How to Choose the Best Local Mover in Galveston
Some factors to consider when choosing a moving company include customer reviews, services offered, licensing, and cost.
Determine Your Budget
A local move costs between $42 and $65 per hour. Based on this, a local two-bedroom move costs approximately $3,852 in total. Your actual costs will depend on any additional tasks you need your movers to handle, move distance, your home size, and the season.
We suggest getting quotes from a minimum of three reputable movers in your area. Get written estimates, which should break down your total cost and the flat fee or hourly rate. Comparing the estimate provided by your to the final cost after your move helps ensure fair pricing is maintained.
Read Customer Reviews
Moving companies depend on customer feedback. Check websites such as Yelp, Trustpilot, Google Reviews, social media, and the Better Business Bureau to gain insights into customer experiences with that mover.
Ensure Proper Licensing
Moving companies in Galveston must follow different licensing requirements depending on their service area. If you're making a short-haul move that's purely within Texas, choose a mover licensed by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles.
The requirements differ if you're moving to or from another state. In this case, choose a moving company licensed with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). The team should also carry active United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers. You can check a company's registration status on the FMCSA’s mover registration search tool.
Services
Assess whether the mover provides the specific services you need when requesting quotes. Conduct an inventory of your home before requesting quotes and make a list of any basic or add-on services that might be necessary to ensure accurate pricing. Furthermore, tell your moving company representative about any extra services you may need to assess the company's capability to provide adequate service.
Types of Moving Services
For basic moves, full-service movers often include the following moving services in the standard price:
- Basic wrapping materials for furniture protection
- Loading and unloading
- Released liability coverage for loss or damage
If you require special services from your moving company, share these when requesting a quote. These services may lead to 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 Galveston, TX
Keep the following in mind before moving to, from, or within Galveston.
Schedule an Early Move
Galveston sees its fair share of traffic, and navigating this can be a challenge in a moving truck. Getting stuck in traffic can lead to delays and significantly impact your budget, as local movers charge by the hour. Planning your move for the early morning ensures that your movers arrive before rush hour and make the trip to your new home in the middle of the day when traffic is lighter.
Avoid Busy Season
Moving season is the busiest between May and September. In Galveston, this time overlaps with very hot summer weather, which can worsen your move. If you plan far enough in advance, you should be able to schedule with the mover you want regardless of the month. However, the movers may be hampered by the heat.
Pack in Advance
Most movers won't carry items that haven't been packed by your scheduled moving time. You should start packing about six weeks before your move. Allocate some packing time each day to avoid last-minute scrambling on moving day.
How Much do Movers Cost in Galveston, TX
Movers in Galveston cost $2,506 on average for moves less than 250 miles. It can cost up to $5,550 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 | $2,506 | $2,380 | $5,550 |
250-999 miles | $3,112 | $2,927 | $9,183 |
1,000-2,499 miles | $3,129 | $3,438 | $8,859 |
2,500+ miles | $2,925 | $4,468 | $10,922 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Moving in Galveston
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