Best 5 Movers in Columbia, MO

How to Choose the Best Local Mover in Columbia

Some factors you should consider when choosing a moving company include customer reviews, services offered, cost, and licensing.

Determine Your Budget

Local movers in Columbia charge an average hourly rate of $62. A two-bedroom move in the area costs approximately $4,357 in total. Your actual costs will depend on your home size, move distance, the season, and any additional tasks you need your movers to handle.

Consider obtaining quotes from a minimum of three moving companies in your area to make an informed choice. Written estimates are essential in this process. They should include a comprehensive breakdown of the total cost, including the hourly rate or flat fee. Keep the estimate from your mover and compare it to the final cost to ensure fair pricing.

Read Customer Reviews

Moving companies depend on solid customer reviews. Take time to read customer reviews on sites like social media, Google Reviews, Yelp, Trustpilot, and the Better Business Bureau to identify moving companies that prioritize positive customer experiences.

Ensure Proper Licensing

Moving companies in Columbia must follow different licensing requirements depending on their service area. If you are moving from one Missouri city to another, your movers must be registered with the Missouri Department of Transportation's Motor Carrier Services division.

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 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

Ask if your chosen mover provides the services that align with your expectations as you receive quotes. Create a list of any services you may require and take a comprehensive inventory of your home before seeking quotes. Furthermore, notify your moving company representative about any extra services you may need to gauge the company's capacity to provide suitable service.

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

Inform your moving company about the extra services you require during the quote process. Services that can contribute to higher pricing include:

• Crating for art or antiques
• Extra flights of stairs
• Long carries
• Packing
• Piano moving
• Storage
• Unpacking
• Vehicle shipping

Tips To Consider When Moving in Columbia, MO

Consider the following before moving to, from, or within Columbia.

Schedule an Early Move

Columbia usually gets hectic during rush hour. Maneuvering through it can be more difficult in a moving truck compared to a 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 guarantees the movers avoid heavy 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 Columbia. This can slow or negatively impact your moving experience. If you plan far enough in advance, you should be able to schedule with the mover you want regardless of the month. However, your movers may be hindered by the heat.

Pack in Advance

You should begin packing about six weeks before your move. Spend some time packing each day to avoid needing to pack at the last minute. Most moving companies only move items that have been properly packed by the scheduled moving time, so you should have everything boxed up before their arrival.

How Much do Movers Cost in Columbia, MO

Movers in Columbia cost $2,681 on average for moves less than 250 miles. It can cost up to $7,690 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.