How to Choose the Best Local Mover in Cottage Grove
Consider each moving company's customer reviews, cost, licensing, and services before choosing.
Determine Your Budget
Based on our findings, the average cost of a local move in Cottage Grove is $101 per hour. The overall cost amounts to $4,284 for a two-bedroom move. Your actual cost will vary depending on move distance, your home size, any additional tasks you need your movers to handle, and the season.
We suggest getting quotes from at least three reputable movers in your area. Get written estimates, which should detail your total cost and the flat fee or hourly rate. Keep the estimate from your mover and compare it to the final invoice to ensure fair pricing.
Read Customer Reviews
Customer feedback plays an important role for moving companies. Visit sites such as social media, Trustpilot, the Better Business Bureau, Google Reviews, and Yelp to gain insights into customer experiences with that mover.
Ensure Proper Licensing
Moving companies in Cottage Grove must follow different licensing requirements depending on their service area. If you are only moving intrastate, choose an intrastate mover licensed by the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MNDOT).
If you're moving to or from another state, the regulations are different. Choose a company licensed with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). It should also carry 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 provides the services you need is essential during the quote process. Take inventory of your home before seeking quotes and note down any basic or add-on services that might be necessary to ensure accurate pricing. Inform your moving company representative regarding any specific requirements or unique circumstances to see whether the company can provide adequate service.
Types of Moving Services
Full-service movers deliver the following standard services as a part of their base price:
- Basic wrapping materials for furniture protection
- Loading and unloading
- Released liability coverage for loss or damage
When seeking a quote from your moving company, mention any additional services you need. The following services may result in 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 Cottage Grove, MN
Here are a few additional tips to keep in mind when moving to, from, or within Cottage Grove.
Schedule an Early Move
Cottage Grove 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 lead to delays and a higher cost since local movers charge by the hour. You can avoid this by booking movers a few hours before or after morning rush hour.
Avoid Busy Season
May to September marks the busiest moving season and Cottage Grove's hottest time of the year. Moving at this time can slow or worsen your move, especially if you start searching for a moving company too late. The high demand could make it harder to secure your desired mover. By planning and booking at least eight weeks before your move, you should be able to secure the moving company you want. However, be prepared for the possibility that the hot weather could make the move more difficult for your movers.
Pack in Advance
Begin packing around six weeks before your move to avoid rushing at the last minute. You can pack a few boxes each day to make the process less stressful. Most moving companies treat same-day packing requests similarly. Movers won't move loose items that haven’t been packed by the time your move is scheduled to start in many cases.
How Much do Movers Cost in Cottage Grove, MN
Movers in Cottage Grove cost $2,655 on average for moves less than 250 miles. It can cost up to $7,379 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 | $2,655 | $3,197 | $7,379 |
| 250-999 miles | $3,270 | $3,833 | $10,833 |
| 1,000-2,499 miles | $3,310 | $4,389 | $11,289 |
| 2,500+ miles | $3,241 | $5,460 | $13,439 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Moving in Cottage Grove
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