Best 5 Movers in Stockton, CA

How to Choose the Best Local Mover in Stockton

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

Determine Your Budget

According to our research, the average local mover in Stockton costs $58 per hour. The typical cost overall is $4,515 for two-bedroom homes. Your actual costs will vary depending on the season, any additional tasks you need your movers to handle, move distance, and your home size.

You should get quotes from at least three movers in your area. Ask for written estimates that provide a clear breakdown of the total cost and the hourly rate or flat fee. Keep your mover's estimate on hand until the move is completed to ensure fair pricing practices.

Read Customer Reviews

Customer reviews are valuable when evaluating moving companies. Reading customer reviews on Trustpilot, Yelp, social media, the Better Business Bureau, and Google Reviews will indicate which movers prioritize positive customer experiences. We recommend thoroughly researching customer reviews before choosing a moving company.

Ensure Proper Licensing

Moving companies in Stockton 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 check a company's state license using the Transportation Carriers Lookup tool.

The requirements are 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 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

Assessing whether the mover offers the services you need is essential during the quote process. Complete an extensive inventory of your home before requesting quotes and note any basic or add-on services you may need. Tell your moving company representative about any specific requirements or unique circumstances to see whether the company can provide suitable service.

Types of Moving Services

For basic moves, full-service movers will include the following moving services in the starting cost:

• Basic wrapping materials for furniture protection
• Loading and unloading
• Released liability coverage for loss or damage

Inform your moving company about the other services you need during the quote process. Services that lead 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 Stockton, CA

Here are a few additional tips to keep in mind when relocating to, from, or within Stockton.

Schedule an Early Move

Stockton 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 significantly impact your budget, as local movers charge by the hour. You can avoid this by booking movers several hours before or after morning rush hour.

Avoid Busy Season

The busiest moving period, which falls between May and September, coincides with the hot summer temperatures in Stockton. This can negatively impact your moving experience. By planning and booking at least eight weeks before your move, you should be able to secure your desired moving company. However, be prepared for the possibility that the hot weather could make the move more difficult for your movers.

Pack in Advance

You should begin packing around six weeks before your move. Pack a few boxes every day to avoid rushing on the day of your move. Your movers may have a few spare boxes with them for last-minute packing, but you shouldn’t depend on it. Most moving companies won't move items that aren't packed when your move starts.

How Much do Movers Cost in Stockton, CA

Movers in Stockton cost $2,735 on average for moves less than 250 miles. It can cost up to $8,357 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.