How to Choose the Best Local Mover in Bethesda
Consider each company's services, cost, customer reviews, and licensing before choosing.
Determine Your Budget
A local move costs between $97 and $145 per hour. Based on this, a standard two-bedroom move costs $4,395 overall. Your home size, move date, move distance, and any additional tasks you need the movers to do will affect your actual cost.
You should obtain quotes from a minimum of three reputable movers in your area. Request written estimates that detail the total cost, including the hourly rate or flat fee. Hold onto your moving company's estimate until your move is done.
Read Customer Reviews
Customer feedback plays a crucial role for moving companies. Take the time to read customer reviews on websites like social media, Trustpilot, the Better Business Bureau, Yelp, and Google Reviews to identify movers with excellent customer service.
Ensure Proper Licensing
Moving companies in Bethesda must follow different licensing requirements depending on their service area. If you are moving from one Maryland city to another, your mover does not need a state license.
The requirements are a bit different if you're moving to or from another state. In this case, choose a mover licensed with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). The team should also have active United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers. You can find a company's registration status on the FMCSA’s mover registration search tool.
Services
Assess whether the mover you chose can provide the services that meet your expectations as you receive quotes. Prepare for the quote process by making a detailed inventory of your belongings and noting any services you might require. Notify the moving company if you have any special needs to assess whether the company is a good fit.
Types of Moving Services
Full-service movers provide the following basic services as a part of their base price:
- Basic wrapping materials for furniture protection
- Loading and unloading
- Released liability coverage for loss or damage
Inform your moving company about the additional services you require during the quote process. These services may lead to higher pricing for your move:
- Crating for art or antiques
- Extra flights of stairs
- Long carries
- Packing
- Moving a piano
- Storage
- Unpacking
- Vehicle shipping
Tips To Consider When Moving in Bethesda, MD
Here are some additional tips to consider for your Bethesda move.
Schedule an Early Move
The morning and evening rush hours in Bethesda are widely known for their extreme traffic congestion. Movers stuck in traffic can also lead to higher costs when charged an hourly rate. You can prevent this by booking movers several hours before or after morning rush hour.
Avoid Busy Season
May to September marks the busiest moving season and Bethesda's hottest time of the year. Moving during this time can slow or worsen your move, particularly if you begin your search for a mover too close to your move. The increased demand could lead to limited availability with your desired mover. By planning and booking at least eight weeks before your move, you should be able to secure your desired moving company. However, be prepared for the possibility that the hot weather could make the move more difficult for your movers.
Pack in Advance
You should begin packing about six weeks before your move. Spend some time packing each day to prevent last-minute scrambling on moving day. Most moving companies won't transport items that haven't been packed when your move is supposed to start.
How Much do Movers Cost in Bethesda, MD
Movers in Bethesda cost $2,694 on average for moves less than 250 miles. It can cost up to $7,849 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 | $2,694 | $3,407 | $7,849 |
250-999 miles | $3,310 | $4,065 | $11,257 |
1,000-2,499 miles | $3,357 | $4,633 | $11,913 |
2,500+ miles | $3,322 | $5,715 | $14,085 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Moving in Bethesda
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