How to Choose the Best Local Mover in San Bruno
Consider each company's licensing, cost, services, and customer reviews before choosing.
Determine Your Budget
The average hourly rate for a local mover in San Bruno is $116. Based on this, a standard two-bedroom move costs around $4,520 overall. Your actual costs will vary depending on your home size, the season, any additional tasks you need your movers to handle, and move distance.
Consider obtaining quotes from a minimum of three reputable movers in your area to make an informed choice. Written estimates are essential in this process. They should contain a comprehensive breakdown of the total cost, covering the hourly rate or flat fee. Keep your mover's estimate and compare it to the final cost to ensure fair pricing.
Read Customer Reviews
Moving companies need customer reviews. Looking at customer reviews on platforms such as Google Reviews, Yelp, the Better Business Bureau, Trustpilot, and social media will show you which movers prioritize positive customer experiences. We recommend thoroughly researching customer reviews before selecting a moving company.
Ensure Proper Licensing
Moving companies in San Bruno 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 state 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
Assess whether the mover offers the specific services you need when requesting quotes. Compile a list of any services you may require and take a full inventory of your home before seeking quotes. Discuss any specific requirements or unique circumstances with your moving company representative in order to evaluate if the company is able to meet your particular needs.
Types of Moving Services
For basic moves, full-service movers will include the following moving services in the base price:
- Basic wrapping materials for furniture protection
- Loading and unloading
- Released liability coverage for loss or damage
Make sure that your moving company is aware of any special services you need during the quote process. These 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 San Bruno, CA
Here are some extra tips to consider when moving in San Bruno.
Schedule an Early Move
San Bruno traffic during rush hour is notoriously hectic. Navigating gridlock in a moving truck is even more difficult than with a standard personal-use vehicle. Movers getting stuck in traffic will typically lead to higher costs if they charge by the hour. You can prevent this by booking movers a few hours before or after morning rush hour.
Avoid Busy Season
May to September marks the busiest moving season and San Bruno's hottest time of the year. Moving at this time can slow or worsen your moving process, particularly if you start searching for a moving company too close to your move. The increased demand could make it harder to secure your desired mover. By planning and booking at least eight weeks before your move, you should be able to secure your desired moving company. However, keep in mind the possibility that the hot weather could make the move more difficult for your movers.
Pack in Advance
Most moving companies only carry items that have been properly packed by the scheduled moving time, so you should have everything boxed up before they arrive. Start packing about six weeks before your move to avoid rushing at the last minute. You can pack a few boxes each day to make the process more manageable.
How Much do Movers Cost in San Bruno, CA
Movers in San Bruno 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 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Moving in San Bruno
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