How to Choose the Best Local Mover in South Bend
A few factors to consider when looking for a moving company include customer reviews, cost, licensing, and services offered.
Determine Your Budget
Local movers in South Bend charge an average hourly rate of $51. A two-bedroom move in the area costs approximately $4,281 in total. Factors that contribute to your actual cost include move distance, the season, your home size, and any additional tasks you need done.
We suggest obtaining quotes from three or more reputable movers in your area. Remember to request written estimates. These should detail the total cost, including the hourly rate or flat fee. Comparing the estimate provided by your mover to the final cost after your move helps ensure fair pricing.
Read Customer Reviews
Customer reviews are valuable when looking for a mover. Read customer reviews on websites such as the Better Business Bureau, Yelp, social media, Google Reviews, and Trustpilot to find moving companies with excellent customer service.
Ensure Proper Licensing
Moving companies in South Bend 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 moving company with Operating Authority from the Indiana Department of Revenue.
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
Assess whether the mover can provide the services you need when requesting quotes. Take inventory of your belongings when requesting quotes and note down any additional services that you may need to ensure accurate pricing. Share any special conditions or needs with your moving company representative in order to determine whether the company is able to meet your particular needs.
Types of Moving Services
For basic moves, full-service movers often include the following services in the starting cost:
- Basic wrapping materials for furniture protection
- Loading and unloading
- Released liability coverage for loss or damage
Tell your moving company about the other services you require as you go through the quote process. Increased pricing may apply for the following services:
- Crating for art or antiques
- Extra flights of stairs
- Long carries
- Packing
- Piano moving
- Storage
- Unpacking
- Vehicle shipping
Tips To Consider When Moving in South Bend, IN
Here are some extra tips to consider when moving in South Bend.
Schedule an Early Move
South Bend traffic during the morning and evening rush hours is notoriously hectic. Navigating gridlock in a moving truck is even more difficult than with a standard personal-use vehicle. Movers getting stuck in traffic during your local move typically leads to higher costs since they’ll still be on the clock. Try to arrange your move either a few hours before or after the morning rush hour to avoid this issue.
Avoid Busy Season
The busiest period for moving, which falls between May and September, coincides with the summer heat in South Bend. This can slow or negatively impact your moving experience. If you plan far enough in advance, you should be able to schedule with the mover you desire regardless of the month. However, the movers may be hindered by the heat.
Pack in Advance
You should start packing around six weeks before your move. Pack a few boxes each day to avoid rushing on the day of your move. Your movers may have a few spare boxes with them for last-minute packing, but you shouldn’t count on it. Most movers approach same-day packing requests similarly. Movers won't 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 South Bend, IN
Movers in South Bend 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 |
Ready to Get a Quote on Your Moving Project?
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Frequently Asked Questions About Moving in South Bend
What is the job market like in South Bend?
What is the average cost of living in South Bend?
How much would it cost to complete a move in South Bend for a one-, two-, or three-bedroom house?
What is the best moving company in South Bend?
How should I pack things up for my move?
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviewsteam@thisoldhousereviews.com.