How to Choose the Best Local Mover in Porterville
Some factors to consider when choosing a moving company include services offered, licensing, cost, and customer reviews.
Determine Your Budget
According to our research, the average local mover in Porterville costs $47 per hour. The average cost overall is $4,043 for two-bedroom homes. Your move date, move distance, home size, and any additional tasks you need the movers to do will determine your actual cost.
You should get quotes from at least three movers in your area. Request written estimates that break down the total cost and the flat fee or hourly rate. Hold onto your mover's estimate until your move is complete.
Read Customer Reviews
Customer reviews are indispensable when looking for a mover. Looking at customer reviews on social media, Yelp, Google Reviews, the Better Business Bureau, and Trustpilot will indicate which movers have positive customer experiences. We recommend thoroughly researching customer reviews before selecting a moving company.
Ensure Proper Licensing
Moving companies in Porterville 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 verify a company's local license using the Transportation Carriers Lookup tool.
If you're moving across states, 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 look up a mover’s registration status and complaint history.
Services
Ask if your chosen mover provides the services that align with your expectations as you receive quotes. Take inventory of your belongings before seeking quotes and document any additional services that might be necessary to ensure accurate pricing. Share any special conditions or needs with your moving company representative in order to evaluate if the company can accommodate your specific requirements.
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
Tell your moving company about any special services you require while going through 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 Porterville, CA
Consider the following before moving to, from, or within Porterville.
Schedule an Early Move
The morning and evening rush hours in Porterville 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 avoid this issue.
Avoid Busy Season
The busiest time for movers—between May and September—coincides with Porterville's hot weather. This can affect your moving process if you start your search too late and can't find an available moving company. Plan ahead and schedule your preferred mover at least eight weeks in advance. You should also be prepared for the potential difficulties the hot summer weather may pose to your movers during a summer move.
Pack in Advance
Most moving companies treat same-day packing requests similarly. In many cases, movers will not move loose items that haven’t been packed by the time your move is scheduled to begin. Start packing about six weeks before your move so you can avoid rushing at the last minute. You can pack a couple boxes each day to make the process more manageable.
How Much do Movers Cost in Porterville, CA
Movers in Porterville cost $2,572 on average for moves less than 250 miles. It can cost up to $6,358 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 | $2,572 | $2,741 | $6,358 |
250-999 miles | $3,182 | $3,327 | $9,912 |
1,000-2,499 miles | $3,209 | $3,858 | $9,933 |
2,500+ miles | $3,064 | $4,907 | $12,035 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Moving in Porterville
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