How to Choose the Best Local Mover in Lafayette
You should consider a few crucial factors when choosing a mover. Here are some things to keep in mind when hiring movers in Lafayette.
Determine Your Budget
According to our research, Lafayette moving companies charge $87 per hour on average. The typical local move costs $3,993 total for two-bedroom homes. Your move distance, move date, home size, and any additional tasks you need the movers to do will contribute to your actual cost.
Consider getting quotes from three or more reputable moving companies in your area to make an educated choice. Written estimates are important in this process. They should have a comprehensive breakdown of 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.
Read Customer Reviews
Customer feedback plays a crucial role for moving companies. You can identify movers with positive customer experiences by reading reviews on platforms like the Better Business Bureau, Google Reviews, Trustpilot, social media, and Yelp.
Ensure Proper Licensing
Moving companies in Lafayette must follow different licensing requirements depending on their service area. If you are only moving intrastate, your mover must be registered with the Louisiana Public Service Commission.
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 have 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
Assessing whether the mover offers the services you need is essential during the quote process. Get ready for the quote process by taking a detailed inventory of your belongings and noting any services you might require. Additionally, inform your moving company representative about any special conditions or specific needs you may have to assess the company's capacity to provide satisfactory service.
Types of Moving Services
Full-service movers will include these services in the base price for basic moves:
- Basic wrapping materials for furniture protection
- Loading and unloading
- Released liability coverage for loss or damage
Tell your moving company about the special services you need during the quote process. These services may result in higher pricing for your move:
- Crating for art or antiques
- Extra flights of stairs
- Long carries
- Packing
- Piano moving
- Storage
- Unpacking
- Vehicle shipping
Tips To Consider When Moving in Lafayette, LA
Here are some additional tips to consider for your Lafayette move.
Schedule an Early Move
Lafayette sometimes sees its fair share of traffic, and navigating this can be a challenge in a moving truck. Getting stuck in traffic can lead to delays and impact your budget, as local movers charge by the hour. Try to plan your move either a few 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 Lafayette's hottest time of year. This can negatively impact your move if you start your search too late and can't find a moving company with availability. By planning and booking at least eight weeks before your move, you should be able to secure the moving company you want. However, keep in mind the possibility that the hot weather could make the move more difficult for your movers.
Pack in Advance
You should begin packing around six weeks in advance. Pack a few boxes every day to avoid rushing on the day of your move. Your movers may have some extra boxes with them for last-minute packing, but you shouldn’t depend on it. Most moving companies won't transport items that haven't been packed by the time your move starts.
How Much do Movers Cost in Lafayette, LA
Movers in Lafayette cost $2,555 on average for moves less than 250 miles. It can cost up to $6,146 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 | $2,555 | $2,647 | $6,146 |
250-999 miles | $3,163 | $3,222 | $9,721 |
1,000-2,499 miles | $3,188 | $3,748 | $9,652 |
2,500+ miles | $3,028 | $4,792 | $11,743 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Moving in Lafayette
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