How to Choose the Best Local Mover in Palo Alto
Some factors you should consider when choosing a moving company include customer reviews, licensing, services offered, and cost.
Determine Your Budget
According to our research, Palo Alto moving companies charge $117 per hour on average. The typical cost overall is $4,553 for two-bedroom homes. Factors that affect your actual cost include your home size, the season, any additional tasks you need done, and move distance.
Consider obtaining 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 comprehensive breakdown of the total cost, covering the hourly rate or flat fee. Comparing the estimate provided by your moving company to the final cost after your move helps ensure fair pricing.
Read Customer Reviews
Customer reviews are indispensable when looking for a mover. Looking at customer reviews on social media, Trustpilot, Yelp, Google Reviews, and the Better Business Bureau will indicate which movers have positive customer experiences. We suggest thoroughly researching customer reviews before selecting a moving company.
Ensure Proper Licensing
Moving companies in Palo Alto 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 check a company's state 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 offers the specific services you need when requesting quotes. Take inventory of your home when getting quotes and document any additional services that you may need to ensure accurate pricing. Share any special conditions or needs with your moving company representative in order to determine whether the company can accommodate your particular needs.
Types of Moving Services
Full-service movers offer the following standard 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 additional services you require as you go through the quote process. The following services may result in increased pricing for your move:
- Crating for art or antiques
- Extra flights of stairs
- Long carries
- Packing
- Piano moving
- Storage
- Unpacking
- Vehicle shipping
Tips To Consider When Moving in Palo Alto, CA
Consider the following before moving to, from, or within Palo Alto.
Schedule an Early Move
Palo Alto sees its fair share of traffic, and navigating this can be a challenge in a moving truck. Getting stuck in traffic during your move can lead to delays and impact your budget since local movers charge by the hour. You can prevent this by booking movers a few hours before or after morning rush hour.
Avoid Busy Season
May to September marks the busiest moving season and Palo Alto's hottest time of the year. Moving at this time can slow or worsen your move, especially if you start searching for a moving company too close to your move. The increased demand could reduce your chances of securing your desired mover. By planning your move at least eight weeks in advance, you should be able to secure your desired moving company. However, be prepared for the possibility that the hot weather could make the move more difficult for your movers.
Pack in Advance
Begin packing approximately six weeks before your move so you won't have to rush at the last minute. You can pack a couple boxes each day to make the process less stressful. Most moving companies only move items that have been packed by the scheduled moving time, so you should finish your packing before they arrive.
How Much do Movers Cost in Palo Alto, CA
Movers in Palo Alto cost $2,748 on average for moves less than 250 miles. It can cost up to $8,516 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 | $2,748 | $3,705 | $8,516 |
| 250-999 miles | $3,367 | $4,396 | $11,859 |
| 1,000-2,499 miles | $3,423 | $4,980 | $12,800 |
| 2,500+ miles | $3,437 | $6,077 | $15,003 |
Ready to Get a Quote on Your Moving Project?
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Frequently Asked Questions About Moving in Palo Alto
What is the housing market like in Palo Alto?
Does Palo Alto have good schools?
How much would it cost to complete a move in Palo Alto for a one-, two-, or three-bedroom house?
When should I begin contacting moving companies?
What should I do if I need to change my move date?
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviewsteam@thisoldhousereviews.com.
