How to Choose the Best Local Mover in Grand Rapids
Consider each moving company's cost, customer reviews, services, and licensing before choosing.
Determine Your Budget
Based on our findings, the average cost of hiring a local mover in Grand Rapids is $62 per hour. The overall cost adds up to $4,147 for a two-bedroom move. Factors that contribute to your actual cost include any additional tasks you need done, your home size, move distance, and the season.
We suggest getting quotes from three or more reputable movers in your area. Always get written estimates, which should outline your total cost and the hourly rate or flat fee. Keep your mover's estimate and compare it to the final cost to ensure fair pricing.
Read Customer Reviews
Moving companies depend on customer feedback. You can find moving companies that provide good customer service by reading reviews on platforms like social media, the Better Business Bureau, Google Reviews, Trustpilot, and Yelp.
Ensure Proper Licensing
Moving companies in Grand Rapids must follow different licensing requirements depending on their service area. If you're only moving intrastate, your mover needs operating authority from the Michigan State Police's Motor Carrier Division.
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 can provide the specific services you need when requesting quotes. Get ready for the quote process by making a thorough inventory of your possessions and writing down any services you may need. Notify the moving company about any special conditions or needs to evaluate whether the company is a fit.
Types of Moving Services
A full-service mover will include these services for standard moves:
- Basic wrapping materials for furniture protection
- Loading and unloading
- Released liability coverage for loss or damage
If you require special services from your moving company, disclose these when requesting a quote. Services that result in increased pricing include the following:
- Crating for art or antiques
- Extra flights of stairs
- Long carries
- Packing
- Piano moving
- Storage
- Unpacking
- Vehicle shipping
Tips To Consider When Moving in Grand Rapids, MI
Here are a few additional tips to keep in mind for your Grand Rapids move.
Schedule an Early Move
Grand Rapids usually gets hectic during rush hour. Navigating it can be more challenging in a moving truck compared to a personal-use car. Movers caught in traffic may result in delays and a higher cost since local moving companies charge hourly. We recommend arranging before morning rush hour, which ensures the movers avoid heavy traffic and wrap up the move before evening.
Avoid Busy Season
The busiest moving period, which falls between May and September, coincides with the summer heat in Grand Rapids. This can negatively impact your move. If you plan in advance, you should be able to schedule with your preferred mover regardless of the season. However, the movers may be hindered by the heat.
Pack in Advance
Most moving companies approach same-day packing requests similarly. Movers won't move loose items that haven’t been packed when your move is scheduled to start in many cases. You should begin packing around six weeks before your move. Pack a few boxes each day to avoid rushing when move day comes. Your movers may have some extra boxes with them for last-minute packing, but you shouldn’t count on it.
How Much do Movers Cost in Grand Rapids, MI
Movers in Grand Rapids cost $2,608 on average for moves less than 250 miles. It can cost up to $6,800 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 | $2,608 | $2,938 | $6,800 |
250-999 miles | $3,220 | $3,546 | $10,311 |
1,000-2,499 miles | $3,253 | $4,088 | $10,520 |
2,500+ miles | $3,141 | $5,146 | $12,642 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Moving in Grand Rapids
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