How to Choose the Best Local Mover in Kentwood
A few factors you should consider when looking for a moving company include licensing, customer reviews, services offered, and cost.
Determine Your Budget
The average hourly rate for a local mover in Kentwood is $69. Based on this, a local two-bedroom move costs around $4,147 in total. Factors that contribute to your actual cost include move distance, the season, your home size, and any additional tasks you need done.
You should obtain quotes from three or more reputable movers in your area. Ask for written estimates that provide a clear breakdown of the total cost, including the hourly rate or flat fee. Comparing the estimate provided by your moving company to the final cost after the move helps ensure fair pricing is maintained.
Read Customer Reviews
Customer feedback plays a crucial role for moving companies. Take time to read customer reviews on websites such as social media, Yelp, Trustpilot, Google Reviews, and the Better Business Bureau to identify movers with good customer service.
Ensure Proper Licensing
Moving companies in Kentwood must follow different licensing requirements depending on their service area. If you are moving from one Michigan city to another, your mover needs operating authority from the Michigan State Police's Motor Carrier Division.
The requirements differ if you're moving to or from another state. In this case, choose a company licensed with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). The team should also have active United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers. You can see a company's registration status on the FMCSA’s mover registration search tool.
Services
Assess whether the mover can provide the specific services you need when requesting quotes. Take a full inventory of your home before getting quotes and note down any essential or additional services you may need. Inform the moving company about any particular conditions or needs to assess if the company is a fit.
Types of Moving Services
Full-service movers will provide the following moving services in the base price for basic moves:
- Basic wrapping materials for furniture protection
- Loading and unloading
- Released liability coverage for loss or damage
If you require additional services from your moving company, disclose these during the quote process. The following services may lead to 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 Kentwood, MI
Here are some extra tips to keep in mind when moving in Kentwood.
Schedule an Early Move
Kentwood usually gets congested during rush hour. Maneuvering through it can be more difficult in a moving truck compared to a standard personal-use car. Movers caught in traffic may lead to delays and a higher cost since local movers charge by the hour. Try to schedule your move either several hours before or after the morning rush hour to prevent this issue.
Avoid Busy Season
The busiest period for moving, which falls between May and September, coincides with the summer heat in Kentwood. This can negatively impact your moving experience. If you book in advance, you should be able to schedule with the mover you prefer regardless of the month. However, your movers may be hindered by the heat.
Pack in Advance
You should start packing around six weeks before your move. 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. Most moving companies won't transport items that haven't been packed by your scheduled moving time.
How Much do Movers Cost in Kentwood, MI
Movers in Kentwood 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 Kentwood
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