How to Choose the Best Local Mover in Crystal Lake
Consider each company's cost, licensing, services, and customer reviews before choosing.
Determine Your Budget
Local movers in Crystal Lake charge an average hourly rate of $109. A two-bedroom move in the area costs approximately $4,159 in total. Your home size, move distance, move date, and any additional services you need will determine your actual cost.
Consider obtaining quotes from at least three moving companies in your area to make an informed choice. Written estimates are crucial in this process. They should have a total cost breakdown, covering the hourly rate or flat fee. Keep the estimate from your mover and compare it to the final cost to ensure fair pricing.
Read Customer Reviews
Customer reviews are valuable when looking into moving companies. Visit platforms such as Trustpilot, the Better Business Bureau, social media, Google Reviews, and Yelp to learn about customer experiences with that mover.
Ensure Proper Licensing
Moving companies in Crystal Lake must follow different licensing requirements depending on their service area. If you are making a short-haul move that's purely within Illinois, your mover must have a Household Goods License from the Illinois Commerce Commission.
If you're moving interstate, the regulations are different. Choose a company licensed with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). It should also carry active United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers, which you can use on the FMCSA’s mover registration search tool to look up a mover’s registration status and complaint history.
Services
Assessing whether the mover offers the services you need is crucial during the quote process. Get ready for the quote process by taking a comprehensive inventory of your possessions and writing down any services you may need. Notify the moving company if you have any special needs to determine if the company is a good fit.
Types of Moving Services
For basic moves, full-service movers often include the following services in the base price:
- Basic wrapping materials for furniture protection
- Loading and unloading
- Released liability coverage for loss or damage
Ensure that your moving company is informed of any special services you need while going through the quote process. These 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 Crystal Lake, IL
Consider the following before moving to, from, or within Crystal Lake.
Schedule an Early Move
Crystal Lake sometimes sees its fair share of traffic, and navigating this can be a challenge in a moving truck. Being stuck in traffic during your move can lead to delays and impact your budget, as local movers charge by the hour. Aim to schedule your move either a few hours before or after the morning rush hour to prevent this issue.
Avoid Busy Season
Moving season is the busiest between May and September. In Crystal Lake, this time coincides with hot summer weather, which can worsen your moving experience. If you plan in advance, you should be able to schedule with the mover you want regardless of the season. However, the movers may be hampered by the heat.
Pack in Advance
Most movers won't transport items that haven't been packed by your scheduled moving time. We suggest you begin packing about six weeks before your move to prevent rushing to pack on your moving day. Spending time packing a couple boxes each day can make the process less stressful.
How Much do Movers Cost in Crystal Lake, IL
Movers in Crystal Lake cost $2,612 on average for moves less than 250 miles. It can cost up to $6,849 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 | $2,612 | $2,961 | $6,849 |
250-999 miles | $3,224 | $3,570 | $10,355 |
1,000-2,499 miles | $3,258 | $4,114 | $10,586 |
2,500+ miles | $3,149 | $5,173 | $12,710 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Moving in Crystal Lake
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