How to Choose the Best Local Mover in Salem
Make an informed choice by taking the following factors into consideration when choosing movers in Salem.
Determine Your Budget
The average cost of a local move in Salem is $67 per hour. The overall cost amounts to $4,249 for a two-bedroom move. Your home size, move date, move distance, and any additional services you need will contribute to your actual cost.
We suggest obtaining quotes from three or more reputable movers in your area. Remember to request written estimates. These should provide a breakdown of the total cost, including the flat fee or hourly rate. Hold onto your mover's estimate until your move is finished.
Read Customer Reviews
Good customer feedback is important for all moving companies. You can identify movers that provide good customer service by reading reviews on platforms like social media, Yelp, the Better Business Bureau, Google Reviews, and Trustpilot.
Ensure Proper Licensing
Moving companies in Salem must follow different licensing requirements depending on their service area. If you're only moving intrastate, 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 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 look up a mover’s registration status and complaint history.
Services
Assessing whether the mover offers the services you need is essential during the quote process. Get ready for the quote process by making a detailed inventory of your home and noting any services you might require. Share any specific requirements or unique circumstances with your moving company representative to assess if the company can fulfill your specific requirements.
Types of Moving Services
Full-service movers deliver 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 extra services you need while going through the quote process. Services that result in increased 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 Salem, OR
Consider the following before moving to, from, or within Salem.
Schedule an Early Move
Salem sees its fair share of traffic, and navigating this can be more difficult in a moving truck. Getting stuck in traffic can lead to delays and significantly impact your budget since local movers charge by the hour. Planning your move for the early morning will ensure that your movers get there before rush hour and make the trip to your new home in the middle of the day when traffic is lighter.
Avoid Busy Season
May to September marks the busiest moving season and Salem's hottest time of the year. Moving at this time can slow or worsen your moving process, especially if you begin your search for a moving company too close to your move. The high demand could make it harder to secure your desired mover. Plan ahead and secure your preferred moving company 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
We recommend you begin packing about six weeks in advance to avoid stressing over last-minute packing on your moving day. Packing some items each day can make the process less stressful. Most movers won't transport items that aren't packed by the time your move begins.
How Much do Movers Cost in Salem, OR
Movers in Salem 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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Frequently Asked Questions About Moving in Salem
What is the job market like in Salem?
What is the average cost of living in Salem?
How much would it cost to complete a move in Salem for a one-, two-, or three-bedroom house?
When should I begin contacting moving companies?
What items should I move myself?
- Art pieces
- Cash
- Family photo albums and other cherished photographs
- Firearms
- Hazardous items like pesticides and gasoline
- Jewelry
- Personal documents
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