How to Choose the Best Local Mover in Billings
You should consider several key factors when choosing a mover. Here are some things to look for when hiring movers in Billings.
Determine Your Budget
Local movers in Billings charge an average hourly rate of $102. A two-bedroom move in the area costs approximately $4,202 in total. Your home size, move date, move distance, and any additional services you need will affect your actual cost.
Consider obtaining quotes from three or more reputable movers in your area to make an educated choice. Written estimates are essential in this process. They should have a breakdown of the total cost, covering the hourly rate or flat fee. Comparing the estimate provided by your to the final cost after your move helps ensure fair pricing.
Read Customer Reviews
Customer feedback plays a crucial role for moving companies. Reading customer reviews on platforms such as Google Reviews, social media, the Better Business Bureau, Yelp, and Trustpilot will indicate which movers have positive customer experiences. We suggest thoroughly researching customer reviews before choosing a moving company.
Ensure Proper Licensing
Moving companies in Billings must follow different licensing requirements depending on their service area. If you're making a short-haul move that's purely within Montana, choose a mover that's in good standing with the Montana Public Service Commission.
The requirements are a bit different 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 carry active United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers. You can see a company's registration status on the FMCSA’s mover registration search tool.
Services
Asking whether the mover offers the services you need is crucial during the quote process. Take inventory of your home when requesting quotes and make a list of any basic or add-on services that might be necessary to ensure accurate pricing. Discuss any special conditions or needs with your moving company representative to assess if the company can fulfill your particular needs.
Types of Moving Services
For basic moves, full-service movers often include the following services in the base price:
- Basic wrapping materials for furniture protection
- Loading and unloading
- Released liability coverage for loss or damage
Ensure that your moving company is aware of any extra services you need in the quote process. These services may lead to 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 Billings, MT
Here are some additional tips to keep in mind when moving to, from, or within Billings.
Schedule an Early Move
Billings usually gets congested with traffic during rush hour. Navigating 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 hourly. You can avoid this by scheduling your move several hours before or after morning rush hour.
Avoid Busy Season
Moving season is the busiest between May and September. In Billings, this time corresponds to hot summer weather, which can worsen your moving experience. By planning your move at least eight weeks in advance, you should be able to lock in your desired moving company. However, keep in mind the possibility that the hot weather could pose difficulties for your movers.
Pack in Advance
We recommend you start packing about six weeks in advance to prevent stressing over last-minute packing when moving day comes. Spending time packing a few boxes each day can make the process less overwhelming. Most moving companies only transport 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 Billings, MT
Movers in Billings cost $2,627 on average for moves less than 250 miles. It can cost up to $7,033 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 | $2,627 | $3,043 | $7,033 |
250-999 miles | $3,240 | $3,661 | $10,521 |
1,000-2,499 miles | $3,276 | $4,209 | $10,830 |
2,500+ miles | $3,181 | $5,272 | $12,963 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Moving in Billings
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