How to Choose the Best Local Mover in Providence
Consider each company's customer reviews, services, cost, and licensing before choosing.
Determine Your Budget
The average hourly rate for local movers in Providence is $48. A two-bedroom move in the area costs around $4,104 in total. Your move distance, move date, home size, and any additional services you need will contribute to your actual cost.
We advise obtaining quotes from a minimum of three reputable movers in your area. Remember to request written estimates. These should provide a breakdown of 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
Positive customer feedback is important for all moving companies. Take the time to read customer reviews on websites like social media, the Better Business Bureau, Trustpilot, Yelp, and Google Reviews to identify moving companies that prioritize positive customer experiences.
Ensure Proper Licensing
Moving companies in Providence must follow different licensing requirements depending on their service area. If you're only moving 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 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 a mover’s registration status and complaint history on the FMCSA’s mover registration search tool.
Services
Assessing whether the mover offers the services you need is crucial during the quote process. Conduct an inventory of your belongings before requesting quotes and document any basic or add-on services that you may need to ensure accurate pricing. Moreover, tell your moving company representative about any extra services you may need to evaluate the company's ability to offer adequate 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 other services you need while going through the quote process. Services that can contribute to higher pricing are:
- Crating for art or antiques
- Extra flights of stairs
- Long carries
- Packing
- Piano moving
- Storage
- Unpacking
- Vehicle shipping
Tips To Consider When Moving in Providence, RI
Keep the following in mind before moving to, from, or within Providence.
Schedule an Early Move
Providence usually gets congested during rush hour. Maneuvering through it can be more challenging in a moving truck compared to a personal-use car. Movers caught in traffic may lead to delays and a higher cost since local movers charge by the hour. We advise planning before morning rush hour, which ensures the movers avoid heavy traffic and finish the move before evening.
Avoid Busy Season
Moving season is the busiest between May and September. In Providence, this time corresponds to hot summer weather, which can worsen your move. Plan ahead and schedule your chosen moving company at least eight weeks in advance. You should also be prepared for the potential challenges the summer weather may pose to your movers during a summer move.
Pack in Advance
You should begin packing around six weeks in advance. Pack a few boxes every day to avoid rushing on the day of your move. Your movers may have some spare boxes with them for last-minute packing, but you shouldn’t depend on it. Most moving companies only move items that have been properly packed by the scheduled moving time, so you should have everything boxed up before they arrive.
How Much do Movers Cost in Providence, RI
Movers in Providence 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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