How to Choose the Best Local Mover in Whittier
Consider each moving company's services, licensing, cost, and customer reviews before deciding.
Determine Your Budget
The average hourly rate for a local mover in Whittier is $84. Based on this, a standard two-bedroom move costs approximately $4,300 in total. Factors that affect your actual cost include the season, any additional tasks you need done, your home size, and move distance.
You should get quotes from at least three reputable movers in your area. Ask for written estimates that break down the total cost and the flat fee or hourly rate. Keep your mover's estimate and compare it to the final invoice to ensure fair pricing.
Read Customer Reviews
Moving companies need solid customer reviews. Take the time to read customer reviews on sites such as Trustpilot, social media, the Better Business Bureau, Google Reviews, and Yelp to identify moving companies that prioritize positive customer experiences.
Ensure Proper Licensing
Moving companies in Whittier must follow different licensing requirements depending on their service area. If you are only moving within California, 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.
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 have 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 check a mover’s registration status and complaint history.
Services
Ask if your chosen mover can deliver the services that meet your expectations when requesting quotes. Conduct an inventory of your home when getting quotes and document any additional services that might be necessary to ensure accurate pricing. Moreover, notify your moving company representative about any extra services you may need to assess the company's capacity to provide adequate service.
Types of Moving Services
Full-service movers include the following basic 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 need additional services from your moving company, disclose these during the quote process. Services that result in 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 Whittier, CA
Here are some additional tips to consider when moving in Whittier.
Schedule an Early Move
Whittier sees its fair share of traffic, and navigating this can be difficult in a moving truck. Being stuck in traffic can lead to delays and impact your budget since local movers charge by the hour. You can avoid this by scheduling your move several hours before or after morning rush hour.
Avoid Busy Season
Moving season peaks between May and September. In Whittier, this time corresponds to very hot summer weather, which can delay or worsen 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 pose difficulties for your movers.
Pack in Advance
We recommend you begin packing around six weeks before your move to prevent rushing to pack on your moving day. Spending time packing some items each day can make the process less stressful. Most moving companies won't move items that haven't been packed by the time your move begins.
How Much do Movers Cost in Whittier, CA
Movers in Whittier 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 Whittier
What is the job market like in Whittier?
What is the average cost of living in Whittier?
How much would it cost to complete a move in Whittier for a one-, two-, or three-bedroom house?
When should I begin contacting moving companies?
What items should I move myself?
- Art pieces
- Cash
- Family photo albums and other cherished photographs
- Firearms
- Hazardous items like pesticides and gasoline
- Jewelry
- Personal documents
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviewsteam@thisoldhousereviews.com.