How to Choose the Best Local Mover in Oak Lawn
Some factors you should consider when choosing a moving company include cost, licensing, customer reviews, and services offered.
Determine Your Budget
According to our research, Oak Lawn movers charge $78 per hour on average. The typical local move costs $4,367 total for two-bedroom homes. Your actual cost will vary depending on move distance, the season, your home size, and any additional tasks you need your movers to handle.
We recommend obtaining quotes from three or more reputable movers in your area. Be sure to request written estimates. These should outline the total cost, including the hourly rate or flat fee. Hold onto your mover's estimate until your move is complete.
Read Customer Reviews
Customer feedback plays a crucial role for moving companies. Reading customer reviews on platforms such as Trustpilot, Yelp, the Better Business Bureau, social media, and Google Reviews will indicate which movers have positive customer experiences. We suggest thoroughly researching customer reviews before choosing a moving company.
Ensure Proper Licensing
Moving companies in Oak Lawn must follow different licensing requirements depending on their service area. If you're only moving within Illinois, your mover must have a Household Goods License from the Illinois Commerce Commission.
If you're moving to or from another state, 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
Assessing whether the mover provides the services you need is essential during the quote process. Take a full inventory of your home before getting quotes and note any essential or additional services you may need. Tell your moving company representative regarding any special conditions or needs to determine whether the company can provide satisfactory service.
Types of Moving Services
Full-service movers deliver the following standard services as a part of their base price:
- Basic wrapping materials for furniture protection
- Loading and unloading
- Released liability coverage for loss or damage
Ensure you inform your mover of any extra services you need while going through the quote process. These services may lead to increased pricing for your move:
- Crating for art or antiques
- Extra flights of stairs
- Long carries
- Packing
- Piano moving
- Storage
- Unpacking
- Vehicle shipping
Tips To Consider When Moving in Oak Lawn, IL
Consider the following before moving to, from, or within Oak Lawn.
Schedule an Early Move
The morning and evening rush hours in Oak Lawn are widely known for their extreme traffic congestion. Movers stuck in traffic can also increase your moving costs when charged an hourly rate. Try to plan your move either a few hours before or after the morning rush hour to avoid this issue.
Avoid Busy Season
May to September marks the peak moving season and Oak Lawn's hottest time of the year. Moving during this time can slow or worsen your move, particularly if you begin your search for a moving company too late. The increased demand could reduce your chances of securing your desired mover. Plan ahead and book your chosen 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
We suggest you begin packing around six weeks before your move to avoid rushing to pack when moving day comes. Spending time packing some items each day can get the task done without overwhelming you. Most moving companies handle same-day packing requests similarly. Movers will not move loose items that haven’t been packed by the time your move is scheduled to begin in many cases.
How Much do Movers Cost in Oak Lawn, IL
Movers in Oak Lawn 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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