How to Choose the Best Local Mover in Cincinnati
Some factors you should consider when choosing a moving company include cost, services offered, licensing, and customer reviews.
Determine Your Budget
According to our research, Cincinnati movers charge $46 per hour on average. The average local move costs $4,333 total for two-bedroom homes. Your home size, move date, move distance, and any additional services you need will contribute to your actual cost.
We recommend obtaining quotes from three or more reputable movers in your area. Don't forget to request written estimates. These should outline the total cost, including the hourly rate or flat fee. Keep your mover's estimate and compare it to the final invoice to ensure fair pricing.
Read Customer Reviews
Customer reviews are indispensable when looking for a mover. You can find moving companies with positive customer experiences by reading reviews on platforms like social media, the Better Business Bureau, Google Reviews, Trustpilot, and Yelp.
Ensure Proper Licensing
Moving companies in Cincinnati must follow different licensing requirements depending on their service area. If you are only moving intrastate, you should choose a registered mover with the Ohio Public Utilities Commission. Check their website for a list of registered movers.
If you're moving to or from another state, the regulations are different. Choose a company licensed with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). It should also carry 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 can provide the services you need when requesting quotes. Compile a list of any basic or add-on services you may require and take a full inventory of your home before requesting quotes. Moreover, notify your moving company representative about any special conditions or specific needs you may have to evaluate the company's ability to offer satisfactory service.
Types of Moving Services
For basic moves, full-service movers often include the following moving services in the standard price:
- Basic wrapping materials for furniture protection
- Loading and unloading
- Released liability coverage for loss or damage
Tell your moving company about the other services you need during the quote process. Services that lead to higher 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 Cincinnati, OH
Keep these tips in mind before moving to, from, or within Cincinnati.
Schedule an Early Move
The morning and evening rush hours in Cincinnati are widely known for their extreme traffic congestion. Movers stuck in traffic can also lead to higher costs when charged an hourly rate. Aim to plan your move either several hours before or after the morning rush hour to avoid this issue.
Avoid Busy Season
May to September marks the busiest moving season and Cincinnati's hottest time of the year. Moving at this time can slow or worsen your move, especially if you start searching for a mover too close to your move. The increased demand could lead to limited availability with your desired mover. If you plan in advance, you should be able to schedule with the mover you desire regardless of the month. However, the movers may be hampered by the heat.
Pack in Advance
You should start packing around six weeks before your move. Pack a few boxes every day to avoid rushing on the day of your move. Your movers may have some spare boxes with them for last-minute packing, but you shouldn’t depend on it. Most moving companies approach same-day packing requests similarly. In many cases, movers will not move loose items that haven’t been packed by the time your move is scheduled to start.
How Much do Movers Cost in Cincinnati, OH
Movers in Cincinnati cost $2,672 on average for moves less than 250 miles. It can cost up to $7,587 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 | $2,672 | $3,290 | $7,587 |
250-999 miles | $3,287 | $3,936 | $11,021 |
1,000-2,499 miles | $3,331 | $4,497 | $11,566 |
2,500+ miles | $3,277 | $5,573 | $13,725 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Moving in Cincinnati
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