How to Choose the Best Local Mover in Wheaton
A few factors to consider when choosing a moving company include licensing, cost, customer reviews, and services offered.
Determine Your Budget
A local move costs between $55 and $87 per hour. Based on this, a local two-bedroom move costs approximately $4,395 overall. Your move date, move distance, home size, and any additional tasks you need the movers to do will determine your actual cost.
Consider obtaining quotes from three or more movers in your area to make an informed choice. Written estimates are crucial in this process. They should have a breakdown of the total cost, including the hourly rate or flat fee. Comparing the estimate provided by your moving company to the final cost after your move helps ensure fair pricing is maintained.
Read Customer Reviews
Customer reviews are indispensable when looking for a mover. Reading customer reviews on social media, Google Reviews, Yelp, the Better Business Bureau, and Trustpilot will show you which movers prioritize positive customer experiences. We suggest thoroughly researching customer reviews before choosing a moving company.
Ensure Proper Licensing
Moving companies in Wheaton 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 license.
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 the mover you chose can provide the services that meet your expectations when requesting quotes. Take a full inventory of your home before requesting quotes and write down any basic or add-on services you might require. Inform your moving company representative about any specific requirements or unique circumstances to determine if the company can provide suitable service.
Types of Moving Services
Full-service movers deliver 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
Tell your moving company about the other services you need during the quote process. The following 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 Wheaton, MD
Here are some extra tips to consider when moving in Wheaton.
Schedule an Early Move
The morning and evening rush hours in Wheaton are widely known for their extreme traffic congestion. Movers stuck in traffic can also increase your moving costs when charged an hourly rate. Try to schedule your move either a few hours before or after the morning rush hour to prevent this issue.
Avoid Busy Season
Moving season is the busiest between May and September. In Wheaton, this time corresponds to hot summer weather, which can delay or worsen your move. If you book far enough in advance, you should be able to schedule with the mover you prefer regardless of the month. However, the movers may be hindered by the heat.
Pack in Advance
You should begin 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. Most movers won't transport items that haven't been packed when your move is supposed to start.
How Much do Movers Cost in Wheaton, MD
Movers in Wheaton 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 Wheaton
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