Best 5 Movers in Petaluma, CA

How to Choose the Best Local Mover in Petaluma

You should consider several crucial factors when choosing a moving company. These are some things to keep in mind when hiring movers in Petaluma.

Determine Your Budget

According to our research, Petaluma moving companies charge $100 per hour on average. The average local move costs $4,246 total for two-bedroom homes. Your actual cost will vary depending on move distance, any additional tasks you need your movers to handle, your home size, and the season.

Consider obtaining quotes from a minimum of three movers in your area to make an educated choice. Written estimates are crucial in this process. They should contain a breakdown of the total cost, 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. Take the time to read customer reviews on platforms like the Better Business Bureau, social media, Google Reviews, Trustpilot, and Yelp to find movers with excellent customer service.

Ensure Proper Licensing

Moving companies in Petaluma 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 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 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

Assessing whether the mover provides the services you need is essential during the quote process. Conduct a thorough inventory of your home before getting quotes and note down any essential or additional services you might require. Discuss 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

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

If you require additional services from your moving company, inform them of these during the quote process. Additional fees may apply for these services:

• Crating for art or antiques
• Extra flights of stairs
• Long carries
• Packing
• Piano moving
• Storage
• Unpacking
• Vehicle shipping

Tips To Consider When Moving in Petaluma, CA

Here are a few additional tips to consider for your Petaluma move.

Schedule an Early Move

Petaluma traffic during the morning and evening rush hours is notoriously hectic. Navigating gridlock in a moving truck is even more difficult than with a personal-use vehicle. Movers getting stuck in traffic during your local move will typically lead to higher costs if they charge by the hour. You can prevent this by scheduling your move several hours before or after morning rush hour.

Avoid Busy Season

The peak moving season—between May and September—coincides with Petaluma's hot weather. This can adversely affect your move if you begin looking too late and can't find an available moving company. If you book in advance, you should be able to schedule with the mover you want regardless of the season. However, your movers may be hindered by the heat.

Pack in Advance

Begin packing about six weeks before your move to avoid rushing at the last minute. You can pack a couple boxes each day to make the process less stressful. Most moving companies won't move items that haven't been packed by your scheduled moving time.

How Much do Movers Cost in Petaluma, CA

Movers in Petaluma cost $2,642 on average for moves less than 250 miles. It can cost up to $7,217 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.