How to Choose the Best Local Mover in Rapid City
Make an informed choice by taking the following factors into consideration when choosing movers in Rapid City.
Determine Your Budget
The average hourly rate for local movers in Rapid City is $60. A two-bedroom move in the area costs around $4,108 in total. Factors that contribute to your actual cost include any additional tasks you need done, your home size, move distance, and the season.
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, 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
Customer feedback plays an important role for moving companies. You can identify moving companies that prioritize positive customer experiences by reading reviews on platforms like Trustpilot, social media, Google Reviews, Yelp, and the Better Business Bureau.
Ensure Proper Licensing
Moving companies in Rapid City must follow different licensing requirements depending on their service area. If you're only moving intrastate, no state license is required.
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
Assess whether the mover you chose can provide the services that align with your expectations when requesting quotes. Get ready for the quote process by making a thorough inventory of your possessions and writing down any services you may need. Furthermore, tell your moving company representative about any extra services you may need to gauge the company's capability to deliver satisfactory service.
Types of Moving Services
A full-service mover will include these services for standard moves:
- Basic wrapping materials for furniture protection
- Loading and unloading
- Released liability coverage for loss or damage
Make sure that your moving company is informed of any special services you need during the quote process. The following services may lead to increased 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 Rapid City, SD
Here are some additional tips to consider when moving in Rapid City.
Schedule an Early Move
Rapid City gets hectic 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. You can prevent this by scheduling your move a few hours before or after morning rush hour.
Avoid Busy Season
May to September marks the busiest moving season and Rapid City's hottest time of the year. Moving during this time can slow or worsen your moving process, particularly if you start searching for a mover too late. The increased demand could reduce your chances of securing your desired mover. By planning and booking at least eight weeks before your move, you should be able to secure the moving company you want. However, keep in mind the possibility that the hot weather could make the move more difficult for your movers.
Pack in Advance
Most movers won't carry items that haven't been packed by your scheduled moving time. You should start packing around six weeks before your move. Pack a few boxes each 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 depend on it.
How Much do Movers Cost in Rapid City, SD
Movers in Rapid City cost $2,594 on average for moves less than 250 miles. It can cost up to $6,634 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 | $2,594 | $2,864 | $6,634 |
| 250-999 miles | $3,205 | $3,464 | $10,161 |
| 1,000-2,499 miles | $3,236 | $4,002 | $10,299 |
| 2,500+ miles | $3,112 | $5,056 | $12,414 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Moving in Rapid City
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