How to Choose the Best Local Mover in Sacramento
Some factors you should consider when looking for a moving company include licensing, cost, services offered, and customer reviews.
Determine Your Budget
According to our research, Sacramento moving companies charge $66 per hour on average. The average local move costs $4,280 total for two-bedroom homes. Your actual costs will vary depending on the season, any additional tasks you need your movers to handle, move distance, and your home size.
You should get quotes from three or more reputable movers in your area. Request written estimates that break down the total cost and the hourly rate or flat fee. Keep your mover's estimate handy until after the company has completed your move to ensure fair pricing.
Read Customer Reviews
Solid customer feedback is important for all moving companies. Reading customer reviews on Trustpilot, Google Reviews, social media, Yelp, and the Better Business Bureau will indicate which movers have positive customer experiences. We recommend thoroughly researching customer reviews before choosing a moving company.
Ensure Proper Licensing
Moving companies in Sacramento must follow different licensing requirements depending on their service area. If you are making a short-haul move that's purely within California, choose a company that carries a California Bureau of Household Goods and Services license. You can check a company's local license using the Transportation Carriers Lookup tool.
The requirements are a bit different if you're moving to or from another state. In this case, choose a mover licensed with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). The team should also have active United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers. You can see a company's registration status on the FMCSA’s mover registration search tool.
Services
Assess whether your chosen mover provides the specific services you need during the quote process. Make a list of any services you might need and take a full inventory of your home before requesting quotes. Share any special conditions or needs with your moving company representative to determine whether the company can accommodate your particular needs.
Types of Moving Services
For basic moves, full-service movers often include the following moving services in the standard price:
- Basic wrapping materials for furniture protection
- Loading and unloading
- Released liability coverage for loss or damage
Inform your moving company about the other services you need while going 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 Sacramento, CA
Here are some additional tips to consider when moving in Sacramento.
Schedule an Early Move
Sacramento traffic during the morning and evening rush hours is notoriously hectic. Navigating gridlock in a moving truck is even more challenging than with a standard personal-use vehicle. Movers stuck in traffic during your local move typically leads to higher costs if they charge by the hour. Arranging your move for the early morning will ensure that your movers arrive before rush hour and head to your new home in the afternoon when traffic is limited.
Avoid Busy Season
May to September marks the peak moving season and Sacramento's hottest time of the year. Moving during this time can slow or worsen your moving process, particularly if you begin your search for a mover too late. The increased demand could make it harder to secure your desired mover. By planning your move at least eight weeks in advance, you should be able to secure your desired moving company. However, keep in mind the possibility that the hot weather could pose difficulties for your movers.
Pack in Advance
We suggest you start packing around six weeks in advance to prevent rushing to pack on your moving day. Spending time packing some items each day can make the process less stressful. Most moving companies won't handle items that haven't been packed by the scheduled moving time.
How Much do Movers Cost in Sacramento, CA
Movers in Sacramento cost $2,654 on average for moves less than 250 miles. It can cost up to $7,361 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 | $2,654 | $3,189 | $7,361 |
250-999 miles | $3,268 | $3,824 | $10,817 |
1,000-2,499 miles | $3,308 | $4,380 | $11,266 |
2,500+ miles | $3,238 | $5,450 | $13,414 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Moving in Sacramento
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