Best 5 Movers in Athens, GA

How to Choose the Best Local Mover in Athens

You should consider a few crucial factors when choosing a moving company. Here are some things to keep in mind when hiring movers in Athens.

Determine Your Budget

According to our research, the average moving company in Athens charges $52 per hour. The typical cost overall is $4,224 for two-bedroom homes. Your move date, move distance, home size, and any additional services you need will affect your actual cost.

You should get quotes from three or more reputable movers in your area. Request written estimates that break down the total cost, including the flat fee or hourly rate. Hold onto your mover's estimate until your move is complete.

Read Customer Reviews

Customer reviews hold significant value when evaluating moving companies. You can identify movers that provide good customer service by reading reviews on platforms like Yelp, Google Reviews, social media, Trustpilot, and the Better Business Bureau.

Ensure Proper Licensing

Moving companies in Athens must follow different licensing requirements depending on their service area. If you're moving from one Georgia city to another, your chosen mover must have a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity from the Georgia Department of Public Safety’s Motor Carrier division.

The requirements are a bit different 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 have 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

Asking whether the mover provides the services you need is essential during the quote process. Prepare for the quote process by taking a detailed inventory of your home and writing down any services you might require. Inform the moving company if you have any particular conditions or needs to evaluate if the company is a fit.

Types of Moving Services

A full-service mover will include these services for basic moves:

• Basic wrapping materials for furniture protection
• Loading and unloading
• Released liability coverage for loss or damage

Ensure you inform your mover of any special services you require while going through the quote process. Additional fees may apply for the following 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 Athens, GA

Here are a few additional tips to keep in mind when relocating to, from, or within Athens.

Schedule an Early Move

The morning and evening rush hours in Athens are widely known for their extreme traffic congestion. Movers stuck in traffic can also lead to higher costs when charged an hourly rate. Try to plan 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 busiest moving season and Athens' hottest time of the year. Moving during this time can slow or worsen your move, especially if you begin your search for a moving company too close to your move. The high demand could reduce your chances of securing your desired mover. Plan ahead and secure your desired 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 each day to avoid rushing when move day comes. Your movers may have a few extra boxes with them for last-minute packing, but you shouldn’t count on it. Most moving companies only transport items that have been properly packed by the scheduled moving time, so you should finish your packing before they arrive.

How Much do Movers Cost in Athens, GA

Movers in Athens cost $2,635 on average for moves less than 250 miles. It can cost up to $7,125 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.