How to Choose the Best Local Mover in Decatur
Consider each moving company's cost, licensing, services, and customer reviews before picking.
Determine Your Budget
The average cost of hiring a local mover in Decatur is $54 per hour. The overall cost amounts to $4,370 for a two-bedroom move. Your move distance, home size, move date, and any additional services you need will affect your actual cost.
We advise obtaining quotes from at least three reputable movers in your area. It's essential to get written estimates, which should detail your total cost and the hourly rate or flat fee. Keep your mover's estimate on hand until the company has completed your move to ensure fair pricing practices.
Read Customer Reviews
Positive customer feedback is necessary for all moving companies. Reading customer reviews on websites such as Google Reviews, Trustpilot, Yelp, social media, and the Better Business Bureau will show you which movers prioritize positive customer experiences. We suggest thoroughly researching customer reviews before choosing a moving company.
Ensure Proper Licensing
Moving companies in Decatur must follow different licensing requirements depending on their service area. If you are only moving within Illinois, your mover must have a Household Goods License from the Illinois Commerce Commission.
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
Assess whether the mover you chose provides the services that meet your expectations as you receive quotes. Take inventory of your belongings when getting quotes and note down any basic or add-on services that you may need to ensure accurate pricing. Share any specific requirements or unique circumstances with your moving company representative to evaluate if the company can accommodate your specific requirements.
Types of Moving Services
For basic moves, full-service movers often include the following moving services in the starting cost:
- Basic wrapping materials for furniture protection
- Loading and unloading
- Released liability coverage for loss or damage
Tell your moving company about the additional services you require while going through the quote process. Increased pricing 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 Decatur, IL
Here are some additional tips to keep in mind when moving to, from, or within Decatur.
Schedule an Early Move
The morning and evening rush hours in Decatur can often cause delays. Movers stuck in traffic can also increase your moving costs when charged an hourly rate. We recommend scheduling before morning rush hour, which guarantees the movers beat the traffic and complete the move before evening.
Avoid Busy Season
May to September marks the busiest moving season and Decatur's hottest time of the year. Moving during this time can slow or worsen your moving process, particularly if you begin your search for a mover too late. The increased demand could reduce your chances of securing your desired mover. If you book in advance, you should be able to schedule with the mover you prefer regardless of the month. However, your movers may be hampered by the heat.
Pack in Advance
You should start packing around six weeks before your move. Pack a few boxes each day to avoid rushing when move day comes. Your movers may have some spare boxes with them for last-minute packing, but you shouldn’t count on it. Most movers won't move items that haven't been packed by your scheduled moving time.
How Much do Movers Cost in Decatur, IL
Movers in Decatur cost $2,685 on average for moves less than 250 miles. It can cost up to $7,743 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 | $2,685 | $3,359 | $7,743 |
250-999 miles | $3,301 | $4,013 | $11,161 |
1,000-2,499 miles | $3,346 | $4,578 | $11,773 |
2,500+ miles | $3,304 | $5,657 | $13,939 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Moving in Decatur
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