How to Choose the Best Local Mover in Davenport
A few factors to consider when choosing a moving company include cost, customer reviews, services offered, and licensing.
Determine Your Budget
A local move costs $63 per hour on average. Based on this, a standard two-bedroom move costs $4,086 overall. Factors that contribute to your actual cost include the season, any additional tasks you need done, move distance, and your home size.
We recommend obtaining quotes from at least three reputable movers in your area. Don't forget to request written estimates. These should detail the total cost, including the hourly rate or flat fee. Keep your mover's estimate readily available until the move is done to ensure fair pricing practices.
Read Customer Reviews
Moving companies need solid customer feedback. Take time to read customer reviews on websites like the Better Business Bureau, Yelp, Google Reviews, Trustpilot, and social media to identify moving companies that prioritize positive customer experiences.
Ensure Proper Licensing
Moving companies in Davenport must follow different licensing requirements depending on their service area. If you are only moving intrastate, your moving company must have intrastate travel authority and a motor carrier permit from the Iowa Department of Transportation.
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
Ask if the mover you chose can provide the services that align with your expectations as you receive quotes. Take a full inventory of your home before getting quotes and write down any essential or additional services you may need. Furthermore, inform your moving company representative about any extra services you may need to assess the company's capability to provide adequate service.
Types of Moving Services
Full-service movers include 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
When asking for a quote from your moving company, discuss any additional services you require. 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 Davenport, IA
Here are some additional tips to keep in mind when moving in Davenport.
Schedule an Early Move
Davenport sees its fair share of traffic, and navigating this can be more difficult in a moving truck. Getting stuck in traffic can lead to delays and significantly impact your budget since local movers charge by the hour. Try to plan your move either a few hours before or after the morning rush hour to prevent this issue.
Avoid Busy Season
The busiest period for moving, which falls between May and September, coincides with the summer heat in Davenport. This can negatively impact your moving experience. Plan ahead and secure your desired mover at least eight weeks in advance. You should also be prepared for the potential challenges the summer weather may pose to your movers during a summer move.
Pack in Advance
Most movers won't move items that haven't been packed by your scheduled moving time. Begin packing around six weeks before your move so you won't have to rush at the last minute. You can pack a couple boxes each day to make the process more manageable.
How Much do Movers Cost in Davenport, IA
Movers in Davenport cost $2,587 on average for moves less than 250 miles. It can cost up to $6,542 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 | $2,587 | $2,823 | $6,542 |
| 250-999 miles | $3,197 | $3,418 | $10,078 |
| 1,000-2,499 miles | $3,227 | $3,954 | $10,177 |
| 2,500+ miles | $3,096 | $5,006 | $12,287 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Moving in Davenport
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