How to Choose the Best Local Mover in Normal
Some factors to consider when choosing a moving company include services offered, cost, customer reviews, and licensing.
Determine Your Budget
A local move costs $69 per hour on average. Based on this, a standard two-bedroom move costs around $4,370 overall. Your home size, move date, move distance, and any additional services you need will determine 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 total cost breakdown, including the hourly rate or flat fee. Keep your mover's estimate readily available until the move is done to ensure fair pricing practices.
Read Customer Reviews
Moving companies rely on positive customer reviews. Read customer reviews on websites such as Trustpilot, Yelp, social media, Google Reviews, and the Better Business Bureau to find movers that prioritize positive customer experiences.
Ensure Proper Licensing
Moving companies in Normal must follow different licensing requirements depending on their service area. If you're moving from one Illinois city to another, 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 check a mover’s registration status and complaint history.
Services
Assess whether the mover you chose provides the services that meet your expectations when requesting quotes. Get ready for the quote process by making a detailed inventory of your belongings and writing down any services you may need. Moreover, notify your moving company representative about any particular requirements or unique circumstances you may have to gauge the company's ability to deliver satisfactory service.
Types of Moving Services
Full-service movers will provide the following services in the base price for standard moves:
- Basic wrapping materials for furniture protection
- Loading and unloading
- Released liability coverage for loss or damage
When asking for a quote from your moving company, communicate any services you need. Services that can contribute 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 Normal, IL
Here are some additional tips to keep in mind for your Normal move.
Schedule an Early Move
Normal sees its fair share of traffic, and navigating this can be difficult in a moving truck. Getting stuck in traffic can lead to delays and significantly impact your budget, as local movers charge by the hour. You can avoid this by booking movers several hours before or after morning rush hour.
Avoid Busy Season
May to September marks the busiest moving season and Normal's hottest time of the year. Moving during this time can slow or worsen your moving process, especially if you begin your search for a mover too late. The increased demand could lead to limited availability with your desired mover. If you plan far enough in advance, you should be able to schedule with the mover you want regardless of the month. However, the movers may be hindered by the heat.
Pack in Advance
Most moving companies only transport items that have been properly packed by the scheduled moving time, so you should finish your packing before they arrive. You should start packing about six weeks before your move. Spend some time packing each day to avoid last-minute scrambling on moving day.
How Much do Movers Cost in Normal, IL
Movers in Normal 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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