How to Choose the Best Local Mover in Portage
A few factors you should consider when looking for a moving company include customer reviews, services offered, cost, and licensing.
Determine Your Budget
Based on our findings, the average cost of hiring a local mover in Portage is $71 per hour. The overall cost adds up to $4,026 for a two-bedroom move. Your move date, move distance, home size, and any additional tasks you need the movers to do will affect your actual cost.
We recommend getting quotes from at least three reputable movers in your area. Always get written estimates, which should detail your total cost and the hourly rate or flat fee. Keep your mover's estimate and compare it to the final cost to ensure fair pricing.
Read Customer Reviews
Customer feedback plays an important role for moving companies. Take the time to read customer reviews on websites such as the Better Business Bureau, Trustpilot, Yelp, social media, and Google Reviews to find moving companies that prioritize positive customer experiences.
Ensure Proper Licensing
Moving companies in Portage must follow different licensing requirements depending on their service area. If you're only moving intrastate, choose a moving company that has 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 a mover’s registration status and complaint history on the FMCSA’s mover registration search tool.
Services
Assessing whether the mover offers the services you need is essential during the quote process. Prepare for the quote process by taking a detailed inventory of your home and writing down any services you might require. Inform the moving company about any particular conditions or needs to evaluate if the company is a fit.
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
If you need special services from your moving company, disclose these during the quote process. Services that result in increased 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 Portage, IN
Here are some additional tips to keep in mind when relocating to, from, or within Portage.
Schedule an Early Move
Portage gets hectic 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 movers charge by the hour. You can avoid this by arranging your move a few hours before or after morning rush hour.
Avoid Busy Season
May to September marks the busiest moving season and Portage's hottest time of the year. Moving during this time can slow or worsen your move, especially if you start searching for a moving company too close to your move. The high demand could reduce your chances of securing your desired mover. You should be able to secure your preferred moving company by reaching out to companies at least eight weeks before your move. However, keep in mind that the heat may still present challenges for your movers.
Pack in Advance
You should begin packing about six weeks before you move. Allocate some packing time each day to avoid needing to pack at the last minute. Most movers won't carry items that haven't been packed by the scheduled moving time.
How Much do Movers Cost in Portage, IN
Movers in Portage cost $2,566 on average for moves less than 250 miles. It can cost up to $6,288 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 | $2,566 | $2,710 | $6,288 |
| 250-999 miles | $3,176 | $3,292 | $9,849 |
| 1,000-2,499 miles | $3,202 | $3,822 | $9,840 |
| 2,500+ miles | $3,052 | $4,868 | $11,937 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Moving in Portage
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