How to Choose the Best Local Mover in Jacksonville
Make an informed choice by taking the following factors into consideration when deciding on a mover in Jacksonville.
Determine Your Budget
The average cost of hiring a local mover in Jacksonville is $48 per hour. The overall cost amounts to $3,985 for a two-bedroom move. Your move date, home size, move distance, and any additional tasks you need the movers to do will contribute to your actual cost.
Consider obtaining quotes from at least three reputable movers in your area to make an educated choice. Written estimates are important in this process. They should include a comprehensive breakdown of the total cost, including the hourly rate or flat fee. Comparing the estimate provided by your moving company to the final cost after your move helps ensure fair pricing.
Read Customer Reviews
Solid customer feedback is necessary for all moving companies. You can identify moving companies with positive customer experiences by reading reviews on platforms like the Better Business Bureau, Trustpilot, Yelp, Google Reviews, and social media.
Ensure Proper Licensing
Moving companies in Jacksonville must follow different licensing requirements depending on their service area. If you're moving from one North Carolina city to another, your mover must be licensed 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
Assess whether your chosen mover can provide the services that meet your expectations when requesting quotes. Make a list of any basic or add-on services you may require and take a comprehensive inventory of your home before seeking quotes. Notify the moving company about any specific conditions or needs to assess if the company is a good fit.
Types of Moving Services
A full-service mover includes the following services for basic moves:
- Basic wrapping materials for furniture protection
- Loading and unloading
- Released liability coverage for loss or damage
Tell your moving company about any additional services you need during the quote process. Services that can lead 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 Jacksonville, NC
Keep the following in mind before moving to, from, or within Jacksonville.
Schedule an Early Move
The morning and evening rush hours in Jacksonville can often cause delays. Movers stuck in traffic can also increase your moving costs when charged an hourly rate. Try to schedule your move either several hours before or after the morning rush hour to avoid this issue.
Avoid Busy Season
The busiest time for movers—between May and September—coincides with Jacksonville's hottest time of year. This can negatively impact your moving process if you start your search too late and can't find a moving company with availability. If you book far enough in advance, you should be able to schedule with the mover you want regardless of the month. However, the movers may be hindered by the heat.
Pack in Advance
You should start packing about six weeks before you move. Allocate some packing time each day to avoid last-minute scrambling on moving day. Most moving companies won't carry items that haven't been packed by your scheduled moving time.
How Much do Movers Cost in Jacksonville, NC
Movers in Jacksonville cost $2,552 on average for moves less than 250 miles. It can cost up to $6,115 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 | $2,552 | $2,633 | $6,115 |
| 250-999 miles | $3,161 | $3,207 | $9,692 |
| 1,000-2,499 miles | $3,185 | $3,732 | $9,610 |
| 2,500+ miles | $3,022 | $4,775 | $11,699 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Moving in Jacksonville
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