How to Choose the Best Local Mover in Waterford
Consider each company's cost, services, customer reviews, and licensing before choosing.
Determine Your Budget
Based on our findings, the average cost of a local mover in Waterford is $76 per hour. The overall cost adds up to $4,205 for a two-bedroom move. Factors that contribute to your actual cost include any additional tasks you need done, the season, your home size, and move distance.
Consider getting quotes from at least three movers in your area to make an informed choice. Written estimates are essential in this process. They should contain a total cost breakdown, covering 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
Customer reviews are valuable when looking into moving companies. You can identify movers that provide good customer service by reading reviews on platforms like social media, Yelp, Google Reviews, the Better Business Bureau, and Trustpilot.
Ensure Proper Licensing
Moving companies in Waterford must follow different licensing requirements depending on their service area. If you are 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 the mover can provide the services you need when requesting quotes. Create a list of any basic or add-on services you may require and take inventory of your home before requesting quotes. Inform the moving company if you have any particular conditions or needs to determine whether the company is a good fit.
Types of Moving Services
A full-service mover includes the following services for standard moves:
- Basic wrapping materials for furniture protection
- Loading and unloading
- Released liability coverage for loss or damage
When requesting a quote from your moving company, communicate any extra services you need. Additional fees may apply for these services:
- Crating for art or antiques
- Extra flights of stairs
- Long carries
- Packing
- Piano moving
- Storage
- Unpacking
- Vehicle shipping
Tips To Consider When Moving in Waterford, MI
Keep the following in mind before moving to, from, or within Waterford.
Schedule an Early Move
Waterford sees its fair share of traffic, and navigating this can be a challenge in a moving truck. Being stuck in traffic can lead to delays and significantly impact your budget since local movers charge by the hour. You can prevent this by booking movers a few hours before or after morning rush hour.
Avoid Busy Season
The peak moving season—between May and September—coincides with Waterford's hot weather. This can adversely affect your moving process if you start your search too late and can't find a moving company with availability. You should be able to secure your preferred moving company by reaching out to movers at least eight weeks before your move. However, keep in mind that the heat may impact your movers.
Pack in Advance
Most movers only carry items that have been properly packed by the scheduled moving time, so you should finish your packing before their arrival. You should start packing around six weeks in advance. 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 depend on it.
How Much do Movers Cost in Waterford, MI
Movers in Waterford cost $2,628 on average for moves less than 250 miles. It can cost up to $7,043 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 | $2,628 | $3,047 | $7,043 |
| 250-999 miles | $3,241 | $3,667 | $10,531 |
| 1,000-2,499 miles | $3,277 | $4,215 | $10,844 |
| 2,500+ miles | $3,183 | $5,278 | $12,977 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Moving in Waterford
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