How to Choose the Best Local Mover in Palm Desert
Some factors you should consider when looking for a moving company include cost, services offered, licensing, and customer reviews.
Determine Your Budget
Based on our findings, the average cost of a local move in Palm Desert is $65 per hour. The overall cost amounts to $4,314 for a two-bedroom move. Factors that contribute to your actual cost include your home size, any additional tasks you need done, move distance, and the season.
You should get quotes from a minimum of three reputable movers in your area. Request written estimates that break down the total cost, including the hourly rate or flat fee. Keep your mover's estimate handy until the moving process is finished to ensure fair pricing practices.
Read Customer Reviews
Moving companies need solid customer reviews. Visit websites like Yelp, Google Reviews, social media, the Better Business Bureau, and Trustpilot to learn about customer experiences with that moving company.
Ensure Proper Licensing
Moving companies in Palm Desert must follow different licensing requirements depending on their service area. If you're only moving intrastate, choose a company that carries a California Bureau of Household Goods and Services license. You can check a company's local 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 have 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 your chosen mover provides the services that meet your expectations when requesting quotes. Create a list of any services you might need and take inventory of your home before seeking quotes. Discuss any specific requirements or unique circumstances with your moving company representative in order to evaluate whether the company can accommodate your particular needs.
Types of Moving Services
Full-service movers will include these moving services in the base price for basic moves:
- Basic wrapping materials for furniture protection
- Loading and unloading
- Released liability coverage for loss or damage
Inform your moving company about any additional services you need during the quote process. Services that can contribute to higher pricing include:
- Crating for art or antiques
- Extra flights of stairs
- Long carries
- Packing
- Piano moving
- Storage
- Unpacking
- Vehicle shipping
Tips To Consider When Moving in Palm Desert, CA
Here are some extra tips to consider when moving in Palm Desert.
Schedule an Early Move
Palm Desert usually gets congested during rush hour. Navigating it can be more difficult in a moving truck compared to a personal-use car. Movers caught in traffic may lead to delays and a higher cost since local movers charge by the hour. You can avoid this by scheduling your move a few hours before or after morning rush hour.
Avoid Busy Season
The busiest time for movers—between May and September—coincides with Palm Desert's hottest time of year. This can negatively impact your move if you begin looking too late and can't find a moving company with availability. By planning and booking at least eight weeks before your move, you should be able to lock in your desired moving company. However, keep in mind the possibility that the hot weather could pose difficulties for your movers.
Pack in Advance
Most moving companies treat same-day packing requests similarly. Movers won't move loose items that haven’t been packed by the time your move is scheduled to start in many cases. You should start packing about six weeks before you move. Spend some time packing each day to avoid last-minute scrambling on moving day.
How Much do Movers Cost in Palm Desert, CA
Movers in Palm Desert cost $2,666 on average for moves less than 250 miles. It can cost up to $7,506 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 | $2,666 | $3,254 | $7,506 |
| 250-999 miles | $3,280 | $3,896 | $10,948 |
| 1,000-2,499 miles | $3,323 | $4,455 | $11,458 |
| 2,500+ miles | $3,263 | $5,529 | $13,614 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Moving in Palm Desert
What is the average cost of living in Palm Desert?
What is the average commute time in Palm Desert?
How much would a Palm Desert move cost for a one-, two-, or three-bedroom house?
When should I begin contacting moving companies?
How should I pack things up for my move?
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