How to Choose the Best Local Mover in Cranston
Consider each company's licensing, services, cost, and customer reviews before picking.
Determine Your Budget
According to our research, the average local mover in Cranston charges $75 per hour. The average local move costs $4,104 total for two-bedroom homes. Your home size, move date, move distance, and any additional tasks you need the movers to do will contribute to your actual cost.
You should get quotes from three or more reputable movers in your area. Ask for written estimates that provide a clear breakdown of the total cost and the flat fee or hourly rate. Keep the estimate from your mover and compare it to the final invoice to ensure fair pricing.
Read Customer Reviews
Customer reviews are indispensable when looking for a mover. Take the time to read customer reviews on websites like Google Reviews, social media, Yelp, Trustpilot, and the Better Business Bureau to find moving companies with excellent customer service.
Ensure Proper Licensing
Moving companies in Cranston must follow different licensing requirements depending on their service area. If you are making a short-haul move that's purely within Rhode Island, your mover is required to have a certificate to transport household goods from the Public Utilities Commission and Division of Public Utilities and Carriers.
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 check a mover’s registration status and complaint history.
Services
Assess whether the mover can provide the specific services you need when requesting quotes. Conduct an inventory of your home before requesting quotes and note down any basic or add-on services that you may need to ensure accurate pricing. Inform your moving company representative about any special conditions or needs to evaluate whether the company can provide suitable service.
Types of Moving Services
Full-service movers offer 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 require while going through the quote process. These services may result in higher pricing for your move:
- Crating for art or antiques
- Extra flights of stairs
- Long carries
- Packing
- Piano moving
- Storage
- Unpacking
- Vehicle shipping
Tips To Consider When Moving in Cranston, RI
Here are some additional tips to keep in mind for your Cranston move.
Schedule an Early Move
Cranston traffic during the morning and evening rush hours is notoriously congested. Navigating gridlock in a moving truck is even more challenging than with a standard personal-use vehicle. Movers stuck in traffic typically leads to higher costs if they charge by the hour. Try to arrange your move either a few hours before or after the morning rush hour to prevent this issue.
Avoid Busy Season
The busiest period for moving, which falls between May and September, coincides with the summer heat in Cranston. This can negatively impact your move. If you plan far enough in advance, you should be able to schedule with the mover you prefer regardless of the season. However, the movers may be hampered by the heat.
Pack in Advance
Most movers only carry items that have been properly packed by the scheduled moving time, so you should finish your packing before their arrival. You should begin packing about six weeks before you move. Allocate some packing time daily to avoid needing to pack at the last minute.
How Much do Movers Cost in Cranston, RI
Movers in Cranston cost $2,593 on average for moves less than 250 miles. It can cost up to $6,616 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 | $2,593 | $2,856 | $6,616 |
| 250-999 miles | $3,204 | $3,455 | $10,145 |
| 1,000-2,499 miles | $3,235 | $3,992 | $10,276 |
| 2,500+ miles | $3,109 | $5,046 | $12,389 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Moving in Cranston
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