Your home size, move distance, move date, and any additional services you need will determine your actual cost.
Consider obtaining quotes from at least three reputable movers in your area to make an informed choice. Written estimates are essential in this process. They should have a total cost breakdown, including the hourly rate or flat fee. Hold onto your moving company's estimate until your move is done.
Read Customer Reviews
Moving companies rely on customer reviews. Looking at customer reviews on the Better Business Bureau, Trustpilot, Yelp, Google Reviews, and social media will indicate which movers prioritize positive customer experiences. We suggest thoroughly researching customer reviews before selecting a moving company.
Ensure Proper Licensing
Moving companies in Long Beach 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 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 moving company 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 find a company's registration status on the FMCSA’s mover registration search tool.
Services
Assessing whether the mover provides the services you need is crucial during the quote process. Conduct an inventory of your belongings before getting quotes and note down any basic or add-on services that you may need to ensure accurate pricing. Share any special conditions or needs with your moving company representative in order to assess if the company can fulfill your particular needs.
Types of Moving Services
Full-service movers will provide these services in the base price for standard 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 extra services you need while going through the quote process. Additional fees 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 Long Beach, CA
Consider the following before moving to, from, or within Long Beach.
Schedule an Early Move
Long Beach usually gets congested during rush hour. Maneuvering through it can be more difficult in a moving truck compared to a personal-use car. Movers caught in traffic may result in delays and a higher cost since local moving companies charge hourly. Try to arrange your move either several hours before or after the morning rush hour to prevent this issue.
Avoid Busy Season
The busiest time for movers—between May and September—coincides with Long Beach's hottest time of year. This can negatively impact your moving process if you begin looking too late and can't find an available moving company. You should be able to secure your preferred moving company by reaching out to movers at least eight weeks before your move. However, remember that the heat may still present challenges for your movers.
Pack in Advance
Most moving companies only transport items that have been properly packed by the scheduled moving time, so you should have everything boxed up before their arrival. You should start packing about six weeks before you move. Allocate some packing time daily to avoid last-minute scrambling on moving day.
How Much do Movers Cost in Long Beach, CA
Movers in Long Beach 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 Long Beach
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