How to Choose the Best Local Mover in Cedar Falls
You should consider a few key factors when choosing a moving company. These are some things to look out for when hiring movers in Cedar Falls.
Determine Your Budget
A local move costs between $59 and $93 per hour. Based on this, a local two-bedroom move costs $4,166 overall. Factors that affect your actual cost include your home size, any additional tasks you need done, the season, and move distance.
Consider obtaining 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 include a comprehensive breakdown of the total cost, including the hourly rate or flat fee. Comparing the estimate provided by your to the final cost after the move helps ensure fair pricing.
Read Customer Reviews
Solid customer feedback is essential for all moving companies. Take time to read customer reviews on sites such as Trustpilot, Yelp, social media, the Better Business Bureau, and Google Reviews to find moving companies that prioritize positive customer experiences.
Ensure Proper Licensing
Moving companies in Cedar Falls must follow different licensing requirements depending on their service area. If you're only moving within Iowa, your moving company must have intrastate travel authority and a motor carrier permit from the Iowa Department of Transportation.
The requirements are a bit different if you're moving to or from another state. In this case, choose a moving company licensed with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). The team should also carry active United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers. You can check a company's registration status on the FMCSA’s mover registration search tool.
Services
Assess whether your chosen mover provides the services you need when requesting quotes. Take inventory of your home before requesting quotes and make a list of any basic or add-on services that you may need to ensure accurate pricing. Inform your moving company representative about any specific requirements or unique circumstances to evaluate if the company can provide suitable service.
Types of Moving Services
Full-service movers offer 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
If you require special services from your moving company, share these during the quote process. Services that result in higher pricing include the following:
- Crating for art or antiques
- Extra flights of stairs
- Long carries
- Packing
- Moving a piano
- Storage
- Unpacking
- Vehicle shipping
Tips To Consider When Moving in Cedar Falls, IA
Here are some additional tips to keep in mind when moving to, from, or within Cedar Falls.
Schedule an Early Move
Cedar Falls sees its fair share of traffic, and navigating this can be a challenge in a moving truck. Being stuck in traffic can lead to delays and impact your budget since local movers charge by the hour. Aim to arrange your move either a few hours before or after the morning rush hour to avoid this issue.
Avoid Busy Season
The peak moving season—between May and September—coincides with Cedar Falls' hot weather. This can adversely affect your move if you start your search too late and can't find an available moving company. If you book in advance, you should be able to schedule with your preferred mover regardless of the month. However, the movers may be hampered by the heat.
Pack in Advance
Start packing approximately six weeks before your move so you can avoid rushing at the last minute. You can pack a couple boxes each day to make the process more manageable. Most moving companies only transport items that have been properly packed by the scheduled moving time, so you should have everything boxed up before they arrive.
How Much do Movers Cost in Cedar Falls, IA
Movers in Cedar Falls cost $2,615 on average for moves less than 250 miles. It can cost up to $6,881 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 | $2,615 | $2,975 | $6,881 |
| 250-999 miles | $3,227 | $3,586 | $10,384 |
| 1,000-2,499 miles | $3,261 | $4,130 | $10,628 |
| 2,500+ miles | $3,155 | $5,190 | $12,754 |
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