Best 5 Movers in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA

How to Choose the Best Local Mover in Rancho Santa Margarita

Consider each company's customer reviews, cost, services, and licensing before picking.

Determine Your Budget

Local movers in Rancho Santa Margarita charge an average hourly rate of $117. A two-bedroom move in the area costs around $4,326 in total. Factors that contribute to your actual cost include your home size, the season, move distance, and any additional tasks you need done.

Consider getting quotes from at least three reputable moving companies in your area to make an informed choice. Written estimates are essential in this process. They should include a total cost breakdown, covering the hourly rate or flat fee. Keep the estimate from your mover and compare it to the final invoice to ensure fair pricing.

Read Customer Reviews

Positive customer feedback is essential for all moving companies. Visit sites like Yelp, Google Reviews, Trustpilot, the Better Business Bureau, and social media to learn about the typical customer experience with that mover.

Ensure Proper Licensing

Moving companies in Rancho Santa Margarita must follow different licensing requirements depending on their service area. If you're moving from one California city to another, choose a company that carries a California Bureau of Household Goods and Services license. You can check a company's 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 a mover’s registration status and complaint history on the FMCSA’s mover registration search tool.

Services

Asking whether the mover provides the services you need is essential during the quote process. Conduct a thorough inventory of your home before requesting quotes and write down any basic or add-on services you may need. Share any specific requirements or unique circumstances with your moving company representative to determine if the company is able to meet your particular needs.

Types of Moving Services

Full-service movers will include these moving services in the base price for standard moves:

• 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, share 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 Rancho Santa Margarita, CA

Here are some additional tips to keep in mind when moving to, from, or within Rancho Santa Margarita.

Schedule an Early Move

Rancho Santa Margarita usually gets hectic during rush hour. Navigating it can be more difficult in a moving truck compared to a standard personal-use car. Movers caught in traffic may lead to delays and a higher cost since local movers charge by the hour. Scheduling your move for the early morning ensures that your movers arrive before traffic peaks and head to your new home in the middle of the day when traffic is lighter.

Avoid Busy Season

The busiest moving period, which falls between May and September, coincides with the hot summer temperatures in Rancho Santa Margarita. This can negatively impact your moving experience. If you book far enough in advance, you should be able to schedule with the mover you prefer regardless of the month. However, the movers may be hampered by the heat.

Pack in Advance

Most moving companies won't transport items that haven't been packed by the time your move begins. You should begin packing around six weeks before your move. Pack a few boxes each day to avoid rushing on the day of your move. Your movers may have some extra boxes with them for last-minute packing, but you shouldn’t depend on it.

How Much do Movers Cost in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA

Movers in Rancho Santa Margarita cost $2,670 on average for moves less than 250 miles. It can cost up to $7,556 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.