How to Choose the Best Local Mover in Wilkes-Barre
You should consider several crucial factors when choosing a moving company. These are some things to look for when hiring movers in Wilkes-Barre.
Determine Your Budget
Based on our findings, the average cost of a local move in Wilkes-Barre is $39 per hour. The overall cost amounts to $4,124 for a two-bedroom move. Factors that affect your actual cost include any additional tasks you need done, your home size, the season, and move distance.
Consider obtaining quotes from at least three movers in your area to make an informed choice. Written estimates are essential in this process. They should have a total cost breakdown, covering the hourly rate or flat fee. Keep your mover's estimate readily available until the company has completed your move to ensure fair pricing practices.
Read Customer Reviews
Customer reviews are indispensable when looking into moving companies. Check sites like the Better Business Bureau, Google Reviews, Trustpilot, social media, and Yelp to learn about customer experiences with that moving company.
Ensure Proper Licensing
Moving companies in Wilkes-Barre must follow different licensing requirements depending on their service area. If you're only moving within Pennsylvania, your mover must carry a current PUC number from the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC).
If you're moving across states, 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
Asking whether the mover offers the services you need is essential during the quote process. Prepare for the quote process by making a detailed inventory of your home and writing down any services you might require. Moreover, tell your moving company representative about any special conditions or specific needs you may have to assess the company's ability to deliver suitable service.
Types of Moving Services
Full-service movers will provide the following moving services in the base price for basic moves:
- Basic wrapping materials for furniture protection
- Loading and unloading
- Released liability coverage for loss or damage
If you require additional services from your moving company, mention these during the quote process. The following services may result in increased pricing for your move:
- Crating for art or antiques
- Extra flights of stairs
- Long carries
- Packing
- Moving a piano
- Storage
- Unpacking
- Vehicle shipping
Tips To Consider When Moving in Wilkes-Barre, PA
Here are some extra tips to consider when moving in Wilkes-Barre.
Schedule an Early Move
Wilkes-Barre sees its fair share of traffic, and navigating this can be difficult in a moving truck. Getting stuck in traffic can lead to delays and impact your budget, as local movers charge by the hour. Scheduling 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 afternoon when traffic is lighter.
Avoid Busy Season
Moving season peaks between May and September. In Wilkes-Barre, this time overlaps with hot summer weather, which can slow or worsen your move. Plan ahead and schedule your chosen mover at least eight weeks in advance. You should also be prepared for the potential difficulties the hot summer weather may pose to your movers during a summer move.
Pack in Advance
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. Most movers approach 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 start.
How Much do Movers Cost in Wilkes-Barre, PA
Movers in Wilkes-Barre cost $2,600 on average for moves less than 250 miles. It can cost up to $6,701 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 | $2,600 | $2,894 | $6,701 |
250-999 miles | $3,211 | $3,497 | $10,221 |
1,000-2,499 miles | $3,243 | $4,036 | $10,389 |
2,500+ miles | $3,124 | $5,092 | $12,506 |
Ready to Get a Quote on Your Moving Project?
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Frequently Asked Questions About Moving in Wilkes-Barre
What is the job market like in Wilkes-Barre?
What is the housing market like in Wilkes-Barre?
How much do movers cost in Wilkes-Barre?
When should I begin contacting moving companies?
When is the best time to move?
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviewsteam@thisoldhousereviews.com.