How to Choose the Best Local Mover in Downers Grove
Some factors to consider when looking for a moving company include services offered, customer reviews, licensing, and cost.
Determine Your Budget
The average hourly rate for local movers in Downers Grove is $107. A two-bedroom move in the area costs around $4,138 in total. Your move distance, move date, home size, and any additional tasks you need the movers to do will contribute to your actual cost.
Consider obtaining quotes from at least three reputable moving companies in your area to make an informed choice. Written estimates are crucial in this process. They should include a breakdown of the total cost, including the hourly rate or flat fee. Hold onto your moving company's estimate until your move is complete.
Read Customer Reviews
Good customer feedback is essential for all moving companies. Reading customer reviews on platforms such as social media, Yelp, Trustpilot, the Better Business Bureau, and Google Reviews will indicate which movers prioritize positive customer experiences. We recommend thoroughly researching customer reviews before choosing a moving company.
Ensure Proper Licensing
Moving companies in Downers Grove must follow different licensing requirements depending on their service area. If you are only moving intrastate, your mover must have a Household Goods License from the Illinois Commerce Commission.
The requirements change if you're moving to or from another state. In this case, choose a mover 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 check a company's registration status on the FMCSA’s mover registration search tool.
Services
Ask if your chosen mover can deliver the services that meet your expectations as you receive quotes. Take a full inventory of your home before requesting quotes and write down any basic or add-on services you might require. Additionally, notify your moving company representative about any special conditions or specific needs you may have to assess the company's capability to deliver adequate service.
Types of Moving Services
A full-service mover will include these services for standard moves:
- Basic wrapping materials for furniture protection
- Loading and unloading
- Released liability coverage for loss or damage
If you require special services from your moving company, mention these when requesting a quote. Services that can lead to higher pricing are:
- Crating for art or antiques
- Extra flights of stairs
- Long carries
- Packing
- Piano moving
- Storage
- Unpacking
- Vehicle shipping
Tips To Consider When Moving in Downers Grove, IL
Here are some additional tips to keep in mind for your Downers Grove move.
Schedule an Early Move
Downers Grove traffic during the morning and evening rush hours is notoriously congested. Navigating gridlock with a moving truck is even more difficult than with a standard personal-use vehicle. Movers getting stuck in traffic during your local move typically leads to higher costs if they charge by the hour. Aim 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 Downers Grove's hottest time of the year. Moving during this time can slow or worsen your moving process, particularly if you start searching for a moving company too close to your move. The increased demand could reduce your chances of securing your desired mover. By planning and booking at least eight weeks before your move, you should be able to secure the moving company you want. However, be prepared for the possibility that the hot weather could make the move more difficult for your movers.
Pack in Advance
Most moving companies approach same-day packing requests similarly. Movers won't move loose items that haven’t been packed when your move is scheduled to begin in many cases. We recommend you start packing about six weeks before your move to prevent rushing to pack when moving day comes. Packing some items each day can get the task done without overwhelming you.
How Much do Movers Cost in Downers Grove, IL
Movers in Downers Grove cost $2,605 on average for moves less than 250 miles. It can cost up to $6,761 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 | $2,605 | $2,921 | $6,761 |
| 250-999 miles | $3,216 | $3,527 | $10,276 |
| 1,000-2,499 miles | $3,249 | $4,068 | $10,468 |
| 2,500+ miles | $3,134 | $5,125 | $12,588 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Moving in Downers Grove
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