How to Choose the Best Local Mover in Elkhart
Consider each moving company's customer reviews, cost, licensing, and services before picking.
Determine Your Budget
The average hourly rate for a local mover in Elkhart is $53. Based on this, a standard two-bedroom move costs around $4,281 in total. Your home size, move date, move distance, and any additional services you need will contribute to your actual cost.
Consider getting quotes from a minimum of three reputable movers in your area to make an informed choice. Written estimates are crucial in this process. They should have a total cost breakdown, including the hourly rate or flat fee. Hold onto your mover's estimate until your move is done.
Read Customer Reviews
Customer feedback plays an important role for moving companies. Check sites such as Yelp, social media, the Better Business Bureau, Google Reviews, and Trustpilot to learn about customer experiences with that mover.
Ensure Proper Licensing
Moving companies in Elkhart must follow different licensing requirements depending on their service area. If you're making a short-haul move that's purely within Indiana, choose a mover that carries Operating Authority from the Indiana Department of Revenue.
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
Assess whether the mover offers the services you need during the quote process. Take inventory of your belongings when getting quotes and document any basic or add-on services that might be necessary to ensure accurate pricing. Discuss any specific requirements or unique circumstances with your moving company representative to determine whether the company can accommodate your particular needs.
Types of Moving Services
Full-service movers provide 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 special services you need in the quote process. 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 Elkhart, IN
Here are some additional tips to consider when moving in Elkhart.
Schedule an Early Move
Elkhart usually gets congested during rush hour. Maneuvering through it can be more difficult in a moving truck compared to a standard personal-use car. Movers caught in traffic may result in delays and a higher cost since local moving companies charge by the hour. We recommend planning before morning rush hour, which guarantees the movers beat the traffic and complete the move before evening.
Avoid Busy Season
Moving season is the busiest between May and September. In Elkhart, this time overlaps with hot summer weather, which can worsen your move. If you book in advance, you should be able to schedule with your preferred mover regardless of the season. However, your movers may be hindered by the heat.
Pack in Advance
We suggest you begin packing around six weeks before your move to prevent rushing to pack when moving day comes. Packing a couple boxes each day can get it done without overwhelming you. Most movers approach same-day packing requests similarly. In many cases, movers won't move loose items that haven’t been packed when your move is scheduled to start.
How Much do Movers Cost in Elkhart, IN
Movers in Elkhart cost $2,654 on average for moves less than 250 miles. It can cost up to $7,365 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 | $2,654 | $3,191 | $7,365 |
250-999 miles | $3,268 | $3,826 | $10,820 |
1,000-2,499 miles | $3,309 | $4,382 | $11,271 |
2,500+ miles | $3,238 | $5,452 | $13,419 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Moving in Elkhart
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