How to Choose the Best Local Mover in Washington
Consider each moving company's services, cost, customer reviews, and licensing before picking.
Determine Your Budget
Based on our findings, the average cost of a local mover in Washington is $99 per hour. The overall cost amounts to $4,121 for a two-bedroom move. Factors that contribute to your actual cost include the season, your home size, any additional tasks you need done, and move distance.
We suggest obtaining quotes from three or more reputable movers in your area. It's essential to get written estimates, which should detail your total cost and the flat fee or hourly rate. Keep the estimate from your mover and compare it to the final cost to ensure fair pricing.
Read Customer Reviews
Customer feedback plays an important role for moving companies. Reading customer reviews on platforms such as Google Reviews, Trustpilot, social media, Yelp, and the Better Business Bureau will show you which movers prioritize positive customer experiences. We suggest thoroughly researching customer reviews before selecting a moving company.
Ensure Proper Licensing
Moving companies in Washington 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 the company’s registration status and complaint history on the FMCSA’s mover registration search tool.
Services
Ask if the mover you chose can provide the services that align with your expectations when requesting quotes. Conduct a thorough inventory of your home before getting quotes and note down any essential or additional services you may need. Moreover, tell your moving company representative about any extra services you may need to evaluate the company's ability to provide satisfactory service.
Types of Moving Services
For basic moves, full-service movers will include the following services in the starting cost:
- Basic wrapping materials for furniture protection
- Loading and unloading
- Released liability coverage for loss or damage
Inform your moving company about the additional services you need while going through the quote process. Services that can contribute to higher pricing include:
- Crating for art or antiques
- Extra flights of stairs
- Long carries
- Packing
- Piano moving
- Storage
- Unpacking
- Vehicle shipping
Tips To Consider When Moving in Washington, NJ
Here are a few additional tips to consider for your Washington move.
Schedule an Early Move
Washington sees its fair share of traffic, and navigating this can be a challenge in a moving truck. Getting stuck in traffic can lead to delays and impact your budget, as local movers charge by the hour. Aim to plan your move either several hours before or after the morning rush hour to prevent this issue.
Avoid Busy Season
Moving season peaks between May and September. In Washington, this time overlaps with hot summer weather, which can slow or worsen your moving experience. By planning and booking at least eight weeks before your move, you should be able to lock in your desired moving company. However, be prepared for the possibility that the hot weather could make the move more difficult for your movers.
Pack in Advance
Most moving companies approach same-day packing requests similarly. In many cases, movers will not move loose items that haven’t been packed when your move is scheduled to begin. You should start packing about six weeks before your move. Allocate some packing time daily to prevent last-minute scrambling on moving day.
How Much do Movers Cost in Washington, NJ
Movers in Washington cost $2,599 on average for moves less than 250 miles. It can cost up to $6,690 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 | $2,599 | $2,890 | $6,690 |
250-999 miles | $3,210 | $3,492 | $10,212 |
1,000-2,499 miles | $3,242 | $4,031 | $10,375 |
2,500+ miles | $3,122 | $5,087 | $12,491 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Moving in Washington
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