How to Choose the Best Local Mover in Winter Haven
You should consider several important factors when choosing a moving company. These are some things to keep in mind when hiring movers in Winter Haven.
Determine Your Budget
According to our research, Winter Haven moving companies charge $55 per hour on average. The typical cost overall is $4,084 for two-bedroom homes. Factors that contribute to your actual cost include your home size, move distance, the season, and any additional tasks you need done.
We advise getting quotes from at least three reputable movers in your area. Always get written estimates, which should detail your total cost and the hourly rate or flat fee. Hold onto your mover's estimate until your move is finished.
Read Customer Reviews
Moving companies rely on solid customer reviews. You can identify movers that provide good customer service by reading reviews on platforms like Google Reviews, Trustpilot, the Better Business Bureau, Yelp, and social media.
Ensure Proper Licensing
Moving companies in Winter Haven 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 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
Assessing whether the mover provides the services you need is crucial during the quote process. Complete an extensive inventory of your home before requesting quotes and write down any basic or add-on services you may need. Moreover, tell your moving company representative about any special conditions or specific needs you may have to assess the company's capacity to deliver suitable service.
Types of Moving Services
For basic moves, full-service movers will include the following services in the starting cost:
- Basic wrapping materials for furniture protection
- Loading and unloading
- Released liability coverage for loss or damage
Make sure that your moving company is informed of any extra services you require during the quote process. Services that result in higher pricing include the following:
- Crating for art or antiques
- Extra flights of stairs
- Long carries
- Packing
- Piano moving
- Storage
- Unpacking
- Vehicle shipping
Tips To Consider When Moving in Winter Haven, FL
Here are a few additional tips to keep in mind for your Winter Haven move.
Schedule an Early Move
Winter Haven traffic during rush hour is often 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 since they’ll still be on the clock while in their trucks. Try to arrange your move either several hours before or after the morning rush hour to avoid this issue.
Avoid Busy Season
The peak moving season—between May and September—coincides with Winter Haven's hottest time of year. This can negatively impact your moving process if you begin looking too late and can't find an available moving company. If you plan far enough in advance, you should be able to schedule with your preferred mover regardless of the season. However, the movers may be hindered by the heat.
Pack in Advance
Most moving companies only carry items that have been properly packed by the scheduled moving time, so you should finish your packing before they arrive. You should begin packing about six weeks before you move. Allocate some packing time each day to avoid needing to pack at the last minute.
How Much do Movers Cost in Winter Haven, FL
Movers in Winter Haven cost $2,586 on average for moves less than 250 miles. It can cost up to $6,535 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 | $2,586 | $2,820 | $6,535 |
| 250-999 miles | $3,197 | $3,415 | $10,072 |
| 1,000-2,499 miles | $3,226 | $3,950 | $10,168 |
| 2,500+ miles | $3,095 | $5,002 | $12,277 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Moving in Winter Haven
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