How to Choose the Best Local Mover in Melbourne
Make an informed choice by taking the following factors into consideration when choosing movers in Melbourne.
Determine Your Budget
Local movers in Melbourne charge an average hourly rate of $57. A two-bedroom move in the area costs approximately $4,094 in total. Your move date, home size, move distance, and any additional tasks you need the movers to do will affect your actual cost.
We suggest getting quotes from a minimum of three reputable movers in your area. Always get written estimates, which should detail your total cost and the flat fee or hourly rate. Keep your mover's estimate readily available until the company has completed your move to ensure fair pricing.
Read Customer Reviews
Moving companies need customer feedback. Visit platforms such as Yelp, social media, the Better Business Bureau, Google Reviews, and Trustpilot to gain insights into the typical customer experience with that moving company.
Ensure Proper Licensing
Moving companies in Melbourne must follow different licensing requirements depending on their service area. If you're making a short-haul move that's purely within Florida, your moving company must have an active registration with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS). You can check for an active business 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
Asking whether the mover provides the services you need is crucial during the quote process. Prepare for the quote process by taking a thorough inventory of your home and noting any services you might require. Discuss any specific requirements or unique circumstances with your moving company representative in order to evaluate if the company can accommodate your particular needs.
Types of Moving Services
Full-service movers deliver 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
If you need special services from your moving company, share these during the quote process. The following 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 Melbourne, FL
Here are a few additional tips to keep in mind when moving to, from, or within Melbourne.
Schedule an Early Move
Melbourne sees its fair share of traffic, and navigating this can be more difficult in a moving truck. Getting stuck in traffic can lead to delays and significantly impact your budget, as local movers charge by the hour. Scheduling your move for the early morning will ensure that your movers get there before rush hour and head to your new home in the afternoon when traffic is limited.
Avoid Busy Season
The busiest time for movers—between May and September—coincides with Melbourne's hottest time of year. This can impact your move if you begin looking too late and can't find a moving company with availability. Plan ahead and secure 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
Most moving companies won't carry items that haven't been packed by the scheduled moving time. We recommend you begin packing about six weeks in advance to avoid stressing over last-minute packing when moving day comes. Spending time packing a few boxes each day can make the process less stressful.
How Much do Movers Cost in Melbourne, FL
Movers in Melbourne cost $2,590 on average for moves less than 250 miles. It can cost up to $6,574 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 | $2,590 | $2,838 | $6,574 |
250-999 miles | $3,200 | $3,434 | $10,107 |
1,000-2,499 miles | $3,230 | $3,970 | $10,220 |
2,500+ miles | $3,102 | $5,023 | $12,331 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Moving in Melbourne
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