How to Choose the Best Local Mover in Lancaster
You should consider several key factors when choosing a mover. These are some things to look for when hiring movers in Lancaster.
Determine Your Budget
Local movers in Lancaster charge an average hourly rate of $50. A two-bedroom move in the area costs around $4,049 in total. Your actual costs will depend on your home size, the season, move distance, and any additional tasks you need your movers to handle.
Consider getting quotes from at least three movers in your area to make an informed 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. Hold onto your mover's estimate until your move is complete.
Read Customer Reviews
Customer reviews are valuable when looking into moving companies. Visit websites such as Yelp, the Better Business Bureau, Google Reviews, social media, and Trustpilot to learn about the typical customer experience with that mover.
Ensure Proper Licensing
Moving companies in Lancaster 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 differ if you're moving to or from another state. In this case, choose a moving company licensed with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). The team should also have 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 crucial during the quote process. Conduct a thorough inventory of your home before requesting quotes and note any essential or additional services you may need. Notify your moving company representative about any specific requirements or unique circumstances to see if the company can provide suitable service.
Types of Moving Services
Full-service movers provide the following basic services as a part of their base price:
- 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 require during the quote process. Additional fees 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 Lancaster, OH
Here are some additional tips to consider when moving in Lancaster.
Schedule an Early Move
Lancaster traffic during the morning and evening rush hours is often congested. Navigating gridlock with a moving truck is even more challenging than with a standard personal-use vehicle. Movers getting stuck in traffic typically leads to higher costs since they’ll still be on the clock while in their trucks. Scheduling your move for the early morning ensures that your movers get there before traffic peaks and head to your new home in the afternoon when traffic is limited.
Avoid Busy Season
The peak moving season—between May and September—coincides with Lancaster's hot weather. This can impact your move if you begin looking too late and can't find an available moving company. If you plan far enough in advance, you should be able to schedule with the mover you prefer regardless of the season. However, your movers may be hampered by the heat.
Pack in Advance
Most movers treat same-day packing requests similarly. Movers will not move loose items that haven’t been packed by the time your move is scheduled to start in many cases. You should start packing around six weeks in advance. Pack a few boxes every day to avoid rushing when move day comes. Your movers may have a few spare boxes with them for last-minute packing, but you shouldn’t count on it.
How Much do Movers Cost in Lancaster, OH
Movers in Lancaster cost $2,574 on average for moves less than 250 miles. It can cost up to $6,387 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 | $2,574 | $2,754 | $6,387 |
250-999 miles | $3,184 | $3,341 | $9,938 |
1,000-2,499 miles | $3,212 | $3,873 | $9,971 |
2,500+ miles | $3,069 | $4,922 | $12,073 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Moving in Lancaster
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