How to Choose the Best Local Mover in St. Joseph
Consider each company's customer reviews, licensing, cost, and services before choosing.
Determine Your Budget
The average hourly rate for a local mover in St. Joseph is $59. Based on this, a local two-bedroom move costs $4,357 overall. Your actual costs will depend on the season, your home size, any additional tasks you need your movers to handle, and move distance.
Consider getting quotes from at least three reputable movers in your area to make an informed choice. Written estimates are crucial in this process. They should include a comprehensive breakdown of the total cost, including the hourly rate or flat fee. Hold onto your mover's estimate until your move is complete.
Read Customer Reviews
Good customer feedback is necessary for all moving companies. Reading customer reviews on platforms such as social media, Google Reviews, the Better Business Bureau, Yelp, and Trustpilot will show you which movers prioritize positive customer experiences. We recommend thoroughly researching customer reviews before selecting a moving company.
Ensure Proper Licensing
Moving companies in St. Joseph must follow different licensing requirements depending on their service area. If you are only moving within Missouri, your movers must be registered with the Missouri Department of Transportation's Motor Carrier Services division.
The requirements differ if you're moving to or from another state. In this case, choose a mover licensed with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). The team should also have active United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers. You can find a company's registration status on the FMCSA’s mover registration search tool.
Services
Assess whether the mover provides the services you need during the quote process. Get ready for the quote process by taking a comprehensive inventory of your belongings and noting any services you might require. Moreover, inform your moving company representative about any particular requirements or unique circumstances you may have to evaluate the company's capacity to offer satisfactory service.
Types of Moving Services
For basic moves, full-service movers will include the following moving services in the standard price:
- Basic wrapping materials for furniture protection
- Loading and unloading
- Released liability coverage for loss or damage
If you need special services from your moving company, share these when requesting a quote. Services that result in higher pricing include the following:
- 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 St. Joseph, MO
Here are some extra tips to consider when moving in St. Joseph.
Schedule an Early Move
St. Joseph sees its fair share of traffic, and navigating this can be more difficult in a moving truck. Being stuck in traffic during your move can lead to delays and impact your budget, as 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
The busiest period for moving, which falls between May and September, coincides with the summer heat in St. Joseph. This can slow or negatively impact your moving experience. You should be able to secure the moving company you prefer by reaching out to movers well in advance. However, keep in mind that the heat may impact your movers.
Pack in Advance
Most moving companies only move items that have been properly packed by the scheduled moving time, so you should have everything boxed up before they arrive. You should start packing about six weeks before your move. Spend some time packing each day to prevent needing to pack at the last minute.
How Much do Movers Cost in St. Joseph, MO
Movers in St. Joseph 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.
| Distance | Studio-1 Bedroom | 2-3 Bedroom | 4+ Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|
| Less than 250 miles | $2,681 | $3,336 | $7,690 |
| 250-999 miles | $3,296 | $3,987 | $11,114 |
| 1,000-2,499 miles | $3,341 | $4,551 | $11,702 |
| 2,500+ miles | $3,294 | $5,629 | $13,866 |
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