How to Choose the Best Local Mover in Lakewood
A few factors to consider when choosing a moving company include licensing, customer reviews, services offered, and cost.
Determine Your Budget
The average hourly rate for local movers in Lakewood is $62. A two-bedroom move in the area costs approximately $4,301 in total. Your actual cost will depend on any additional tasks you need your movers to handle, move distance, your home size, and the season.
You should obtain quotes from three or more reputable movers in your area. Request written estimates that provide a clear breakdown of the total cost, including the hourly rate or flat fee. Keep the estimate from your mover and compare it to the final cost to ensure fair pricing.
Read Customer Reviews
Customer feedback plays a crucial role for moving companies. You can find movers that prioritize positive customer experiences by reading reviews on platforms like the Better Business Bureau, Trustpilot, social media, Yelp, and Google Reviews.
Ensure Proper Licensing
Moving companies in Lakewood 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.
The requirements are a bit different if you're moving to or from another state. In this case, choose a mover licensed with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). The team should also carry active United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers. You can see a company's registration status on the FMCSA’s mover registration search tool.
Services
Asking whether the mover provides the services you need is essential during the quote process. Get ready for the quote process by making a thorough inventory of your belongings and noting any services you might require. Discuss any special conditions or needs with your moving company representative in order to determine if the company is able to meet your particular needs.
Types of Moving Services
A full-service mover includes these services for standard moves:
- Basic wrapping materials for furniture protection
- Loading and unloading
- Released liability coverage for loss or damage
Inform your moving company about any extra services you need while going through 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 Lakewood, OH
Keep the following in mind before moving to, from, or within Lakewood.
Schedule an Early Move
Lakewood sees its fair share of traffic, and navigating this can be a challenge in a moving truck. Getting stuck in traffic can lead to delays and significantly impact your budget, as local movers charge by the hour. Try to plan your move either a few hours before or after the morning rush hour to avoid this issue.
Avoid Busy Season
The busiest period for moving, which falls between May and September, coincides with the summer heat in Lakewood. This can slow or negatively impact your move. Plan ahead and secure your preferred mover at least eight weeks in advance. You should also be prepared for the potential difficulties the summer weather may pose to your movers during a summer move.
Pack in Advance
Most movers won't move items that haven't been packed when your move starts. 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 less stressful.
How Much do Movers Cost in Lakewood, OH
Movers in Lakewood cost $2,661 on average for moves less than 250 miles. It can cost up to $7,450 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 | $2,661 | $3,229 | $7,450 |
250-999 miles | $3,276 | $3,868 | $10,897 |
1,000-2,499 miles | $3,317 | $4,426 | $11,383 |
2,500+ miles | $3,253 | $5,498 | $13,536 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Moving in Lakewood
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