How to Choose the Best Local Mover in Santa Monica
A few factors to consider when looking for a moving company include licensing, cost, services offered, and customer reviews.
Determine Your Budget
According to our research, the average mover in Santa Monica charges $107 per hour. The typical cost overall is $4,300 for two-bedroom homes. Factors that contribute to your actual cost include your home size, the season, move distance, and any additional tasks you need done.
Consider getting quotes from three or more movers in your area to make an informed choice. Written estimates are essential in this process. They should have a total cost breakdown, covering the hourly rate or flat fee. Comparing the estimate provided by your to the final cost after the move helps ensure fair pricing is maintained.
Read Customer Reviews
Customer reviews hold significant value when looking into moving companies. Visit sites such as Yelp, the Better Business Bureau, social media, Trustpilot, and Google Reviews to gain insights into the typical customer experience with that moving company.
Ensure Proper Licensing
Moving companies in Santa Monica 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 license using the Transportation Carriers Lookup tool.
The requirements are a bit different if you're moving to or from another state. In this case, choose a mover licensed with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). The team should also have 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
Asking whether the mover provides the services you need is essential during the quote process. Conduct an inventory of your home when seeking quotes and note down any additional services that might be necessary to ensure accurate pricing. Tell your moving company representative about any specific requirements or unique circumstances to determine whether the company can provide adequate service.
Types of Moving Services
For basic moves, full-service movers will include the following services in the standard price:
- 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, mention these when requesting a quote. Increased pricing may apply for these services:
- 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 Monica, CA
Here are a few additional tips to keep in mind for your Santa Monica move.
Schedule an Early Move
The morning and evening rush hours in Santa Monica are widely known for their extreme traffic congestion. Movers stuck in traffic can also increase your moving costs when charged an hourly rate. You can avoid this by arranging your move a few hours before or after morning rush hour.
Avoid Busy Season
May to September marks the busiest moving season and Santa Monica's hottest time of the year. Moving during this time can slow or worsen your move, especially if you start searching for a moving company too close to your move. The high demand could reduce your chances of securing your desired mover. If you book in advance, you should be able to schedule with your preferred mover regardless of the season. However, the movers may be hampered by the heat.
Pack in Advance
Most movers won't transport items that haven't been packed by your scheduled moving time. We suggest you start packing around six weeks before your move to avoid rushing to pack when moving day comes. Packing a few boxes each day can get it done without overwhelming you.
How Much do Movers Cost in Santa Monica, CA
Movers in Santa Monica cost $2,661 on average for moves less than 250 miles. It can cost up to $7,446 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 | $2,661 | $3,227 | $7,446 |
| 250-999 miles | $3,275 | $3,866 | $10,894 |
| 1,000-2,499 miles | $3,317 | $4,424 | $11,379 |
| 2,500+ miles | $3,252 | $5,496 | $13,531 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Moving in Santa Monica
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How much would it cost to complete a move in Santa Monica for a one-, two-, or three-bedroom house?
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