How to Choose the Best Local Mover in San Marcos
A few factors you should consider when looking for a moving company include services offered, cost, licensing, and customer reviews.
Determine Your Budget
A local move costs $87 per hour on average. Based on this, a local two-bedroom move costs approximately $4,304 overall. Your move date, move distance, home size, and any additional tasks you need the movers to do will affect your actual cost.
Consider getting quotes from three or more reputable moving companies in your area to make an informed choice. Written estimates are crucial in this process. They should include a total cost breakdown, including the hourly rate or flat fee. Keep the estimate from your mover and compare it to the final cost to ensure fair pricing.
Read Customer Reviews
Customer feedback plays a crucial role for moving companies. Looking at customer reviews on websites such as the Better Business Bureau, social media, Trustpilot, Google Reviews, and Yelp will show you which movers prioritize positive customer experiences. We recommend thoroughly researching customer reviews before choosing a moving company.
Ensure Proper Licensing
Moving companies in San Marcos must follow different licensing requirements depending on their service area. If you're 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 state license using the Transportation Carriers Lookup tool.
If you're moving interstate, the regulations are different. Choose a company licensed with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). It should also have 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 check a mover’s registration status and complaint history.
Services
Ask if your chosen mover can provide the services that align with your expectations as you receive quotes. Prepare for the quote process by taking a thorough inventory of your home and noting any services you may need. Moreover, tell your moving company representative about any particular requirements or unique circumstances you may have to evaluate the company's capability to offer suitable service.
Types of Moving Services
A full-service mover includes the following services for standard moves:
- Basic wrapping materials for furniture protection
- Loading and unloading
- Released liability coverage for loss or damage
If you require special services from your moving company, share these when requesting a quote. These services may lead to 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 Marcos, CA
Here are some additional tips to consider for your San Marcos move.
Schedule an Early Move
San Marcos sees its fair share of traffic, and navigating this can be difficult in a moving truck. Being stuck in traffic during your move can lead to delays and impact your budget, as local movers charge by the hour. You can prevent this by scheduling your move several hours before or after morning rush hour.
Avoid Busy Season
May to September marks the peak moving season and San Marcos' hottest time of the year. Moving at this time can slow or worsen your move, especially if you begin your search for a mover too close to your move. The increased demand could reduce your chances of securing your desired mover. If you book far enough in advance, you should be able to schedule with the mover you want regardless of the month. However, the movers may be hampered by the heat.
Pack in Advance
Most movers approach same-day packing requests similarly. In many cases, movers will not move loose items that haven’t been packed when your move is scheduled to begin. You should begin packing about six weeks before your move. Allocate some packing time each day to prevent last-minute scrambling on moving day.
How Much do Movers Cost in San Marcos, CA
Movers in San Marcos cost $2,662 on average for moves less than 250 miles. It can cost up to $7,464 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 | $2,662 | $3,235 | $7,464 |
| 250-999 miles | $3,277 | $3,875 | $10,910 |
| 1,000-2,499 miles | $3,319 | $4,433 | $11,402 |
| 2,500+ miles | $3,255 | $5,506 | $13,555 |
Ready to Get a Quote on Your Moving Project?
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Frequently Asked Questions About Moving in San Marcos
What is the average cost of living in San Marcos?
What is the housing market like in San Marcos?
How much do movers cost in San Marcos?
When should I begin contacting moving companies?
How should I pack things up for my move?
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviewsteam@thisoldhousereviews.com.
