Best 5 Movers in Salinas, CA

How to Choose the Best Local Mover in Salinas

Some factors to consider when choosing a moving company include services offered, cost, customer reviews, and licensing.

Determine Your Budget

The average hourly rate for local movers in Salinas is $67. A two-bedroom move in the area costs approximately $4,346 in total. Factors that affect your actual cost include move distance, any additional tasks you need done, your home size, and the season.

Consider obtaining quotes from at least three movers in your area to make an informed choice. Written estimates are important in this process. They should contain a total cost breakdown, covering the hourly rate or flat fee. Keep your mover's estimate readily available until the company has completed your move to ensure fair pricing practices.

Read Customer Reviews

Customer feedback plays a crucial role for moving companies. You can identify moving companies that prioritize positive customer experiences by reading reviews on platforms like Trustpilot, the Better Business Bureau, Google Reviews, Yelp, and social media.

Ensure Proper Licensing

Moving companies in Salinas 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 check 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 a mover’s registration status and complaint history on the FMCSA’s mover registration search tool.

Services

Assess whether the mover can provide the specific services you need during the quote process. Conduct a thorough inventory of your home before getting quotes and note any essential or additional services you might require. Notify your moving company representative regarding any specific requirements or unique circumstances to evaluate whether the company can provide suitable service.

Types of Moving Services

Full-service movers include 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, 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 Salinas, CA

Here are a few additional tips to keep in mind for your Salinas move.

Schedule an Early Move

The morning and evening rush hours in Salinas are widely known for their extreme traffic congestion. Movers stuck in traffic can also lead to higher costs when charged an hourly rate. We advise arranging before morning rush hour, which ensures the movers avoid the traffic and complete the move before evening.

Avoid Busy Season

The peak moving season—between May and September—coincides with Salinas' hottest time of year. This can negatively impact your move if you start your search too late and can't find a moving company with availability. You should be able to secure the moving company you want by reaching out to companies at least eight weeks before your move. However, remember that the heat may still present challenges for your movers.

Pack in Advance

Most moving companies won't move items that aren't packed by the time your move starts. You should begin packing about six weeks before your move. Spend some time packing daily to prevent last-minute scrambling on moving day.

How Much do Movers Cost in Salinas, CA

Movers in Salinas cost $2,677 on average for moves less than 250 miles. It can cost up to $7,640 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.