How to Choose the Best Local Mover in Marion
A few factors to consider when looking for a moving company include customer reviews, licensing, services offered, and cost.
Determine Your Budget
The average hourly rate for a local mover in Marion is $88. Based on this, a local two-bedroom move costs around $4,087 in total. Your move distance, move date, home size, and any additional services you need will determine your actual cost.
We suggest obtaining quotes from at least three reputable movers in your area. Remember to request written estimates. These should detail the total cost, including the flat fee or hourly rate. Keep your mover's estimate and compare it to the final cost to ensure fair pricing.
Read Customer Reviews
Customer reviews hold significant value when looking for a mover. Looking at customer reviews on platforms such as Yelp, Trustpilot, social media, the Better Business Bureau, and Google Reviews will show you which movers prioritize positive customer experiences. We suggest thoroughly researching customer reviews before selecting a moving company.
Ensure Proper Licensing
Moving companies in Marion must follow different licensing requirements depending on their service area. If you're moving from one Iowa city to another, 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 your chosen mover provides the services you need when requesting quotes. Take inventory of your belongings before requesting quotes and make a list of any basic or add-on services that might be necessary to ensure accurate pricing. Notify your moving company representative about any specific requirements or unique circumstances to see if the company can provide adequate service.
Types of Moving Services
Full-service movers will provide the following services in the base price for basic moves:
- Basic wrapping materials for furniture protection
- Loading and unloading
- Released liability coverage for loss or damage
If you require additional services from your moving company, mention these 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 Marion, IA
Keep the following in mind before moving to, from, or within Marion.
Schedule an Early Move
Marion traffic during the morning and evening rush hours is notoriously hectic. Navigating gridlock in a moving truck is even more challenging than with a standard personal-use vehicle. Movers getting stuck in traffic during your local move will typically lead to higher costs since they’ll still be on the clock while in their trucks. We recommend planning before morning rush hour, which guarantees the movers avoid heavy traffic and finish the move before evening.
Avoid Busy Season
The peak moving season—between May and September—coincides with Marion's hot weather. This can adversely affect your moving process if you begin looking too late and can't find a moving company with availability. If you book in advance, you should be able to schedule with the mover you desire regardless of the month. However, your movers may be hampered by the heat.
Pack in Advance
Most movers only transport items that have been properly packed by the scheduled moving time, so you should finish your packing before they arrive. We recommend you start packing around six weeks in advance to prevent rushing to pack when moving day comes. Packing a couple boxes each day can make the process less overwhelming.
How Much do Movers Cost in Marion, IA
Movers in Marion cost $2,587 on average for moves less than 250 miles. It can cost up to $6,546 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 | $2,825 | $6,546 |
250-999 miles | $3,198 | $3,420 | $10,081 |
1,000-2,499 miles | $3,228 | $3,956 | $10,182 |
2,500+ miles | $3,097 | $5,008 | $12,292 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Moving in Marion
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