Best 5 Movers in Lake Charles, LA

How to Choose the Best Local Mover in Lake Charles

Some factors you should consider when looking for a moving company include licensing, customer reviews, cost, and services offered.

Determine Your Budget

According to our research, the average moving company in Lake Charles costs $72 per hour. The average local move costs $4,050 total for two-bedroom homes. Your move distance, move date, home size, and any additional tasks you need the movers to do will determine your actual cost.

Consider obtaining quotes from a minimum of three reputable moving companies in your area to make an educated choice. Written estimates are essential in this process. They should contain a total cost breakdown, including the hourly rate or flat fee. Keep the estimate from your mover and compare it to the final invoice to ensure fair pricing.

Read Customer Reviews

Customer reviews are indispensable when evaluating moving companies. Reading customer reviews on Yelp, social media, Trustpilot, Google Reviews, and the Better Business Bureau will indicate which movers have positive customer experiences. We recommend thoroughly researching customer reviews before selecting a moving company.

Ensure Proper Licensing

Moving companies in Lake Charles must follow different licensing requirements depending on their service area. If you're only moving within Louisiana, your mover must be registered with the Louisiana Public Service Commission.

If you're moving interstate, the regulations are different. Choose a company licensed with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). It should also carry 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

Assess whether the mover offers the services you need during the quote process. Conduct a thorough inventory of your home before getting quotes and write down any basic or add-on services you might require. Inform the moving company if you have any special conditions or needs to evaluate if the company is a good fit.

Types of Moving Services

Full-service movers provide 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

When requesting a quote from your moving company, communicate any special 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 Lake Charles, LA

Here are some additional tips to consider when moving in Lake Charles.

Schedule an Early Move

Lake Charles gets congested during rush hour. Navigating it can be more difficult in a moving truck compared to a standard personal-use car. Movers caught in traffic may result in delays and a higher cost since local moving companies charge by the hour. Arranging your move for the early morning ensures that your movers get there before rush hour and head to your new home in the afternoon when traffic is limited.

Avoid Busy Season

The busiest time for movers—between May and September—coincides with Lake Charles' hottest time of year. This can adversely affect your moving process if you start your search too late and can't find a moving company with availability. Plan ahead and schedule your desired mover at least eight weeks in advance. You should also be prepared for the potential difficulties the hot summer weather may pose to your movers during a summer move.

Pack in Advance

Most moving companies only carry items that have been properly packed by the scheduled moving time, so you should finish your packing before they arrive. Begin packing about six weeks before your move so you won't have to rush at the last minute. You can pack a few boxes each day to make the process less stressful.

How Much do Movers Cost in Lake Charles, LA

Movers in Lake Charles cost $2,575 on average for moves less than 250 miles. It can cost up to $6,390 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.