How to Choose the Best Local Mover in Santa Ana
Make an informed choice by taking the following factors into consideration when choosing movers in Santa Ana.
Determine Your Budget
According to our research, the average local mover in Santa Ana costs $70 per hour. The average local move costs $4,326 total for two-bedroom homes. Factors that contribute to your actual cost include the season, your home size, move distance, and any additional tasks you need done.
We suggest obtaining quotes from at least three reputable movers in your area. Be sure to request written estimates. These should outline the total cost, including the hourly rate or flat fee. Comparing the estimate provided by your mover to the final cost after your move helps ensure fair pricing.
Read Customer Reviews
Moving companies rely on customer reviews. Read customer reviews on platforms like Yelp, the Better Business Bureau, social media, Trustpilot, and Google Reviews to identify movers that prioritize positive customer experiences.
Ensure Proper Licensing
Moving companies in Santa Ana must follow different licensing requirements depending on their service area. If you're only moving within California, choose a company that carries a California Bureau of Household Goods and Services license. You can check a company's license using the Transportation Carriers Lookup tool.
The requirements change if you're moving to or from another state. In this case, choose a company licensed with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). The team should also carry active United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers. You can find a company's registration status on the FMCSA’s mover registration search tool.
Services
Ask if your chosen mover can deliver the services that meet your expectations as you receive quotes. Take inventory of your home when requesting quotes and make a list of any basic or add-on services that you may need to ensure accurate pricing. Share any specific requirements or unique circumstances with your moving company representative in order to evaluate whether the company can fulfill your specific requirements.
Types of Moving Services
Full-service movers will include these services in the base price for basic moves:
- Basic wrapping materials for furniture protection
- Loading and unloading
- Released liability coverage for loss or damage
If you need additional services from your moving company, mention these during the quote process. Services that can contribute to higher 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 Santa Ana, CA
Here are some additional tips to keep in mind for your Santa Ana move.
Schedule an Early Move
Santa Ana usually gets congested during rush hour. Navigating it can be more difficult in a moving truck compared to a personal-use car. Movers caught in traffic may result in delays and a higher cost since local moving companies charge hourly. Arranging your move for the early morning ensures that your movers arrive before rush hour and head to your new home in the afternoon when traffic is lighter.
Avoid Busy Season
Moving season peaks between May and September. In Santa Ana, this time corresponds to very hot summer weather, which can worsen your move. If you plan far enough in advance, you should be able to schedule with the mover you desire regardless of the season. However, your movers may be hampered by the heat.
Pack in Advance
Begin packing around six weeks before your move to avoid rushing at the last minute. You can pack a couple boxes each day to make the process less stressful. Most movers won't handle items that haven't been packed by your scheduled moving time.
How Much do Movers Cost in Santa Ana, CA
Movers in Santa Ana cost $2,670 on average for moves less than 250 miles. It can cost up to $7,556 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 | $2,670 | $3,276 | $7,556 |
| 250-999 miles | $3,285 | $3,920 | $10,993 |
| 1,000-2,499 miles | $3,328 | $4,481 | $11,524 |
| 2,500+ miles | $3,271 | $5,556 | $13,682 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Moving in Santa Ana
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