How to Choose the Best Local Mover in Shreveport
Make an informed choice by taking the following factors into consideration when choosing movers in Shreveport.
Determine Your Budget
The average hourly rate for local movers in Shreveport is $66. A two-bedroom move in the area costs approximately $4,050 in total. Factors that contribute to your actual cost include the season, your home size, any additional tasks you need done, and move distance.
Consider obtaining quotes from at least three moving companies in your area to make an educated choice. Written estimates are essential in this process. They should include a total cost breakdown, including the hourly rate or flat fee. Keep your mover's estimate and compare it to the final cost to ensure fair pricing.
Read Customer Reviews
Good customer feedback is important for all moving companies. Read customer reviews on sites such as Google Reviews, social media, the Better Business Bureau, Trustpilot, and Yelp to identify movers with good customer service.
Ensure Proper Licensing
Moving companies in Shreveport must follow different licensing requirements depending on their service area. If you are moving from one Louisiana city to another, your mover must be registered with the Louisiana Public Service Commission.
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 specific services you need when requesting quotes. Conduct an inventory of your belongings before getting quotes and make a list of any basic or add-on services that you may need to ensure accurate pricing. Share any specific requirements or unique circumstances with your moving company representative to determine whether the company is able to meet your specific requirements.
Types of Moving Services
A full-service mover will include the following services for standard moves:
- Basic wrapping materials for furniture protection
- Loading and unloading
- Released liability coverage for loss or damage
When requesting a quote from your moving company, discuss any extra services you need. Additional fees may apply for the following 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 Shreveport, LA
Here are some additional tips to keep in mind when relocating to, from, or within Shreveport.
Schedule an Early Move
Shreveport traffic during rush hour is often congested. Navigating gridlock in a moving truck is even more challenging than with a standard personal-use vehicle. Movers stuck in traffic during your local move typically leads to higher costs since they’ll still be on the clock while in their trucks. You can avoid this by scheduling your move a few hours before or after morning rush hour.
Avoid Busy Season
The peak moving season—between May and September—coincides with Shreveport's hottest time of year. This can impact your moving process if you begin looking 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 your desired moving company. However, keep in mind the possibility that the hot weather could pose difficulties for your movers.
Pack in Advance
Most moving companies only move items that have been properly packed by the scheduled moving time, so you should finish your packing before they arrive. You should start packing around six weeks in advance. Pack a few boxes each day to avoid rushing when move day comes. Your movers may have a few spare boxes with them for last-minute packing, but you shouldn’t count on it.
How Much do Movers Cost in Shreveport, LA
Movers in Shreveport 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.
Distance | Studio-1 Bedroom | 2-3 Bedroom | 4+ Bedroom |
---|---|---|---|
Less than 250 miles | $2,575 | $2,756 | $6,390 |
250-999 miles | $3,184 | $3,343 | $9,941 |
1,000-2,499 miles | $3,212 | $3,875 | $9,976 |
2,500+ miles | $3,070 | $4,924 | $12,078 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Moving in Shreveport
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