Best 5 Movers in Columbia, MD

How to Choose the Best Local Mover in Columbia

Make an informed choice by considering the following crucial factors when choosing movers in Columbia.

Determine Your Budget

A local move costs between $71 and $113 per hour. Based on this, a local two-bedroom move costs $4,205 overall. Your home size, move date, move distance, and any additional services you need will affect your actual cost.

We recommend getting quotes from at least three reputable movers in your area. It's essential to get written estimates, which should detail your total cost and the flat fee or hourly rate. Comparing the estimate provided by your to the final cost after the move helps ensure fair pricing.

Read Customer Reviews

Customer feedback plays an important role for moving companies. Read customer reviews on platforms such as Google Reviews, social media, Trustpilot, the Better Business Bureau, and Yelp to identify moving companies that prioritize positive customer experiences.

Ensure Proper Licensing

Moving companies in Columbia must follow different licensing requirements depending on their service area. If you're making a short-haul move that's purely within Maryland, your mover does not need a state-level license.

The requirements are different if you're moving to or from another state. In this case, choose a company licensed with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). The team should also carry 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 offers the services you need during the quote process. Prepare for the quote process by making a detailed inventory of your home and noting any services you might require. Share any specific requirements or unique circumstances with your moving company representative to evaluate whether the company can accommodate your specific requirements.

Types of Moving Services

Full-service movers will include the following moving services in the base price for standard moves:

• Basic wrapping materials for furniture protection
• Loading and unloading
• Released liability coverage for loss or damage

Inform your moving company about the other services you need as you go through the quote process. The following services may lead to increased 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 Columbia, MD

Here are some additional tips to keep in mind for your Columbia move.

Schedule an Early Move

Columbia usually gets hectic 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 lead to delays and a higher cost since local moving companies charge by the hour. Arranging your move for the early morning will ensure that your movers get there before traffic peaks and make the trip to your new home in the middle of the day when traffic is limited.

Avoid Busy Season

The busiest time for movers—between May and September—coincides with Columbia's hot weather. This can affect your move if you begin looking too late and can't find a moving company with availability. Plan ahead and schedule your preferred moving company at least eight weeks in advance. You should also be prepared for the potential difficulties the summer weather may pose to your movers during a summer move.

Pack in Advance

Most moving companies only move items that have been packed by the scheduled moving time, so you should finish your packing before they arrive. You should start packing around six weeks before your move. Pack a few boxes every day to avoid rushing on the day of your move. Your movers may have a few extra boxes with them for last-minute packing, but you shouldn’t depend on it.

How Much do Movers Cost in Columbia, MD

Movers in Columbia cost $2,628 on average for moves less than 250 miles. It can cost up to $7,043 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.