How to Choose the Best Local Mover in Lawrence
Make an informed choice by taking the following factors into consideration when choosing movers in Lawrence.
Determine Your Budget
According to our research, Lawrence moving companies charge $44 per hour on average. The average local move costs $4,492 total for two-bedroom homes. Your home size, move distance, move date, and any additional services you need will determine your actual cost.
Consider getting quotes from a minimum of three movers in your area to make an educated choice. Written estimates are important in this process. They should contain a total cost breakdown, including the hourly rate or flat fee. Keep your mover's estimate readily available until the move is done to ensure fair pricing.
Read Customer Reviews
Customer reviews hold value when looking for a mover. Take the time to read customer reviews on sites such as the Better Business Bureau, Yelp, social media, Trustpilot, and Google Reviews to identify movers that prioritize positive customer experiences.
Ensure Proper Licensing
Moving companies in Lawrence must follow different licensing requirements depending on their service area. If you are only moving intrastate, your mover must be registered with the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities.
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
Assess whether the mover can provide the services you need during the quote process. Compile a list of any services you may require and take a comprehensive inventory of your home before seeking quotes. Additionally, notify your moving company representative about any extra services you may need to assess the company's capability to offer satisfactory service.
Types of Moving Services
Full-service movers include 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
Make sure that your moving company is aware of any special services you need in the quote process. Services that lead to higher pricing include the following:
- 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 Lawrence, MA
Keep the following in mind before moving to, from, or within Lawrence.
Schedule an Early Move
Lawrence traffic during rush hour is notoriously hectic. Navigating gridlock in a moving truck is even more difficult than with a standard personal-use vehicle. Movers getting stuck in traffic typically leads to higher costs since they’ll still be on the clock while in their trucks. Aim to plan your move either several hours before or after the morning rush hour to avoid this issue.
Avoid Busy Season
The busiest moving period, which falls between May and September, coincides with the fairly hot temperatures in Lawrence. This can negatively impact your moving experience. You should be able to secure the moving company you want by reaching out to companies at least eight weeks before your move. However, remember that the heat may still present challenges for your movers.
Pack in Advance
Most moving companies won't move items that aren't packed when your move is supposed to start. We suggest you begin packing about six weeks before your move to prevent stressing over last-minute packing when moving day comes. Packing a couple boxes each day can get the task done without overwhelming you.
How Much do Movers Cost in Lawrence, MA
Movers in Lawrence cost $2,727 on average for moves less than 250 miles. It can cost up to $8,258 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 | $2,727 | $3,590 | $8,258 |
250-999 miles | $3,345 | $4,268 | $11,627 |
1,000-2,499 miles | $3,397 | $4,846 | $12,458 |
2,500+ miles | $3,393 | $5,937 | $14,649 |
Ready to Get a Quote on Your Moving Project?
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Frequently Asked Questions About Moving in Lawrence
What is the average cost of living in Lawrence?
Does Lawrence have good schools?
How much do movers cost in Lawrence?
When should I begin contacting moving companies?
When is the best time to move?
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviewsteam@thisoldhousereviews.com.