How to Choose the Best Local Mover in Dubuque
Consider each company's licensing, cost, customer reviews, and services before choosing.
Determine Your Budget
According to our research, the average professional mover in Dubuque costs $66 per hour. The typical cost overall is $4,321 for two-bedroom homes. Your move date, move distance, home size, and any additional services you need will affect your actual cost.
You should get quotes from three or more movers in your area. Ask for written estimates that outline the total cost and the flat fee or hourly rate. Comparing the estimate provided by your mover to the final cost after your move helps ensure fair pricing is maintained.
Read Customer Reviews
Customer feedback plays an important role for moving companies. Looking at customer reviews on Google Reviews, Yelp, social media, the Better Business Bureau, and Trustpilot will indicate which movers have positive customer experiences. We suggest thoroughly researching customer reviews before selecting a moving company.
Ensure Proper Licensing
Moving companies in Dubuque must follow different licensing requirements depending on their service area. If you are making a short-haul move that's purely within Iowa, your moving company must have a motor carrier permit and intrastate travel authority 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
Assess whether the mover provides the services you need when requesting quotes. Get ready for the quote process by taking a thorough inventory of your belongings and noting any services you might require. Discuss any specific requirements or unique circumstances 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 standard price:
- Basic wrapping materials for furniture protection
- Loading and unloading
- Released liability coverage for loss or damage
Ensure that your moving company is aware of any special services you need during the quote process. Additional fees may apply for these 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 Dubuque, IA
Here are some extra tips to keep in mind when moving in Dubuque.
Schedule an Early Move
Dubuque gets hectic during rush hour. Navigating it can be more difficult in a moving truck compared to a personal-use car. Movers caught in traffic may result in delays and a higher cost since local movers charge by the hour. Try to schedule your move either several hours before or after the morning rush hour to avoid this issue.
Avoid Busy Season
The busiest time for movers—between May and September—coincides with Dubuque's hot weather. This can negatively impact your move if you begin looking too late and can't find an available moving company. Plan ahead and schedule your chosen moving company at least eight weeks in advance. You should also be prepared for the potential challenges the hot summer weather may pose to your movers during a summer move.
Pack in Advance
Most moving companies handle 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. Begin packing about 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 Dubuque, IA
Movers in Dubuque cost $2,668 on average for moves less than 250 miles. It can cost up to $7,534 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 | $2,668 | $3,266 | $7,534 |
| 250-999 miles | $3,283 | $3,910 | $10,973 |
| 1,000-2,499 miles | $3,326 | $4,470 | $11,496 |
| 2,500+ miles | $3,268 | $5,544 | $13,653 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Moving in Dubuque
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