How to Choose the Best Local Mover in Albany
You should consider several important factors when choosing a moving company. Here are some things to look out for when hiring movers in Albany.
Determine Your Budget
A local move costs between $58 and $81 per hour. Based on this, a standard two-bedroom move costs approximately $4,249 in total. Factors that affect your actual cost include any additional tasks you need done, move distance, your home size, and the season.
Consider getting quotes from at least three reputable movers in your area to make an informed choice. Written estimates are important in this process. They should include a total cost breakdown, including the hourly rate or flat fee. Hold onto your mover's estimate until your move is done.
Read Customer Reviews
Positive customer feedback is important for all moving companies. You can find moving companies that provide good customer service by reading reviews on platforms like social media, the Better Business Bureau, Trustpilot, Google Reviews, and Yelp.
Ensure Proper Licensing
Moving companies in Albany must follow different licensing requirements depending on their service area. If you're moving from one Oregon city to another, you'll need to select a mover licensed by the Oregon Department of Transportation. By law, their team must also give you a Moving Household Goods in Oregon General Information Bulletin.
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 provides the services you need during the quote process. Create a list of any services you may require and take a comprehensive inventory of your home before requesting quotes. Share any special conditions or needs with your moving company representative in order to evaluate if the company can fulfill your specific requirements.
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
If you need special services from your moving company, mention 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 Albany, OR
Here are some additional tips to keep in mind for your Albany move.
Schedule an Early Move
Albany sometimes 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 impact your budget, as local movers charge by the hour. Arranging your move for the early morning will ensure that your movers get there before traffic peaks and make the trip to your new home in the middle of the day when traffic is lighter.
Avoid Busy Season
The busiest moving period, which falls between May and September, coincides with the summer heat in Albany. This can slow or negatively impact your move. By planning your move at least eight weeks in advance, you should be able to secure the moving company you want. However, be prepared for the possibility that the hot weather could make the move more difficult for your movers.
Pack in Advance
Most moving companies approach same-day packing requests similarly. In many cases, movers will not move loose items that haven’t been packed when your move is scheduled to start. Start packing about six weeks before your move so you won't have to rush at the last minute. You can pack a few boxes each day to make the process more manageable.
How Much do Movers Cost in Albany, OR
Movers in Albany cost $2,643 on average for moves less than 250 miles. It can cost up to $7,231 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 | $2,643 | $3,131 | $7,231 |
250-999 miles | $3,257 | $3,759 | $10,699 |
1,000-2,499 miles | $3,295 | $4,312 | $11,092 |
2,500+ miles | $3,215 | $5,380 | $13,235 |
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