How to Choose the Best Local Mover in Jacksonville
You should consider several key factors when choosing a mover. Here are some things to look out for when hiring movers in Jacksonville.
Determine Your Budget
A local move costs between $45 and $86 per hour. Based on this, a standard two-bedroom move costs around $4,427 in total. Your move date, home size, move distance, and any additional services you need will contribute to your actual cost.
You should get quotes from at least three movers in your area. Request written estimates that outline the total cost and the flat fee or hourly rate. Keep your mover's estimate handy until the move is done to ensure fair pricing.
Read Customer Reviews
Good customer feedback is necessary for all moving companies. You can identify moving companies with positive customer experiences by reading reviews on platforms like the Better Business Bureau, Google Reviews, social media, Trustpilot, and Yelp.
Ensure Proper Licensing
Moving companies in Jacksonville must follow different licensing requirements depending on their service area. If you are only moving intrastate, your moving company must have an active registration with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS). You can verify the company has an active license using its License 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
Assess whether your chosen mover offers the services you need during the quote process. Prepare for the quote process by making a thorough inventory of your belongings and noting any services you may need. Tell the moving company if you have any particular needs to determine whether 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
When seeking a quote from your moving company, discuss any extra services you need. Services that can contribute to higher pricing are:
- Crating for art or antiques
- Extra flights of stairs
- Long carries
- Packing
- Piano moving
- Storage
- Unpacking
- Vehicle shipping
Tips To Consider When Moving in Jacksonville, FL
Here are some extra tips to keep in mind when moving in Jacksonville.
Schedule an Early Move
Jacksonville 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. Aim to arrange your move either a few hours before or after the morning rush hour to prevent this issue.
Avoid Busy Season
May to September marks the peak moving season and Jacksonville's hottest time of the year. Moving at this time can slow or worsen your moving process, especially if you start searching for a mover too late. The high demand could make it harder to secure 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
Most movers won't handle items that haven't been packed by your scheduled moving time. 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 extra boxes with them for last-minute packing, but you shouldn’t depend on it.
How Much do Movers Cost in Jacksonville, FL
Movers in Jacksonville cost $2,705 on average for moves less than 250 miles. It can cost up to $7,986 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 | $2,705 | $3,468 | $7,986 |
| 250-999 miles | $3,322 | $4,134 | $11,381 |
| 1,000-2,499 miles | $3,370 | $4,705 | $12,096 |
| 2,500+ miles | $3,346 | $5,789 | $14,274 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Moving in Jacksonville
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