How to Choose the Best Local Mover in Merced
You should consider several crucial factors when choosing a mover. These are some things to look out for when hiring movers in Merced.
Determine Your Budget
The average hourly rate for local movers in Merced is $48. A two-bedroom move in the area costs approximately $4,357 in total. Your move date, move distance, home size, and any additional services you need will affect your actual cost.
We suggest obtaining quotes from three or more reputable movers in your area. It's essential to get written estimates, which should detail your total cost and the hourly rate or flat fee. Keep your mover's estimate handy until the move is done to ensure fair pricing.
Read Customer Reviews
Solid customer feedback is necessary for all moving companies. Take the time to read customer reviews on sites such as the Better Business Bureau, Yelp, Trustpilot, social media, and Google Reviews to identify moving companies that prioritize positive customer experiences.
Ensure Proper Licensing
Moving companies in Merced must follow different licensing requirements depending on their service area. If you're moving from one California city to another, choose a company that carries a California Bureau of Household Goods and Services license. You can verify a company's 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 check a mover’s registration status and complaint history.
Services
Assess whether the mover can provide the services you need during the quote process. Complete an extensive inventory of your home before requesting quotes and note down any essential or additional services you might require. Share any specific requirements or unique circumstances with your moving company representative to assess whether the company is able to meet your specific requirements.
Types of Moving Services
A full-service mover will include these services for basic moves:
- Basic wrapping materials for furniture protection
- Loading and unloading
- Released liability coverage for loss or damage
When requesting a quote from your moving company, disclose any services you require. Services that can contribute to higher pricing are:
- Crating for art or antiques
- Extra flights of stairs
- Long carries
- Packing
- Piano moving
- Storage
- Unpacking
- Vehicle shipping
Tips To Consider When Moving in Merced, CA
Here are some additional tips to keep in mind when moving to, from, or within Merced.
Schedule an Early Move
Merced traffic during the morning and evening rush hours is notoriously congested. Navigating gridlock in a moving truck is even more challenging than with a personal-use vehicle. Movers getting stuck in traffic will typically lead to higher costs if they charge by the hour. Try to plan your move either several hours before or after the morning rush hour to prevent this issue.
Avoid Busy Season
May to September marks the peak moving season and Merced's hottest time of the year. Moving at this time can slow or worsen your moving process, particularly if you begin your search for a mover too late. The high demand could make it more difficult to secure your desired mover. You should be able to secure your preferred moving company by contacting companies at least eight weeks before your move. However, keep in mind that the heat may still present challenges for your movers.
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 they arrive. You should begin packing around six weeks in advance. Pack a few boxes every day to avoid rushing when move day comes. Your movers may have some extra boxes with them for last-minute packing, but you shouldn’t depend on it.
How Much do Movers Cost in Merced, CA
Movers in Merced cost $2,680 on average for moves less than 250 miles. It can cost up to $7,686 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 | $2,680 | $3,334 | $7,686 |
| 250-999 miles | $3,296 | $3,985 | $11,110 |
| 1,000-2,499 miles | $3,341 | $4,549 | $11,698 |
| 2,500+ miles | $3,294 | $5,627 | $13,861 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Moving in Merced
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