How to Choose the Best Local Mover in Evanston
Make an informed choice by considering the following crucial factors when choosing movers in Evanston.
Determine Your Budget
The average hourly rate for a local mover in Evanston is $97. Based on this, a standard two-bedroom move costs approximately $4,367 overall. Factors that contribute to your actual cost include any additional tasks you need done, move distance, the season, and your home size.
Consider obtaining quotes from three or more reputable movers in your area to make an educated choice. Written estimates are essential in this process. They should include a total cost breakdown, covering the hourly rate or flat fee. Keep your mover's estimate handy until the moving process is finished to ensure fair pricing.
Read Customer Reviews
Solid customer feedback is important for all moving companies. Take the time to read customer reviews on websites like Google Reviews, Trustpilot, Yelp, social media, and the Better Business Bureau to find movers with excellent customer service.
Ensure Proper Licensing
Moving companies in Evanston 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 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
Asking whether the mover provides the services you need is crucial 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. Furthermore, notify your moving company representative about any extra services you may need to gauge the company's ability to offer suitable service.
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
Inform your moving company about the additional services you require as you go through the quote process. Services that lead to higher pricing include the following:
- Crating for art or antiques
- Extra flights of stairs
- Long carries
- Packing
- Piano moving
- Storage
- Unpacking
- Vehicle shipping
Tips To Consider When Moving in Evanston, IL
Here are a few additional tips to keep in mind for your Evanston move.
Schedule an Early Move
Evanston usually gets hectic during rush hour. Navigating it can be more difficult in a moving truck compared to a personal-use car. Movers caught in traffic may result in delays and a higher cost since local movers charge by the hour. Arranging your move for the early morning ensures that your movers get there before traffic peaks and head to your new home in the afternoon when traffic is limited.
Avoid Busy Season
The peak moving season—between May and September—coincides with Evanston's hot weather. This can impact your moving process if you start your search too late and can't find a moving company with availability. If you book in advance, you should be able to schedule with your preferred mover regardless of the month. However, your movers may be hampered by the heat.
Pack in Advance
You should start packing around six weeks in advance. Pack a few boxes each day to avoid rushing on the day of your move. Your movers may have some extra boxes with them for last-minute packing, but you shouldn’t depend on it. Most movers won't transport items that aren't packed by the time your move begins.
How Much do Movers Cost in Evanston, IL
Movers in Evanston cost $2,684 on average for moves less than 250 miles. It can cost up to $7,732 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 | $2,684 | $3,355 | $7,732 |
250-999 miles | $3,300 | $4,008 | $11,152 |
1,000-2,499 miles | $3,345 | $4,573 | $11,759 |
2,500+ miles | $3,302 | $5,652 | $13,925 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Moving in Evanston
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