How to Choose the Best Local Mover in Port Charlotte
Make an informed choice by considering the following crucial factors when choosing movers in Port Charlotte.
Determine Your Budget
According to our research, Port Charlotte moving companies charge $54 per hour on average. The typical cost overall is $4,272 for two-bedroom homes. Your move date, home size, move distance, and any additional tasks you need the movers to do will determine your actual cost.
We advise obtaining quotes from at least three reputable movers in your area. Don't forget to request written estimates. These should provide a breakdown of the total cost, including the hourly rate or flat fee. Hold onto your mover's estimate until your move is done.
Read Customer Reviews
Moving companies rely on positive customer reviews. Take the time to read customer reviews on platforms such as Trustpilot, the Better Business Bureau, Google Reviews, Yelp, and social media to find moving companies with good customer service.
Ensure Proper Licensing
Moving companies in Port Charlotte must follow different licensing requirements depending on their service area. If you are moving from one Florida city to another, your mover 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 a mover’s registration status and complaint history on the FMCSA’s mover registration search tool.
Services
Assessing whether the mover provides the services you need is essential 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. Furthermore, inform your moving company representative about any extra services you may need to gauge the company's capacity to offer suitable service.
Types of Moving Services
A full-service mover includes these services for standard moves:
- Basic wrapping materials for furniture protection
- Loading and unloading
- Released liability coverage for loss or damage
Inform your moving company about any extra services you require as you go through the quote process. Additional fees may apply for these services:
- Crating for art or antiques
- Extra flights of stairs
- Long carries
- Packing
- Piano moving
- Storage
- Unpacking
- Vehicle shipping
Tips To Consider When Moving in Port Charlotte, FL
Here are a few additional tips to keep in mind for your Port Charlotte move.
Schedule an Early Move
The morning and evening rush hours in Port Charlotte can often cause delays. Movers stuck in traffic can also increase your moving costs when charged an hourly rate. You can avoid this by arranging your move a few hours before or after morning rush hour.
Avoid Busy Season
May to September marks the busiest moving season and Port Charlotte's hottest time of the year. Moving at this time can slow or worsen your move, especially if you start searching for a mover too close to your move. The increased demand could make it harder to secure your desired mover. You should be able to schedule with the moving company you desire by reaching out to companies at least eight weeks before your move. However, remember that the heat may impact your movers.
Pack in Advance
Most movers only move items that have been properly packed by the scheduled moving time, so you should have everything boxed up before they arrive. You should start packing about six weeks before you move. Allocate some packing time daily to avoid needing to pack at the last minute.
How Much do Movers Cost in Port Charlotte, FL
Movers in Port Charlotte cost $2,651 on average for moves less than 250 miles. It can cost up to $7,330 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 | $2,651 | $3,175 | $7,330 |
250-999 miles | $3,265 | $3,808 | $10,789 |
1,000-2,499 miles | $3,305 | $4,363 | $11,224 |
2,500+ miles | $3,232 | $5,433 | $13,371 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Moving in Port Charlotte
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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
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