How to Choose the Best Local Mover in Lancaster
Some factors to consider when choosing a moving company include services offered, licensing, customer reviews, and cost.
Determine Your Budget
Local movers in Lancaster charge an average hourly rate of $99. A two-bedroom move in the area costs around $4,409 in total. Your actual costs will depend on your home size, any additional tasks you need your movers to handle, move distance, and the season.
You should obtain quotes from at least three movers in your area. Ask for written estimates that provide a clear breakdown of the total cost and the hourly rate or flat fee. Comparing the estimate provided by your mover to the final cost after the move helps ensure fair pricing.
Read Customer Reviews
Moving companies depend on good customer reviews. Visit sites such as social media, Trustpilot, the Better Business Bureau, Google Reviews, and Yelp to gain insights into customer experiences with that mover.
Ensure Proper Licensing
Moving companies in Lancaster must follow different licensing requirements depending on their service area. If you're only moving within New York, make sure your mover holds a New York Department of Transportation license.
The requirements differ if you're moving to or from another state. In this case, choose a company licensed with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). The team should also have active United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers. You can find a company's registration status on the FMCSA’s mover registration search tool.
Services
Assess whether the mover you chose provides the services that align with your expectations when requesting quotes. Take inventory of your home when getting quotes and document any basic or add-on services that you may need to ensure accurate pricing. Tell the moving company if you have any particular needs to evaluate whether the company is a fit.
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 informed of any special services you need in the quote process. Additional fees 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 Lancaster, NY
Here are some additional tips to keep in mind for your Lancaster move.
Schedule an Early Move
Lancaster sees its fair share of traffic, and navigating this can be more difficult in a moving truck. Being stuck in traffic during your move can lead to delays and significantly impact your budget since local movers charge by the hour. We recommend arranging before morning rush hour, which ensures the movers beat the traffic and finish the move before evening.
Avoid Busy Season
May to September marks the busiest moving season and Lancaster's hottest time of the year. Moving at this time can slow or worsen your move, particularly if you start searching for a moving company too late. The high demand could make it harder to secure your desired mover. Plan ahead and secure your desired mover at least eight weeks in advance. You should also be prepared for the potential challenges the hot summer weather may pose to your movers during a summer move.
Pack in Advance
You should begin packing about six weeks before you move. Spend some time packing daily to prevent needing to pack at the last minute. Most movers approach same-day packing requests similarly. Movers will not move loose items that haven’t been packed when your move is scheduled to begin in many cases.
How Much do Movers Cost in Lancaster, NY
Movers in Lancaster cost $2,698 on average for moves less than 250 miles. It can cost up to $7,909 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 | $2,698 | $3,434 | $7,909 |
| 250-999 miles | $3,315 | $4,095 | $11,311 |
| 1,000-2,499 miles | $3,363 | $4,665 | $11,993 |
| 2,500+ miles | $3,332 | $5,747 | $14,168 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Moving in Lancaster
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