Best 5 Movers in Ellicott City, MD

How to Choose the Best Local Mover in Ellicott City

Consider each company's customer reviews, cost, licensing, and services before choosing.

Determine Your Budget

The average hourly rate for local movers in Ellicott City is $110. A two-bedroom move in the area costs around $4,205 in total. Your actual costs will depend on any additional tasks you need your movers to handle, move distance, your home size, and the season.

You should obtain quotes from three or more reputable movers in your area. Ask for written estimates that break down the total cost, including the flat fee or hourly rate. Comparing the estimate provided by your mover to the final cost after the move helps ensure fair pricing.

Read Customer Reviews

Moving companies need customer feedback. You can identify movers with positive customer experiences by reading reviews on platforms like the Better Business Bureau, Yelp, Google Reviews, Trustpilot, and social media.

Ensure Proper Licensing

Moving companies in Ellicott City must follow different licensing requirements depending on their service area. If you're making a nearby move that's purely within Maryland, your mover does not need any state-level credentials.

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 a mover’s registration status and complaint history on the FMCSA’s mover registration search tool.

Services

Ask if your chosen mover can provide the services that meet your expectations when requesting quotes. Get ready for the quote process by making a detailed inventory of your possessions and writing down any services you may need. Notify the moving company if you have any specific needs to determine if the company is a fit.

Types of Moving Services

Full-service movers offer 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 asking for a quote from your moving company, disclose any special services you need. The following services may result in 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 Ellicott City, MD

Here are some additional tips to keep in mind when moving in Ellicott City.

Schedule an Early Move

The morning and evening rush hours in Ellicott City are widely known for their extreme traffic congestion. Movers stuck in traffic can also lead to higher costs when charged an hourly rate. Try to arrange your move either a few hours before or after the morning rush hour to avoid this issue.

Avoid Busy Season

The peak moving season—between May and September—coincides with Ellicott City's hot weather. This can impact your moving process if you start your search too late and can't find a moving company with availability. You should be able to book the moving company you desire by contacting movers well in advance. However, remember that the heat may still present challenges for your movers.

Pack in Advance

Most moving companies won't transport items that aren't packed by the time your move is supposed to start. You should begin packing about six weeks before your move. Allocate some packing time daily to avoid needing to pack at the last minute.

How Much do Movers Cost in Ellicott City, MD

Movers in Ellicott City 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.