How to Choose the Best Local Mover in Sumter
Some factors to consider when choosing a moving company include services offered, customer reviews, cost, and licensing.
Determine Your Budget
Based on our findings, the average cost of hiring a local mover in Sumter is $47 per hour. The overall cost amounts to $3,993 for a two-bedroom move. Factors that affect your actual cost include your home size, move distance, the season, and any additional tasks you need done.
We recommend obtaining quotes from at least three reputable movers in your area. Remember to request written estimates. These should outline the total cost, including the flat fee or hourly rate. Keep your mover's estimate and compare it to the final cost to ensure fair pricing.
Read Customer Reviews
Good customer feedback is essential for all moving companies. Read customer reviews on sites like social media, Google Reviews, Yelp, Trustpilot, and the Better Business Bureau to find movers with excellent customer service.
Ensure Proper Licensing
Moving companies in Sumter must follow different licensing requirements depending on their service area. If you are making a short-haul move that's purely within South Carolina, your mover must be registered with the South Carolina Office of Regulatory Staff (ORS).
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 the company’s registration status and complaint history on the FMCSA’s mover registration search tool.
Services
Asking whether the mover provides the services you need is essential during the quote process. Take inventory of your home before getting quotes and make a list of any additional services that you may need to ensure accurate pricing. Share any specific requirements or unique circumstances with your moving company representative to assess if the company can accommodate your specific requirements.
Types of Moving Services
Full-service movers include the following standard services as a part of their base price:
- Basic wrapping materials for furniture protection
- Loading and unloading
- Released liability coverage for loss or damage
If you need additional services from your moving company, mention these when requesting a quote. The following services may result in higher 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 Sumter, SC
Here are a few additional tips to consider for your Sumter move.
Schedule an Early Move
Sumter traffic during the morning and evening rush hours is often hectic. Navigating gridlock in a moving truck is even more difficult than with a standard personal-use vehicle. Movers getting stuck in traffic typically leads to higher costs since they’ll still be on the clock. Aim to schedule your move either a few hours before or after the morning rush hour to prevent this issue.
Avoid Busy Season
Moving season peaks between May and September. In Sumter, this time coincides with very hot summer weather, which can delay or worsen your moving experience. You should be able to book the moving company you prefer by reaching out to movers well in advance. However, remember that the heat may still present challenges for your movers.
Pack in Advance
You should begin packing around six weeks before your move. Pack a few boxes each day to avoid rushing on the day of your move. Your movers may have a few spare boxes with them for last-minute packing, but you shouldn’t count on it. Most movers won't move items that haven't been packed by your scheduled moving time.
How Much do Movers Cost in Sumter, SC
Movers in Sumter cost $2,555 on average for moves less than 250 miles. It can cost up to $6,146 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 | $2,555 | $2,647 | $6,146 |
250-999 miles | $3,163 | $3,222 | $9,721 |
1,000-2,499 miles | $3,188 | $3,748 | $9,652 |
2,500+ miles | $3,028 | $4,792 | $11,743 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Moving in Sumter
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