How to Choose the Best Local Mover in Salem
Make an informed choice by taking the following factors into consideration when deciding on a mover in Salem.
Determine Your Budget
A local move costs between $55 and $83 per hour. Based on this, a local two-bedroom move costs $4,492 in total. Your home size, move date, move distance, and any additional tasks you need the movers to do will contribute to your actual cost.
Consider obtaining quotes from three or more reputable moving companies in your area to make an educated choice. Written estimates are crucial in this process. They should contain a breakdown of the total cost, including the hourly rate or flat fee. Hold onto your mover's estimate until your move is done.
Read Customer Reviews
Solid customer feedback is necessary for all moving companies. Looking at customer reviews on Yelp, Google Reviews, Trustpilot, social media, and the Better Business Bureau will show you which movers prioritize positive customer experiences. We recommend thoroughly researching customer reviews before selecting a moving company.
Ensure Proper Licensing
Moving companies in Salem 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
Assessing whether the mover provides the services you need is essential during the quote process. Conduct an inventory of your belongings before requesting quotes and note down any additional services that might be necessary to ensure accurate pricing. Furthermore, notify your moving company representative about any extra services you may need to assess the company's capability to deliver suitable service.
Types of Moving Services
Full-service movers provide 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
When seeking a quote from your moving company, discuss any extra services you require. These 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 Salem, MA
Here are a few additional tips to consider for your Salem move.
Schedule an Early Move
Salem usually gets hectic during rush hour. Navigating it can be more difficult in a moving truck compared to a standard personal-use car. Movers caught in traffic may result in delays and a higher cost since local movers charge hourly. You can prevent this by booking movers a few hours before or after morning rush hour.
Avoid Busy Season
The busiest time for movers—between May and September—coincides with Salem's fairly hot weather. This can adversely affect your move if you begin looking too late and can't find an available moving company. If you book far enough in advance, you should be able to schedule with the mover you prefer regardless of the season. However, the movers may be hindered by the heat.
Pack in Advance
Most moving companies treat same-day packing requests similarly. Movers will not move loose items that haven’t been packed by the time your move is scheduled to start in many cases. You should start packing about six weeks before you move. Allocate some packing time each day to avoid last-minute scrambling on moving day.
How Much do Movers Cost in Salem, MA
Movers in Salem 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 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Moving in Salem
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