How to Choose the Best Local Mover in Dayton
Consider each moving company's licensing, services, customer reviews, and cost before picking.
Determine Your Budget
According to our research, the average local mover in Dayton charges $39 per hour. The average cost overall is $4,165 for two-bedroom homes. Factors that affect your actual cost include any additional tasks you need done, move distance, your home size, and the season.
You should get quotes from three or more movers in your area. Ask for written estimates that outline the total cost, including the hourly rate or flat fee. Keep your mover's estimate on hand until the moving process is done to ensure fair pricing.
Read Customer Reviews
Moving companies rely on solid customer feedback. Take time to read customer reviews on websites such as Yelp, Google Reviews, Trustpilot, the Better Business Bureau, and social media to find moving companies with excellent customer service.
Ensure Proper Licensing
Moving companies in Dayton must follow different licensing requirements depending on their service area. If you're only moving within Ohio, 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 have 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
Assessing whether the mover offers the services you need is essential during the quote process. Take inventory of your home when requesting quotes and make a list of any additional services that might be necessary to ensure accurate pricing. Notify your moving company representative regarding any specific requirements or unique circumstances to see whether the company can provide suitable service.
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
If you require special services from your moving company, disclose these during the quote process. Increased pricing may apply for the following 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 Dayton, OH
Keep the following in mind before moving to, from, or within Dayton.
Schedule an Early Move
Dayton usually gets congested with traffic during rush hour. Navigating it can be more challenging in a moving truck compared to a standard personal-use car. Movers caught in traffic may result in delays and a higher cost since local moving companies charge hourly. We recommend planning before morning rush hour, which ensures the movers avoid the traffic and finish the move before evening.
Avoid Busy Season
Moving season is the busiest between May and September. In Dayton, this time overlaps with hot summer weather, which can worsen your moving experience. By planning your move at least eight weeks in advance, you should be able to secure your desired moving company. However, keep in mind the possibility that the hot weather could make the move more difficult for your movers.
Pack in Advance
Start packing about six weeks before your move so you won't have to rush at the last minute. You can pack a couple boxes each day to make the process more manageable. Most movers won't transport items that aren't packed when your move is supposed to start.
How Much do Movers Cost in Dayton, OH
Movers in Dayton cost $2,614 on average for moves less than 250 miles. It can cost up to $6,878 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 | $2,614 | $2,973 | $6,878 |
| 250-999 miles | $3,226 | $3,584 | $10,381 |
| 1,000-2,499 miles | $3,260 | $4,128 | $10,623 |
| 2,500+ miles | $3,154 | $5,188 | $12,749 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Moving in Dayton
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