How to Choose the Best Local Mover in Walnut Creek
You should consider a few key factors when choosing a mover. Here are some things to keep in mind when hiring movers in Walnut Creek.
Determine Your Budget
According to our research, the average moving company in Walnut Creek charges $110 per hour. The average cost overall is $4,575 for two-bedroom homes. Your move date, move distance, home size, and any additional services you need will affect your actual cost.
You should obtain quotes from a minimum of three reputable movers in your area. Ask for written estimates that outline the total cost and the hourly rate or flat fee. Comparing the estimate provided by your moving company to the final cost after your move helps ensure fair pricing.
Read Customer Reviews
Customer feedback plays an important role for moving companies. You can find movers with positive customer experiences by reading reviews on platforms like Google Reviews, Yelp, Trustpilot, the Better Business Bureau, and social media.
Ensure Proper Licensing
Moving companies in Walnut Creek 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 verify a company's state license using the Transportation Carriers Lookup tool.
If you're moving across state lines, the regulations are different. Interstate moving companies must be licensed with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and must carry active United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers. You can use these numbers to look up the company’s registration status and complaint history on the FMCSA’s mover registration search tool.
Services
Asking whether the mover offers the services you need is crucial during the quote process. Take a full inventory of your home before getting quotes and note any basic or add-on services you may need. Inform the moving company if you have any particular conditions or needs to assess if the company is a fit.
Types of Moving Services
Full-service movers provide 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
Ensure that your moving company is informed of any extra services you need while going through the quote process. These services may result in higher pricing for your move:
- Crating for art or antiques
- Extra flights of stairs
- Long carries
- Packing
- Piano moving
- Storage
- Unpacking
- Vehicle shipping
Tips To Consider When Moving in Walnut Creek, CA
Here are a few additional tips to keep in mind for your Walnut Creek move.
Schedule an Early Move
The morning and evening rush hours in Walnut Creek are widely known for their extreme traffic congestion. Movers stuck in traffic can also lead to higher costs when charged an hourly rate. Arranging your move for the early morning ensures that your movers arrive before rush hour and make the trip to your new home in the afternoon when traffic is lighter.
Avoid Busy Season
May to September marks the busiest moving season and Walnut Creek'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 late. The increased demand could lead to limited availability with your desired mover. 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
We suggest you start packing about six weeks in advance to avoid rushing to pack when moving day comes. Packing some items each day can make the process less stressful. Most moving companies approach same-day packing requests similarly. Movers won't move loose items that haven’t been packed when your move is scheduled to start in many cases.
How Much do Movers Cost in Walnut Creek, CA
Movers in Walnut Creek cost $2,756 on average for moves less than 250 miles. It can cost up to $8,612 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 | $2,756 | $3,747 | $8,612 |
250-999 miles | $3,376 | $4,443 | $11,945 |
1,000-2,499 miles | $3,432 | $5,030 | $12,927 |
2,500+ miles | $3,454 | $6,128 | $15,134 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Moving in Walnut Creek
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