How to Choose the Best Local Mover in New Bedford
Some factors to consider when looking for a moving company include services offered, customer reviews, cost, and licensing.
Determine Your Budget
The average cost of hiring a local mover in New Bedford is $46 per hour. The overall cost amounts to $4,468 for a two-bedroom move. Factors that affect your actual cost include move distance, any additional tasks you need done, your home size, and the season.
Consider obtaining quotes from at least three movers in your area to make an informed choice. Written estimates are crucial in this process. They should include a comprehensive breakdown of the total cost, covering the hourly rate or flat fee. Keep the estimate from your mover and compare it to the final invoice to ensure fair pricing.
Read Customer Reviews
Solid customer feedback is essential for all moving companies. Take time to read customer reviews on websites like Google Reviews, social media, Trustpilot, Yelp, and the Better Business Bureau to identify movers with excellent customer service.
Ensure Proper Licensing
Moving companies in New Bedford must follow different licensing requirements depending on their service area. If you are moving from one Massachusetts city to another, 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 the company’s registration status and complaint history on the FMCSA’s mover registration search tool.
Services
Assess whether your chosen mover provides the services you need when requesting quotes. Take a full inventory of your home before getting quotes and note down any basic or add-on services you might require. Tell the moving company if you have any special conditions or needs to evaluate whether the company is a fit.
Types of Moving Services
Full-service movers will provide 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
When seeking a quote from your moving company, communicate any special services you need. The following services may lead to higher 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 New Bedford, MA
Here are some additional tips to keep in mind when relocating to, from, or within New Bedford.
Schedule an Early Move
New Bedford sees its fair share of traffic, and navigating this can be a challenge in a moving truck. Getting stuck in traffic during your move can lead to delays and significantly impact your budget, as local movers charge by the hour. Scheduling your move for the early morning ensures 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 lighter.
Avoid Busy Season
May to September marks the peak moving season and New Bedford's hottest time of the year. Moving during this time can slow or worsen your moving process, especially if you start searching for a mover too late. The increased demand could lead to limited availability with your desired mover. If you book far enough in advance, you should be able to schedule with the mover you desire regardless of the month. However, your movers may be hindered by the heat.
Pack in Advance
Most movers won't transport items that aren't packed by the time your move starts. You should start packing about six weeks before you move. Allocate some packing time each day to avoid needing to pack at the last minute.
How Much do Movers Cost in New Bedford, MA
Movers in New Bedford cost $2,719 on average for moves less than 250 miles. It can cost up to $8,159 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 | $2,719 | $3,546 | $8,159 |
250-999 miles | $3,337 | $4,219 | $11,537 |
1,000-2,499 miles | $3,388 | $4,795 | $12,326 |
2,500+ miles | $3,376 | $5,883 | $14,513 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Moving in New Bedford
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