How to Choose the Best Local Mover in Clearwater
You should consider several key factors when choosing a moving company. Here are some things to look out for when hiring movers in Clearwater.
Determine Your Budget
The average cost of a local move in Clearwater is $58 per hour. The overall cost amounts to $4,103 for a two-bedroom move. Factors that affect your actual cost include move distance, the season, any additional tasks you need done, and your home size.
We recommend obtaining quotes from at least three reputable movers in your area. Get written estimates, which should outline your total cost and the flat fee or hourly rate. Keep the estimate from your mover and compare it to the final cost to ensure fair pricing.
Read Customer Reviews
Moving companies rely on positive customer feedback. Take the time to read customer reviews on sites like Google Reviews, social media, Trustpilot, the Better Business Bureau, and Yelp to find movers that prioritize positive customer experiences.
Ensure Proper Licensing
Moving companies in Clearwater must follow different licensing requirements depending on their service area. If you're only moving within Florida, your mover must be registered with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS). You can verify the company has an active license using its License 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 carry active United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers. You can see a company's registration status on the FMCSA’s mover registration search tool.
Services
Assess whether your chosen mover can provide the specific services you need during the quote process. Complete an extensive inventory of your home before getting quotes and write down any basic or add-on services you might require. Inform your moving company representative about any specific requirements or unique circumstances to determine if the company can provide adequate service.
Types of Moving Services
Full-service movers will provide 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
Tell your moving company about the other services you need while going through the quote process. The following services may lead to 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 Clearwater, FL
Here are some additional tips to keep in mind for your Clearwater move.
Schedule an Early Move
Clearwater traffic during the morning and evening rush hours is notoriously hectic. Navigating gridlock in a moving truck is even more difficult than with a personal-use vehicle. Movers stuck in traffic during your local move typically leads to higher costs if they charge by the hour. You can avoid this by arranging your move 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 Clearwater. This can negatively impact your moving experience. Plan ahead and book your chosen moving company at least eight weeks in advance. You should also be prepared for the potential challenges the summer weather may pose to your movers during a summer move.
Pack in Advance
You should begin packing around six weeks in advance. Pack a few boxes every day to avoid rushing when move day comes. Your movers may have a few spare boxes with them for last-minute packing, but you shouldn’t depend on it. Most moving companies only carry items that have been packed by the scheduled moving time, so you should finish your packing before their arrival.
How Much do Movers Cost in Clearwater, FL
Movers in Clearwater cost $2,593 on average for moves less than 250 miles. It can cost up to $6,613 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 | $2,593 | $2,855 | $6,613 |
250-999 miles | $3,204 | $3,453 | $10,142 |
1,000-2,499 miles | $3,234 | $3,991 | $10,271 |
2,500+ miles | $3,108 | $5,045 | $12,384 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Moving in Clearwater
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