How to Choose the Best Local Mover in Livonia
You should consider a few key factors when choosing a mover. These are some things to keep in mind when hiring movers in Livonia.
Determine Your Budget
The average hourly rate for local movers in Livonia is $101. A two-bedroom move in the area costs around $4,335 in total. Your actual cost will depend on the season, move distance, your home size, and any additional tasks you need your movers to handle.
We suggest obtaining quotes from at least three reputable movers in your area. Remember to request written estimates. These should detail the total cost, including the hourly rate or flat fee. Keep your mover's estimate and compare it to the final invoice to ensure fair pricing.
Read Customer Reviews
Solid customer feedback is necessary for all moving companies. Looking at customer reviews on websites such as social media, the Better Business Bureau, Trustpilot, Yelp, and Google Reviews will indicate which movers prioritize positive customer experiences. We recommend thoroughly researching customer reviews before selecting a moving company.
Ensure Proper Licensing
Moving companies in Livonia 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 states, the regulations are different. Choose a company licensed with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). It should also have active United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers, which you can use on the FMCSA’s mover registration search tool to check a mover’s registration status and complaint history.
Services
Asking whether the mover offers the services you need is essential during the quote process. Take a full inventory of your home before requesting quotes and note any essential or additional services you might require. Tell your moving company representative regarding any special conditions or needs to determine if the company can provide suitable service.
Types of Moving Services
Full-service movers will include 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 services you need. Services that can lead to higher pricing are:
- Crating for art or antiques
- Extra flights of stairs
- Long carries
- Packing
- Piano moving
- Storage
- Unpacking
- Vehicle shipping
Tips To Consider When Moving in Livonia, MI
Keep the following in mind before moving to, from, or within Livonia.
Schedule an Early Move
The morning and evening rush hours in Livonia are widely known for their extreme traffic congestion. Movers stuck in traffic can also lead to higher costs when charged an hourly rate. You can prevent this by booking movers several hours before or after morning rush hour.
Avoid Busy Season
May to September marks the busiest moving season and Livonia's hottest time of the year. Moving at this time can slow or worsen your moving process, particularly if you begin your search for a moving company too close to your move. The increased demand could make it harder to secure your desired mover. You should be able to schedule with the moving company you want by reaching out to companies well in advance. However, remember that the heat may impact your movers.
Pack in Advance
Begin packing approximately six weeks before your move so you can avoid rushing at the last minute. You can pack a couple boxes each day to make the process less stressful. Most movers handle same-day packing requests similarly. Movers will not move loose items that haven’t been packed when your move is scheduled to begin in many cases.
How Much do Movers Cost in Livonia, MI
Movers in Livonia cost $2,673 on average for moves less than 250 miles. It can cost up to $7,594 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 | $2,673 | $3,293 | $7,594 |
250-999 miles | $3,288 | $3,939 | $11,028 |
1,000-2,499 miles | $3,332 | $4,501 | $11,576 |
2,500+ miles | $3,278 | $5,577 | $13,735 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Moving in Livonia
What is the average commute time in Livonia?
What is the housing market like in Livonia?
How much do movers cost in Livonia?
When should I begin contacting moving companies?
What items should I move myself?
- Art pieces
- Cash
- Family photo albums and other cherished photographs
- Firearms
- Hazardous items like pesticides and gasoline
- Jewelry
- Personal documents
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