Best 5 Movers in San Luis Obispo, CA

How to Choose the Best Local Mover in San Luis Obispo

Make an informed choice by considering the following crucial factors when choosing movers in San Luis Obispo.

Determine Your Budget

According to our research, San Luis Obispo moving companies charge $60 per hour on average. The typical cost overall is $4,243 for two-bedroom homes. Factors that contribute to your actual cost include any additional tasks you need done, your home size, move distance, and the season.

You should obtain quotes from at least three movers in your area. Ask for written estimates that outline the total cost and the hourly rate or flat fee. Comparing the estimate provided by your moving company to the final cost after your move helps ensure fair pricing is maintained.

Read Customer Reviews

Customer reviews hold significant value when looking for a mover. Reading customer reviews on websites such as Yelp, the Better Business Bureau, Trustpilot, social media, and Google Reviews 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 San Luis Obispo 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 local 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 your chosen mover offers the specific services you need during the quote process. Conduct an inventory of your belongings when seeking quotes and make a list of any basic or add-on services that you may need to ensure accurate pricing. Moreover, inform your moving company representative about any particular requirements or unique circumstances you may have to gauge the company's ability to offer suitable service.

Types of Moving Services

Full-service movers provide 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

Tell your moving company about any other services you need as you go through the quote process. Services that can contribute 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 San Luis Obispo, CA

Keep these tips in mind before moving to, from, or within San Luis Obispo.

Schedule an Early Move

San Luis Obispo sees its fair share of traffic, and navigating this can be a challenge in a moving truck. Being stuck in traffic during your move can lead to delays and impact your budget since local movers charge by the hour. Planning your move for the early morning will ensure that your movers arrive before rush hour and head to your new home in the middle of the day when traffic is lighter.

Avoid Busy Season

Moving season is the busiest between May and September. In San Luis Obispo, this time overlaps with very hot summer weather, which can slow or worsen your moving experience. Plan ahead and secure your chosen moving company at least eight weeks in advance. You should also be prepared for the potential challenges the hot summer weather may pose to your movers during a summer move.

Pack in Advance

You should start packing about six weeks before you move. Spend some time packing each day to avoid last-minute scrambling on moving day. Most movers won't handle items that haven't been packed by the scheduled moving time.

How Much do Movers Cost in San Luis Obispo, CA

Movers in San Luis Obispo cost $2,641 on average for moves less than 250 miles. It can cost up to $7,206 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.