How to Choose the Best Local Mover in Wilmington
A few factors to consider when looking for a moving company include customer reviews, cost, licensing, and services offered.
Determine Your Budget
A local move costs $46 per hour on average. Based on this, a standard two-bedroom move costs approximately $4,311 in total. Your home size, move date, move distance, and any additional tasks you need the movers to do will determine your actual cost.
You should get quotes from a minimum of three movers in your area. Request written estimates that outline the total cost and the hourly rate or flat fee. Comparing the estimate provided by your to the final cost after the move helps ensure fair pricing.
Read Customer Reviews
Customer reviews are indispensable when looking for a mover. Check websites like Trustpilot, the Better Business Bureau, social media, Google Reviews, and Yelp to learn about the typical customer experience with that mover.
Ensure Proper Licensing
Moving companies in Wilmington must follow different licensing requirements depending on their service area. If you are making a short-haul move that's purely within Delaware, your mover doesn't need a Delaware state license. However, movers must still comply with insurance and safety regulations set by the Delaware Department of Transportation.
If you're moving interstate, the regulations are different. Choose a company licensed with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). It should also carry 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 look up a mover’s registration status and complaint history.
Services
Assess whether your chosen mover provides the services that align with your expectations as you receive quotes. Take a full inventory of your home before getting quotes and write down any basic or add-on services you may need. Inform your moving company representative regarding any specific requirements or unique circumstances to determine whether the company can provide suitable service.
Types of Moving Services
For basic moves, full-service movers often include the following moving services in the base price:
- Basic wrapping materials for furniture protection
- Loading and unloading
- Released liability coverage for loss or damage
When requesting a quote from your moving company, disclose any services you require. The following services may result in higher pricing for your move:
- Crating for art or antiques
- Extra flights of stairs
- Long carries
- Packing
- Moving a piano
- Storage
- Unpacking
- Vehicle shipping
Tips To Consider When Moving in Wilmington, DE
Consider the following before moving to, from, or within Wilmington.
Schedule an Early Move
Wilmington traffic during the morning and evening rush hours is notoriously congested. Navigating gridlock in a moving truck is even more challenging than with a standard personal-use vehicle. Movers getting stuck in traffic during your local move will typically lead to higher costs since they’ll still be on the clock while in their trucks. You can avoid this by scheduling your move a few hours before or after morning rush hour.
Avoid Busy Season
The peak moving season—between May and September—coincides with Wilmington's hot weather. This can adversely affect your move if you begin looking too late and can't find a moving company with availability. If you plan in advance, you should be able to schedule with your preferred mover regardless of the season. However, your movers may be hampered by the heat.
Pack in Advance
We suggest you start packing about six weeks in advance to avoid rushing to pack on your moving day. Spending time packing some items each day can get it done without overwhelming you. Most moving companies won't handle items that haven't been packed by your scheduled moving time.
How Much do Movers Cost in Wilmington, DE
Movers in Wilmington cost $2,665 on average for moves less than 250 miles. It can cost up to $7,496 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 | $2,665 | $3,249 | $7,496 |
250-999 miles | $3,280 | $3,890 | $10,938 |
1,000-2,499 miles | $3,322 | $4,450 | $11,444 |
2,500+ miles | $3,261 | $5,523 | $13,599 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Moving in Wilmington
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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.