How to Choose the Best Local Mover in Cambridge
You should consider several crucial factors when choosing a moving company. Here are some things to keep in mind when hiring movers in Cambridge.
Determine Your Budget
According to our research, the average professional mover in Cambridge costs $100 per hour. The typical cost overall is $4,523 for two-bedroom homes. Factors that affect your actual cost include the season, move distance, any additional tasks you need done, and your home size.
Consider obtaining quotes from a minimum of three movers in your area to make an informed choice. Written estimates are essential in this process. They should include a total cost breakdown, covering the hourly rate or flat fee. Keep your mover's estimate readily available until the moving process is done to ensure fair pricing.
Read Customer Reviews
Customer reviews hold value when looking for a mover. Visit platforms like Google Reviews, social media, Trustpilot, Yelp, and the Better Business Bureau to gain insights into the typical customer experience with that mover.
Ensure Proper Licensing
Moving companies in Cambridge must follow different licensing requirements depending on their service area. If you're making a short-haul move that's purely within Massachusetts, your mover must be registered with the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities.
If you're moving interstate, the regulations are different. Choose a company licensed with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). It should also carry active United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers, which you can use on the FMCSA’s mover registration search tool to check a mover’s registration status and complaint history.
Services
Assess whether the mover you chose provides the services that align with your expectations when requesting quotes. Make a list of any basic or add-on services you may require and take a full inventory of your home before requesting quotes. Inform the moving company if you have any particular conditions or needs to assess whether the company is a fit.
Types of Moving Services
For basic moves, full-service movers often include the following services in the base price:
- Basic wrapping materials for furniture protection
- Loading and unloading
- Released liability coverage for loss or damage
If you need additional services from your moving company, inform them of these when requesting a quote. 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 Cambridge, MA
Here are some additional tips to keep in mind for your Cambridge move.
Schedule an Early Move
Cambridge usually gets congested during rush hour. Maneuvering through it can be more difficult in a moving truck compared to a personal-use car. Movers caught in traffic may lead to delays and a higher cost since local moving companies charge by the hour. We recommend scheduling before morning rush hour, which makes sure the movers avoid the traffic and complete the move before evening.
Avoid Busy Season
May to September marks the peak moving season and Cambridge's hottest time of the year. Moving at this time can slow or worsen your moving process, especially if you start searching for a mover too close to your move. The high demand could make it more difficult to secure your desired mover. Plan ahead and schedule your preferred mover 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 won't transport items that haven't been packed when your move is supposed to start. You should begin packing around six weeks in advance. Pack a few boxes every day to avoid rushing on the day of your move. 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 Cambridge, MA
Movers in Cambridge cost $2,738 on average for moves less than 250 miles. It can cost up to $8,393 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 | $2,738 | $3,650 | $8,393 |
250-999 miles | $3,357 | $4,335 | $11,748 |
1,000-2,499 miles | $3,411 | $4,916 | $12,636 |
2,500+ miles | $3,416 | $6,010 | $14,833 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Moving in Cambridge
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