How to Choose the Best Local Mover in Great Falls
A few factors to consider when choosing a moving company include cost, customer reviews, licensing, and services offered.
Determine Your Budget
The average cost of hiring a local mover in Great Falls is $82 per hour. The overall cost amounts to $4,372 for a two-bedroom move. Factors that affect your actual cost include any additional tasks you need done, move distance, your home size, and the season.
Consider obtaining quotes from at least three reputable movers in your area to make an informed choice. Written estimates are crucial in this process. They should contain a total cost breakdown, including the hourly rate or flat fee. Keep your mover's estimate on hand until the move is done to ensure fair pricing.
Read Customer Reviews
Moving companies rely on customer reviews. Reading customer reviews on the Better Business Bureau, social media, Yelp, Google Reviews, and Trustpilot will show you which movers have positive customer experiences. We suggest thoroughly researching customer reviews before choosing a moving company.
Ensure Proper Licensing
Moving companies in Great Falls must follow different licensing requirements depending on their service area. If you are making a close-range move that's purely within Montana, choose a mover that's in good standing with the Montana Public Service Commission.
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
Assess whether your chosen mover can provide the specific services you need during the quote process. Take inventory of your belongings when requesting quotes and make a list of any basic or add-on services that you may need to ensure accurate pricing. Share any specific requirements or unique circumstances with your moving company representative to determine if the company can accommodate your specific requirements.
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
Tell your moving company about the special services you need as you go through the quote process. The following services may result in 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 Great Falls, MT
Keep the following in mind before moving to, from, or within Great Falls.
Schedule an Early Move
Great Falls traffic during rush hour is notoriously hectic. Navigating gridlock in a moving truck is even more challenging than with a standard personal-use vehicle. Movers getting stuck in traffic will typically lead to higher costs if they charge by the hour. Arranging your move for the early morning ensures that your movers arrive before traffic peaks and head to your new home in the afternoon when traffic is lighter.
Avoid Busy Season
Moving season peaks between May and September. In Great Falls, this time coincides with fairly hot summer weather, which can worsen your moving experience. By planning your move at least eight weeks in advance, you should be able to secure your desired moving company. However, be prepared for the possibility that the hot weather could pose difficulties for your movers.
Pack in Advance
Most movers won't carry items that haven't been packed by the scheduled moving time. Start packing about six weeks before your move so you won't have to rush at the last minute. You can pack a couple boxes each day to make the process more manageable.
How Much do Movers Cost in Great Falls, MT
Movers in Great Falls cost $2,686 on average for moves less than 250 miles. It can cost up to $7,750 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 | $2,686 | $3,363 | $7,750 |
| 250-999 miles | $3,301 | $4,016 | $11,168 |
| 1,000-2,499 miles | $3,347 | $4,582 | $11,782 |
| 2,500+ miles | $3,305 | $5,661 | $13,949 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Moving in Great Falls
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