How to Choose the Best Local Mover in National City
Consider each moving company's licensing, customer reviews, cost, and services before choosing.
Determine Your Budget
Local movers in National City charge an average hourly rate of $52. A two-bedroom move in the area costs approximately $4,304 in total. Your move date, move distance, home size, and any additional tasks you need the movers to do will determine your actual cost.
You should obtain quotes from a minimum of three reputable movers in your area. Ask for written estimates that break down the total cost, including the flat fee or hourly rate. Hold onto your mover's estimate until your move is finished.
Read Customer Reviews
Customer reviews are indispensable when looking for a mover. Check platforms such as social media, Google Reviews, the Better Business Bureau, Yelp, and Trustpilot to learn about the typical customer experience with that mover.
Ensure Proper Licensing
Moving companies in National City 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 local 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
Assess whether your chosen mover can provide the services you need when requesting quotes. Get ready for the quote process by taking a thorough inventory of your home and writing down any services you may need. Inform your moving company representative about any special conditions or needs to see if the company can provide satisfactory service.
Types of Moving Services
Full-service movers offer the following basic services as a part of their base price:
- Basic wrapping materials for furniture protection
- Loading and unloading
- Released liability coverage for loss or damage
Inform your moving company about the extra services you require during the quote process. 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 National City, CA
Here are a few additional tips to keep in mind for your National City move.
Schedule an Early Move
The morning and evening rush hours in National City are widely known for their extreme traffic congestion. Movers stuck in traffic can also increase your moving costs when charged an hourly rate. Aim to plan your move either a few hours before or after the morning rush hour to prevent this issue.
Avoid Busy Season
May to September marks the busiest moving season and National City's hottest time of the year. Moving at this time can slow or worsen your move, particularly if you begin your search for a moving company too late. The high demand could lead to limited availability with your desired mover. Plan ahead and schedule your preferred moving company 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
Most moving companies only carry items that have been packed by the scheduled moving time, so you should finish your packing before they arrive. You should begin packing around six weeks in advance. Pack a few boxes each 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 National City, CA
Movers in National City cost $2,662 on average for moves less than 250 miles. It can cost up to $7,464 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 | $2,662 | $3,235 | $7,464 |
250-999 miles | $3,277 | $3,875 | $10,910 |
1,000-2,499 miles | $3,319 | $4,433 | $11,402 |
2,500+ miles | $3,255 | $5,506 | $13,555 |
Ready to Get a Quote on Your Moving Project?
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Frequently Asked Questions About Moving in National City
What is the average cost of living in National City?
What is the housing market like in National City?
How much do movers cost in National City?
What is the best moving company in National City?
When is the best time to move?
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviewsteam@thisoldhousereviews.com.