How to Choose the Best Local Mover in University City
Make an informed choice by taking the following factors into consideration when choosing movers in University City.
Determine Your Budget
A local move costs $76 per hour on average. Based on this, a local two-bedroom move costs $4,185 in total. Your actual costs will vary depending on the season, move distance, your home size, and any additional tasks you need your movers to handle.
We recommend obtaining quotes from at least three reputable movers in your area. Don't forget to request written estimates. These should outline the total cost, including the hourly rate or flat fee. Comparing the estimate provided by your moving company to the final cost after the move helps ensure fair pricing is maintained.
Read Customer Reviews
Customer feedback plays a crucial role for moving companies. You can identify moving companies with positive customer experiences by reading reviews on platforms like Google Reviews, the Better Business Bureau, Yelp, Trustpilot, and social media.
Ensure Proper Licensing
Moving companies in University City must follow different licensing requirements depending on their service area. If you are making a close-range move that's purely within Missouri, your moving company must have operating authority from the Missouri Department of Transportation's Motor Carrier Services division.
The requirements change if you're moving to or from another state. In this case, choose a moving company licensed with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). The team should also carry 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
Assessing whether the mover offers the services you need is essential during the quote process. Compile a list of any services you might need and take a full inventory of your home before requesting quotes. Inform your moving company representative about any special conditions or needs to determine if the company can provide adequate service.
Types of Moving Services
A full-service mover includes the following services for basic moves:
- 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, inform them of these when requesting a quote. Increased pricing may apply for the following 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 University City, MO
Here are some additional tips to keep in mind when relocating to, from, or within University City.
Schedule an Early Move
University City sees its fair share of traffic, and navigating this can be difficult in a moving truck. Being stuck in traffic during your move can lead to delays and significantly impact your budget since local movers charge by the hour. We recommend planning before morning rush hour, which ensures the movers avoid the traffic and complete the move before evening.
Avoid Busy Season
May to September marks the peak moving season and University City's hottest time of the year. Moving during this time can slow or worsen your move, especially if you begin your search for a mover too late. The high demand could lead to limited availability with your desired mover. You should be able to schedule with your preferred moving company by contacting companies at least eight weeks before your move. However, keep in mind that the heat may still present challenges for your movers.
Pack in Advance
You should start packing about six weeks before your move. Allocate some packing time daily to avoid needing to pack at the last minute. Most movers only carry 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 University City, MO
Movers in University City cost $2,621 on average for moves less than 250 miles. It can cost up to $6,962 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 | $2,621 | $3,011 | $6,962 |
250-999 miles | $3,234 | $3,626 | $10,457 |
1,000-2,499 miles | $3,269 | $4,172 | $10,736 |
2,500+ miles | $3,169 | $5,234 | $12,865 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Moving in University City
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What items should I move myself?
- Art pieces
- Cash
- Family photo albums and other cherished photographs
- Firearms
- Hazardous items like pesticides and gasoline
- Jewelry
- Personal documents
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