How to Choose the Best Local Mover in Elmhurst
Some factors to consider when choosing a moving company include cost, services offered, licensing, and customer reviews.
Determine Your Budget
A local move costs between $97 and $145 per hour. Based on this, a local two-bedroom move costs around $4,619 in total. Your actual cost will vary depending on your home size, any additional tasks you need your movers to handle, move distance, and the season.
You should get quotes from a minimum of three movers in your area. Request written estimates that provide a clear breakdown of the total cost and the flat fee or hourly rate. Comparing the estimate provided by your mover to the final cost after your move helps ensure fair pricing is maintained.
Read Customer Reviews
Customer feedback plays a crucial role for moving companies. Check websites such as Yelp, Google Reviews, Trustpilot, social media, and the Better Business Bureau to gain insights into the typical customer experience with that mover.
Ensure Proper Licensing
Moving companies in Elmhurst must follow different licensing requirements depending on their service area. If you're 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 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
Asking whether the mover offers the services you need is essential 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. Inform your moving company representative regarding any special conditions or needs to see whether the company can provide satisfactory service.
Types of Moving Services
A full-service mover will include the following services for standard moves:
- Basic wrapping materials for furniture protection
- Loading and unloading
- Released liability coverage for loss or damage
If you require additional services from your moving company, mention these during the quote process. Increased pricing may apply for these 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 Elmhurst, IL
Here are some additional tips to consider for your Elmhurst move.
Schedule an Early Move
Elmhurst traffic during the morning and evening rush hours is notoriously hectic. Navigating gridlock with a moving truck is even more difficult than with a personal-use vehicle. Movers stuck in traffic during your local move will typically lead to higher costs if they charge by the hour. You can avoid this by booking movers several hours before or after morning rush hour.
Avoid Busy Season
Moving season is the busiest between May and September. In Elmhurst, this time corresponds to hot summer weather, which can delay or worsen your moving experience. By planning your move at least eight weeks in advance, you should be able to secure your desired moving company. However, be prepared for the possibility that the hot weather could pose difficulties for your movers.
Pack in Advance
Begin packing around six weeks before your move so you can avoid rushing at the last minute. You can pack a few boxes each day to make the process less stressful. Most movers won't handle items that haven't been packed by the scheduled moving time.
How Much do Movers Cost in Elmhurst, IL
Movers in Elmhurst cost $2,771 on average for moves less than 250 miles. It can cost up to $8,799 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 | $2,771 | $3,831 | $8,799 |
250-999 miles | $3,392 | $4,536 | $12,114 |
1,000-2,499 miles | $3,451 | $5,127 | $13,175 |
2,500+ miles | $3,486 | $6,230 | $15,392 |
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