How to Choose the Best Local Mover in Rochester
You should consider a few crucial factors when choosing a moving company. These are some things to look out for when hiring movers in Rochester.
Determine Your Budget
The average cost of hiring a local mover in Rochester is $74 per hour. The overall cost adds up to $4,284 for a two-bedroom move. Factors that affect your actual cost include move distance, the season, your home size, and any additional tasks you need done.
Consider obtaining quotes from a minimum of three reputable moving companies in your area to make an informed choice. Written estimates are important in this process. They should have a total cost breakdown, covering the hourly rate or flat fee. Hold onto your moving company's estimate until your move is finished.
Read Customer Reviews
Moving companies rely on solid customer feedback. You can identify moving companies that provide good customer service by reading reviews on platforms like the Better Business Bureau, social media, Trustpilot, Yelp, and Google Reviews.
Ensure Proper Licensing
Moving companies in Rochester must follow different licensing requirements depending on their service area. If you are moving from one Minnesota city to another, choose an intrastate mover licensed by the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MNDOT).
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
Ask if your chosen mover can deliver the services that align with your expectations when requesting quotes. Take a full inventory of your home before requesting quotes and note down any essential or additional services you may need. Share any specific requirements or unique circumstances with your moving company representative to assess if the company can accommodate your specific requirements.
Types of Moving Services
Full-service movers offer 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
Make sure you inform your mover of any special services you require during the quote process. Services that result in increased 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 Rochester, MN
Here are some additional tips to consider for your Rochester move.
Schedule an Early Move
Rochester gets hectic during rush hour. Navigating it can be more challenging 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. Try to arrange 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 fairly hot temperatures in Rochester. This can slow or negatively impact your moving experience. By planning your move at least eight weeks in advance, you should be able to lock in the moving company you want. However, keep in mind the possibility that the hot weather could pose difficulties for your movers.
Pack in Advance
We recommend you start packing around six weeks in advance to prevent stressing over last-minute packing on your moving day. Spending time packing a couple boxes each day can get the task done without overwhelming you. Most movers only transport items that have been properly packed by the scheduled moving time, so you should have everything boxed up before they arrive.
How Much do Movers Cost in Rochester, MN
Movers in Rochester 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 |
Ready to Get a Quote on Your Moving Project?
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Frequently Asked Questions About Moving in Rochester
What is the average cost of living in Rochester?
What is the housing market like in Rochester?
How much do movers cost in Rochester?
When should I begin contacting moving companies?
How should I pack things up for my move?
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviewsteam@thisoldhousereviews.com.