How to Choose the Best Local Mover in Lansing
A few factors you should consider when looking for a moving company include services offered, cost, customer reviews, and licensing.
Determine Your Budget
A local move costs between $31 and $75 per hour. Based on this, a standard two-bedroom move costs approximately $4,680 overall. Factors that affect your actual cost include the season, your home size, move distance, and any additional tasks you need done.
We suggest obtaining quotes from three or more reputable movers in your area. Always get written estimates, which should break down your total cost and the flat fee or hourly rate. Keep your mover's estimate readily available until the move is completed to ensure fair pricing.
Read Customer Reviews
Customer reviews are valuable when looking into moving companies. Read customer reviews on websites such as Trustpilot, Yelp, the Better Business Bureau, Google Reviews, and social media to identify movers that prioritize positive customer experiences.
Ensure Proper Licensing
Moving companies in Lansing must follow different licensing requirements depending on their service area. If you are only moving within Michigan, 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 moving 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 your chosen 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 basic or add-on services you might require. Moreover, inform your moving company representative about any special conditions or specific needs you may have to evaluate the company's ability to provide satisfactory service.
Types of Moving Services
Full-service movers will include the following services in the base price for basic moves:
- Basic wrapping materials for furniture protection
- Loading and unloading
- Released liability coverage for loss or damage
Ensure that your moving company is aware of any extra services you require while going through the quote process. Services that can contribute to higher 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 Lansing, MI
Here are a few additional tips to keep in mind for your Lansing move.
Schedule an Early Move
Lansing usually gets hectic 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 moving companies charge by the hour. We advise planning before morning rush hour, which makes sure the movers avoid the traffic and finish the move before evening.
Avoid Busy Season
The busiest moving period, which falls between May and September, coincides with the summer heat in Lansing. This can slow or negatively impact your move. You should be able to book the moving company you prefer by contacting movers at least eight weeks before your move. However, keep in mind that the heat may still present challenges for your movers.
Pack in Advance
Most movers only transport items that have been properly packed by the scheduled moving time, so you should finish your packing before they arrive. You should start packing around six weeks in advance. Pack a few boxes every day to avoid rushing when move day comes. Your movers may have some spare boxes with them for last-minute packing, but you shouldn’t count on it.
How Much do Movers Cost in Lansing, MI
Movers in Lansing cost $2,792 on average for moves less than 250 miles. It can cost up to $9,057 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 | $2,792 | $3,946 | $9,057 |
250-999 miles | $3,414 | $4,663 | $12,347 |
1,000-2,499 miles | $3,476 | $5,261 | $13,518 |
2,500+ miles | $3,531 | $6,370 | $15,747 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Moving in Lansing
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