How to Choose the Best Local Mover in Santa Maria
Some factors you should consider when choosing a moving company include cost, services offered, licensing, and customer reviews.
Determine Your Budget
According to our research, the average local mover in Santa Maria costs $67 per hour. The average cost overall is $4,357 for two-bedroom homes. Your actual costs will vary depending on any additional tasks you need your movers to handle, move distance, your home size, and the season.
We suggest obtaining quotes from three or more reputable movers in your area. Always get written estimates, which should break down your total cost and the flat fee or hourly rate. Keep the estimate from your mover and compare it to the final cost to ensure fair pricing.
Read Customer Reviews
Customer reviews are valuable when looking for a mover. Take time to read customer reviews on sites like Yelp, social media, Trustpilot, the Better Business Bureau, and Google Reviews to identify movers with excellent customer service.
Ensure Proper Licensing
Moving companies in Santa Maria must follow different licensing requirements depending on their service area. If you are only moving intrastate, 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 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 you chose can provide the services that meet your expectations as you receive quotes. Get ready for the quote process by making a comprehensive inventory of your home and writing down any services you may need. Additionally, notify your moving company representative about any particular requirements or unique circumstances you may have to assess the company's ability to offer suitable service.
Types of Moving Services
Full-service movers offer 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
If you require additional services from your moving company, share these when requesting a quote. 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 Maria, CA
Keep these tips in mind before moving to, from, or within Santa Maria.
Schedule an Early Move
The morning and evening rush hours in Santa Maria are widely known for their extreme traffic congestion. Movers stuck in traffic can also increase your moving costs when charged an hourly rate. Planning your move for the early morning ensures that your movers arrive before traffic peaks and make the trip to your new home in the afternoon when traffic is limited.
Avoid Busy Season
Moving season is the busiest between May and September. In Santa Maria, this time coincides with very hot summer weather, which can delay or worsen your move. Plan ahead and schedule your desired mover 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
Most moving companies treat same-day packing requests similarly. Movers won't move loose items that haven’t been packed by the time your move is scheduled to start in many cases. Start packing about six weeks before your move so you can 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 Santa Maria, CA
Movers in Santa Maria cost $2,680 on average for moves less than 250 miles. It can cost up to $7,686 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 | $2,680 | $3,334 | $7,686 |
| 250-999 miles | $3,296 | $3,985 | $11,110 |
| 1,000-2,499 miles | $3,341 | $4,549 | $11,698 |
| 2,500+ miles | $3,294 | $5,627 | $13,861 |
Ready to Get a Quote on Your Moving Project?
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Frequently Asked Questions About Moving in Santa Maria
What is the average cost of living in Santa Maria?
What is the housing market like in Santa Maria?
How much would a Santa Maria move cost for a one-, two-, or three-bedroom house?
When should I begin contacting moving companies?
When is the best time to move?
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviewsteam@thisoldhousereviews.com.
