How to Choose the Best Local Mover in Bristol
A few factors you should consider when choosing a moving company include cost, customer reviews, licensing, and services offered.
Determine Your Budget
According to our research, Bristol movers charge $65 per hour on average. The typical local move costs $4,278 total for two-bedroom homes. Your actual cost will vary depending on the season, move distance, your home size, and any additional tasks you need your movers to handle.
We suggest obtaining quotes from a minimum of three reputable movers in your area. Don't forget to request written estimates. These should outline the total cost, including the hourly rate or flat fee. Hold onto your moving company's estimate until your move is finished.
Read Customer Reviews
Customer feedback plays a crucial role for moving companies. Visit sites like Yelp, the Better Business Bureau, Trustpilot, Google Reviews, and social media to gain insights into the typical customer experience with that moving company.
Ensure Proper Licensing
Moving companies in Bristol must follow different licensing requirements depending on their service area. If you are only moving within Pennsylvania, your mover must have an active PUC number from the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC).
The requirements change 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
Assess whether your chosen mover provides the specific services you need when requesting quotes. Take inventory of your belongings when requesting quotes and make a list of any basic or add-on services that you may need to ensure accurate pricing. Additionally, tell your moving company representative about any particular requirements or unique circumstances you may have to assess the company's capacity to provide satisfactory service.
Types of Moving Services
Full-service movers will include the following services in the base price for standard moves:
- Basic wrapping materials for furniture protection
- Loading and unloading
- Released liability coverage for loss or damage
Ensure that your moving company is aware of any special services you need in the quote process. Increased pricing 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 Bristol, PA
Keep these tips in mind before moving to, from, or within Bristol.
Schedule an Early Move
Bristol traffic during rush hour is notoriously hectic. Navigating gridlock in a moving truck is even more difficult than with a personal-use vehicle. Movers stuck in traffic typically leads to higher costs if they charge by the hour. Scheduling your move for the early morning ensures that your movers get there before rush hour and head to your new home in the afternoon when traffic is lighter.
Avoid Busy Season
May to September marks the peak moving season and Bristol's hottest time of the year. Moving at this time can slow or worsen your move, especially if you begin your search for a moving company too late. The high demand could lead to limited availability with your desired mover. You should be able to schedule with the moving company you want by contacting movers at least eight weeks before your move. However, keep in mind that the heat may impact your movers.
Pack in Advance
Most moving companies treat same-day packing requests similarly. In many cases, movers will not move loose items that haven’t been packed by the time your move is scheduled to begin. We recommend you begin packing about six weeks before your move to avoid rushing to pack when moving day comes. Spending time packing a couple boxes each day can make the process less stressful.
How Much do Movers Cost in Bristol, PA
Movers in Bristol cost $2,653 on average for moves less than 250 miles. It can cost up to $7,354 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 | $2,653 | $3,186 | $7,354 |
| 250-999 miles | $3,267 | $3,820 | $10,811 |
| 1,000-2,499 miles | $3,308 | $4,376 | $11,257 |
| 2,500+ miles | $3,236 | $5,447 | $13,405 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Moving in Bristol
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