How to Choose the Best Local Mover in Santa Rosa
You should consider several important factors when choosing a moving company. These are some things to look for when hiring movers in Santa Rosa.
Determine Your Budget
The average hourly rate for local movers in Santa Rosa is $81. A two-bedroom move in the area costs around $4,246 in total. Your actual costs will vary depending on any additional tasks you need your movers to handle, your home size, the season, and move distance.
Consider getting quotes from at least three moving companies in your area to make an educated choice. Written estimates are important in this process. They should contain a breakdown of the total cost, including the hourly rate or flat fee. Keep your mover's estimate and compare it to the final invoice to ensure fair pricing.
Read Customer Reviews
Moving companies need customer reviews. Read customer reviews on platforms like the Better Business Bureau, Google Reviews, Yelp, social media, and Trustpilot to identify movers that prioritize positive customer experiences.
Ensure Proper Licensing
Moving companies in Santa Rosa must follow different licensing requirements depending on their service area. If you're 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 local 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 have active United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers. You can check a company's registration status on the FMCSA’s mover registration search tool.
Services
Assess whether your chosen mover can provide the services that align with your expectations while obtaining quotes. Take inventory of your belongings when seeking quotes and note down any basic or add-on services that might be necessary to ensure accurate pricing. Share any specific requirements or unique circumstances with your moving company representative to assess whether the company can accommodate your specific requirements.
Types of Moving Services
Full-service movers will include the following moving services in the base price for basic moves:
- Basic wrapping materials for furniture protection
- Loading and unloading
- Released liability coverage for loss or damage
Ensure that your moving company is aware of any special services you require while going through the quote process. Additional fees may apply for the following 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 Rosa, CA
Keep these tips in mind before moving to, from, or within Santa Rosa.
Schedule an Early Move
Santa Rosa sees its fair share of traffic, and navigating this can be a challenge in a moving truck. Being stuck in traffic during your move can lead to delays and impact your budget since local movers charge by the hour. You can prevent this by booking movers a few hours before or after morning rush hour.
Avoid Busy Season
The busiest period for moving, which falls between May and September, coincides with the summer heat in Santa Rosa. This can negatively impact your move. By planning your move at least eight weeks in advance, you should be able to lock in your desired moving company. However, be prepared for the possibility that the hot weather could pose difficulties for your movers.
Pack in Advance
Most moving companies won't carry items that haven't been packed by the scheduled moving time. You should begin packing around six weeks before your move. Pack a few boxes every day to avoid rushing when move day comes. Your movers may have some extra boxes with them for last-minute packing, but you shouldn’t depend on it.
How Much do Movers Cost in Santa Rosa, CA
Movers in Santa Rosa cost $2,642 on average for moves less than 250 miles. It can cost up to $7,217 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 | $2,642 | $3,125 | $7,217 |
250-999 miles | $3,256 | $3,752 | $10,687 |
1,000-2,499 miles | $3,294 | $4,305 | $11,074 |
2,500+ miles | $3,213 | $5,372 | $13,215 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Moving in Santa Rosa
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