How to Choose the Best Local Mover in Durham
You should consider several crucial factors when choosing a mover. These are some things to keep in mind when hiring movers in Durham.
Determine Your Budget
Local movers in Durham charge an average hourly rate of $64. A two-bedroom move in the area costs approximately $4,151 in total. Factors that contribute to your actual cost include any additional tasks you need done, move distance, the season, and your home size.
We advise getting quotes from a minimum of three reputable movers in your area. Get written estimates, which should detail your total cost and the flat fee or hourly rate. Comparing the estimate provided by your moving company to the final cost after your move helps ensure fair pricing is maintained.
Read Customer Reviews
Customer feedback plays a crucial role for moving companies. Check sites like the Better Business Bureau, Trustpilot, Yelp, social media, and Google Reviews to gain insights into the typical customer experience with that moving company.
Ensure Proper Licensing
Moving companies in Durham must follow different licensing requirements depending on their service area. If you are only moving within North Carolina, your mover must have a certificate issued by the North Carolina Utilities 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
Assessing whether the mover provides the services you need is crucial during the quote process. Take inventory of your home when getting quotes and document any additional services that you may need to ensure accurate pricing. Notify your moving company representative about any specific requirements or unique circumstances to determine if the company can provide suitable service.
Types of Moving Services
Full-service movers deliver the following standard services as a part of their base price:
- Basic wrapping materials for furniture protection
- Loading and unloading
- Released liability coverage for loss or damage
When asking for a quote from your moving company, discuss any special services you need. Services that lead to increased pricing include the following:
- Crating for art or antiques
- Extra flights of stairs
- Long carries
- Packing
- Piano moving
- Storage
- Unpacking
- Vehicle shipping
Tips To Consider When Moving in Durham, NC
Here are a few additional tips to consider for your Durham move.
Schedule an Early Move
Durham traffic during rush hour is notoriously congested. Navigating gridlock in a moving truck is even more difficult than with a personal-use vehicle. Movers getting stuck in traffic during your local move will typically lead to higher costs if they charge by the hour. We recommend planning before morning rush hour, which guarantees the movers avoid the traffic and wrap up the move before evening.
Avoid Busy Season
The busiest time for movers—between May and September—coincides with Durham's hottest time of year. This can impact your move if you begin looking too late and can't find a moving company with availability. If you plan in advance, you should be able to schedule with your preferred mover regardless of the season. However, your movers may be hampered by the heat.
Pack in Advance
Most moving companies only transport items that have been properly packed by the scheduled moving time, so you should have everything boxed up before their arrival. You should begin packing around six weeks before your move. Pack a few boxes every day to avoid rushing when move day comes. Your movers may have some spare boxes with them for last-minute packing, but you shouldn’t depend on it.
How Much do Movers Cost in Durham, NC
Movers in Durham cost $2,609 on average for moves less than 250 miles. It can cost up to $6,817 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 | $2,609 | $2,946 | $6,817 |
250-999 miles | $3,221 | $3,555 | $10,327 |
1,000-2,499 miles | $3,254 | $4,097 | $10,543 |
2,500+ miles | $3,144 | $5,156 | $12,666 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Moving in Durham
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