Best 5 Movers in San Mateo, CA

How to Choose the Best Local Mover in San Mateo

A few factors you should consider when looking for a moving company include services offered, licensing, customer reviews, and cost.

Determine Your Budget

Local movers in San Mateo charge an average hourly rate of $117. A two-bedroom move in the area costs around $4,520 in total. Factors that affect your actual cost include move distance, the season, any additional tasks you need done, and your home size.

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

Read Customer Reviews

Positive customer feedback is necessary for all moving companies. Read customer reviews on websites like Trustpilot, the Better Business Bureau, Yelp, Google Reviews, and social media to identify moving companies with good customer service.

Ensure Proper Licensing

Moving companies in San Mateo must follow different licensing requirements depending on their service area. If you are 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 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

Asking whether the mover offers the services you need is essential during the quote process. Prepare for the quote process by making a comprehensive inventory of your possessions and noting any services you might require. Share any special conditions or needs with your moving company representative in order to evaluate if the company is able to meet your specific requirements.

Types of Moving Services

A full-service mover includes these 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. Services that lead to increased pricing include the following:

• 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 Mateo, CA

Here are a few additional tips to keep in mind when moving to, from, or within San Mateo.

Schedule an Early Move

San Mateo sees its fair share of traffic, and navigating this can be difficult in a moving truck. Being stuck in traffic can lead to delays and impact your budget since local movers charge by the hour. Scheduling your move for the early morning will ensure that your movers get there before rush hour and make the trip to your new home in the middle of the day when traffic is limited.

Avoid Busy Season

The busiest moving period, which falls between May and September, coincides with the summer heat in San Mateo. This can negatively impact your moving experience. You should be able to book the moving company you desire by reaching out to companies well in advance. However, remember that the heat may impact your movers.

Pack in Advance

You should begin packing around six weeks in advance. Pack a few boxes each day to avoid rushing on the day of your move. Your movers may have some extra boxes with them for last-minute packing, but you shouldn’t count on it. Most moving companies approach same-day packing requests similarly. In many cases, movers won't move loose items that haven’t been packed when your move is scheduled to start.

How Much do Movers Cost in San Mateo, CA

Movers in San Mateo 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.