How to Choose the Best Local Mover in Redwood City
Consider each moving company's services, customer reviews, licensing, and cost before picking.
Determine Your Budget
According to our research, Redwood City moving companies charge $122 per hour on average. The average cost overall is $4,520 for two-bedroom homes. Factors that affect your actual cost include your home size, any additional tasks you need done, move distance, and the season.
We suggest obtaining quotes from at least three reputable movers in your area. Don't forget to request written estimates. These should outline the total cost, including the hourly rate or flat fee. Hold onto your moving company's estimate until your move is done.
Read Customer Reviews
Solid customer feedback is important for all moving companies. You can find moving companies that provide good customer service by reading reviews on platforms like social media, Google Reviews, Trustpilot, the Better Business Bureau, and Yelp.
Ensure Proper Licensing
Moving companies in Redwood City 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 verify 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 the mover can provide the services you need during the quote process. Complete an extensive inventory of your home before requesting quotes and write down any basic or add-on services you may need. Furthermore, tell your moving company representative about any special conditions or specific needs you may have to gauge the company's capability to offer adequate service.
Types of Moving Services
For basic moves, full-service movers often include the following services in the standard price:
- Basic wrapping materials for furniture protection
- Loading and unloading
- Released liability coverage for loss or damage
Ensure you inform your mover of any special services you need in the quote process. Services that can lead to higher pricing are:
- Crating for art or antiques
- Extra flights of stairs
- Long carries
- Packing
- Piano moving
- Storage
- Unpacking
- Vehicle shipping
Tips To Consider When Moving in Redwood City, CA
Here are a few additional tips to keep in mind when relocating to, from, or within Redwood City.
Schedule an Early Move
The morning and evening rush hours in Redwood City are widely known for their extreme traffic congestion. Movers stuck in traffic can also increase your moving costs when charged an hourly rate. Planning your move for the early morning ensures that your movers arrive before traffic peaks and head to your new home in the afternoon when traffic is limited.
Avoid Busy Season
The busiest time for movers—between May and September—coincides with Redwood City's hot weather. This can affect your moving process if you start your search too late and can't find an available moving company. You should be able to secure your preferred moving company by contacting movers well in advance. However, keep in mind that the heat may still present challenges for your movers.
Pack in Advance
Begin packing approximately six weeks before your move to avoid rushing at the last minute. You can pack a couple boxes each day to make the process more manageable. Most moving companies won't transport items that haven't been packed by the scheduled moving time.
How Much do Movers Cost in Redwood City, CA
Movers in Redwood City cost $2,737 on average for moves less than 250 miles. It can cost up to $8,378 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 | $2,737 | $3,643 | $8,378 |
| 250-999 miles | $3,356 | $4,328 | $11,735 |
| 1,000-2,499 miles | $3,409 | $4,909 | $12,617 |
| 2,500+ miles | $3,413 | $6,002 | $14,814 |
Ready to Get a Quote on Your Moving Project?
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Frequently Asked Questions About Moving in Redwood City
What is the job market like in Redwood City?
What is the housing market like in Redwood City?
How much would it cost to complete a move in Redwood City for a one-, two-, or three-bedroom house?
When should I begin contacting moving companies?
How long should my move take?
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviewsteam@thisoldhousereviews.com.
