How to Choose the Best Local Mover in Manchester
A few factors to consider when choosing a moving company include licensing, services offered, cost, and customer reviews.
Determine Your Budget
The average cost of hiring a local mover in Manchester is $45 per hour. The overall cost adds up to $4,219 for a two-bedroom move. Your actual cost will vary depending on move distance, any additional tasks you need your movers to handle, your home size, and the season.
Consider obtaining quotes from a minimum of three movers in your area to make an informed choice. Written estimates are essential in this process. They should include a total cost breakdown, covering the hourly rate or flat fee. Hold onto your mover's estimate until your move is finished.
Read Customer Reviews
Customer reviews are valuable when evaluating moving companies. Visit sites like Google Reviews, Trustpilot, social media, the Better Business Bureau, and Yelp to learn about customer experiences with that mover.
Ensure Proper Licensing
Moving companies in Manchester must follow different licensing requirements depending on their service area. If you are making a short-haul move that's purely within New Jersey, 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 interstate, the regulations are different. Choose a company licensed with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). It should also have active United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers, which you can use on the FMCSA’s mover registration search tool to check a mover’s registration status and complaint history.
Services
Assess whether your chosen mover provides the specific services you need when requesting quotes. Conduct a thorough inventory of your home before requesting quotes and note down any essential or additional services you might require. Tell the moving company if you have any special needs to determine if the company is a good fit.
Types of Moving Services
A full-service mover includes these services for standard moves:
- Basic wrapping materials for furniture protection
- Loading and unloading
- Released liability coverage for loss or damage
If you require additional services from your moving company, share these 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 Manchester, NJ
Here are some additional tips to keep in mind when moving in Manchester.
Schedule an Early Move
Manchester traffic during the morning and evening rush hours is notoriously hectic. Navigating gridlock with a moving truck is even more challenging than with a personal-use vehicle. Movers getting stuck in traffic typically leads to higher costs if they charge by the hour. We recommend scheduling before morning rush hour, which ensures the movers avoid the traffic and complete the move before evening.
Avoid Busy Season
The busiest period for moving, which falls between May and September, coincides with the summer heat in Manchester. This can negatively impact your move. Plan ahead and schedule your desired mover at least eight weeks in advance. You should also be prepared for the potential difficulties the hot summer weather may pose to your movers during a summer move.
Pack in Advance
Start packing around 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. Most moving companies only transport items that have been packed by the scheduled moving time, so you should have everything boxed up before their arrival.
How Much do Movers Cost in Manchester, NJ
Movers in Manchester 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 Manchester
What is the average cost of living in Manchester?
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How much would it cost to complete a move in Manchester for a one-, two-, or three-bedroom house?
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What should I do if I need to change my move date?
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