How to Choose the Best Local Mover in Joliet
Some factors you should consider when choosing a moving company include customer reviews, cost, services offered, and licensing.
Determine Your Budget
The average cost of a local mover in Joliet is $84 per hour. The overall cost amounts to $4,138 for a two-bedroom move. Your move distance, move date, home size, and any additional tasks you need the movers to do will affect your actual cost.
You should obtain quotes from a minimum of three reputable movers in your area. Request written estimates that provide a clear breakdown of the total cost, including the flat fee or hourly rate. Keep your mover's estimate on hand until the company has completed your move to ensure fair pricing.
Read Customer Reviews
Positive customer feedback is necessary for all moving companies. Read customer reviews on platforms like Yelp, Google Reviews, the Better Business Bureau, Trustpilot, and social media to identify moving companies with good customer service.
Ensure Proper Licensing
Moving companies in Joliet 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.
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
Assessing whether the mover provides the services you need is essential during the quote process. Take inventory of your belongings when requesting quotes and make a list of any basic or add-on services that you may need to ensure accurate pricing. Tell your moving company representative about any specific requirements or unique circumstances to evaluate if the company can provide adequate service.
Types of Moving Services
Full-service movers offer the following basic services as a part of their base price:
- Basic wrapping materials for furniture protection
- Loading and unloading
- Released liability coverage for loss or damage
Make sure you inform your mover of any extra services you need while going through the quote process. Services that result in 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 Joliet, IL
Here are some additional tips to consider when moving in Joliet.
Schedule an Early Move
Joliet traffic during the morning and evening rush hours is often congested. Navigating gridlock with a moving truck is even more challenging than with a standard personal-use vehicle. Movers stuck in traffic will typically lead to higher costs if they charge by the hour. We advise planning before morning rush hour, which guarantees the movers avoid heavy traffic and complete the move before evening.
Avoid Busy Season
May to September marks the peak moving season and Joliet's hottest time of the year. Moving at 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 make it harder to secure your desired mover. Plan ahead and secure your preferred mover at least eight weeks in advance. You should also be prepared for the potential difficulties the summer weather may pose to your movers during a summer move.
Pack in Advance
Most moving companies only move items that have been packed by the scheduled moving time, so you should have everything boxed up before their arrival. Start packing around six weeks before your move to avoid rushing at the last minute. You can pack a few boxes each day to make the process more manageable.
How Much do Movers Cost in Joliet, IL
Movers in Joliet 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 Joliet
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