How to Choose the Best Local Mover in Novato
You should consider a few crucial factors when choosing a mover. These are some things to keep in mind when hiring movers in Novato.
Determine Your Budget
A local move costs $110 per hour on average. Based on this, a local two-bedroom move costs approximately $4,422 in total. Factors that affect your actual cost include your home size, move distance, the season, and any additional tasks you need done.
Consider getting quotes from three or more reputable moving companies in your area to make an informed choice. Written estimates are crucial in this process. They should have a total cost breakdown, covering the hourly rate or flat fee. Hold onto your mover's estimate until your move is finished.
Read Customer Reviews
Customer feedback plays a crucial role for moving companies. Read customer reviews on websites like Google Reviews, the Better Business Bureau, Trustpilot, Yelp, and social media to find moving companies that prioritize positive customer experiences.
Ensure Proper Licensing
Moving companies in Novato 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.
The requirements are different if you're moving to or from another state. In this case, choose a mover licensed with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). The team should also have active United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers. You can see 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. Complete an extensive inventory of your home before getting quotes and note down any essential or additional services you might require. Moreover, notify your moving company representative about any extra services you may need to gauge the company's ability to offer adequate service.
Types of Moving Services
Full-service movers provide 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
When seeking a quote from your moving company, mention any extra services you need. Services that contribute 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 Novato, CA
Here are a few additional tips to consider for your Novato move.
Schedule an Early Move
The morning and evening rush hours in Novato are widely known for their extreme traffic congestion. Movers stuck in traffic can also increase your moving costs when charged an hourly rate. Try to schedule your move either several hours before or after the morning rush hour to prevent this issue.
Avoid Busy Season
The busiest period for moving, which falls between May and September, coincides with the summer heat in Novato. This can slow or negatively impact your move. Plan ahead and book your chosen 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 approach same-day packing requests similarly. In many cases, movers won't move loose items that haven’t been packed by the time your move is scheduled to begin. We recommend you begin packing about six weeks before your move to prevent stressing over last-minute packing on your moving day. Packing some items each day can get it done without overwhelming you.
How Much do Movers Cost in Novato, CA
Movers in Novato cost $2,703 on average for moves less than 250 miles. It can cost up to $7,962 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 | $2,703 | $3,457 | $7,962 |
| 250-999 miles | $3,320 | $4,121 | $11,359 |
| 1,000-2,499 miles | $3,368 | $4,692 | $12,064 |
| 2,500+ miles | $3,341 | $5,776 | $14,240 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Moving in Novato
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