How to Choose the Best Local Mover in Berkeley
You should consider several important factors when choosing a moving company. These are some things to keep in mind when hiring movers in Berkeley.
Determine Your Budget
According to our research, the average moving company in Berkeley charges $52 per hour. The typical cost overall is $4,219 for two-bedroom homes. Your actual cost will depend on your home size, move distance, the season, and any additional tasks you need your movers to handle.
We advise getting quotes from three or more reputable movers in your area. Always get written estimates, which should outline your total cost and the hourly rate or flat fee. Comparing the estimate provided by your to the final cost after the move helps ensure fair pricing is maintained.
Read Customer Reviews
Customer reviews are valuable when looking for a mover. You can identify moving companies that prioritize positive customer experiences by reading reviews on platforms like the Better Business Bureau, Google Reviews, Trustpilot, Yelp, and social media.
Ensure Proper Licensing
Moving companies in Berkeley must follow different licensing requirements depending on their service area. If you're moving from one New Jersey city to another, choose a mover licensed by the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs. You can verify that the company is registered using the verification tool.
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 a mover’s registration status and complaint history on the FMCSA’s mover registration search tool.
Services
Assess whether the mover you chose provides the services that meet your expectations as you receive quotes. Conduct an inventory of your belongings before getting quotes and make a list of any basic or add-on services that you may need to ensure accurate pricing. Tell the moving company if you have any specific needs to evaluate if the company is a fit.
Types of Moving Services
A full-service mover includes the following services for standard moves:
- Basic wrapping materials for furniture protection
- Loading and unloading
- Released liability coverage for loss or damage
Tell your moving company about any extra services you require during the quote process. Increased pricing may apply for these 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 Berkeley, NJ
Here are a few additional tips to keep in mind when relocating to, from, or within Berkeley.
Schedule an Early Move
Berkeley sees its fair share of traffic, and navigating this can be difficult in a moving truck. Getting stuck in traffic during your move can lead to delays and significantly impact your budget since local movers charge by the hour. Try to schedule your move either several hours before or after the morning rush hour to avoid this issue.
Avoid Busy Season
The busiest moving period, which falls between May and September, coincides with the summer heat in Berkeley. This can slow or negatively impact your moving experience. You should be able to schedule with your preferred moving company by reaching out to companies at least eight weeks before your move. However, remember that the heat may still present challenges for your movers.
Pack in Advance
You should begin packing around six weeks in advance. Pack a few boxes every day to avoid rushing when move day comes. Your movers may have a few spare boxes with them for last-minute packing, but you shouldn’t count on it. Most moving companies 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 Berkeley, NJ
Movers in Berkeley cost $2,633 on average for moves less than 250 miles. It can cost up to $7,104 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 | $2,633 | $3,074 | $7,104 |
250-999 miles | $3,246 | $3,696 | $10,585 |
1,000-2,499 miles | $3,283 | $4,246 | $10,923 |
2,500+ miles | $3,193 | $5,311 | $13,060 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Moving in Berkeley
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