How to Choose the Best Local Mover in San Marcos
Consider each company's services, customer reviews, cost, and licensing before choosing.
Determine Your Budget
The average hourly rate for a local mover in San Marcos is $45. Based on this, a standard two-bedroom move costs around $4,653 in total. Factors that contribute to your actual cost include your home size, any additional tasks you need done, move distance, and the season.
You should get quotes from three or more movers in your area. Request written estimates that break down the total cost and the hourly rate or flat fee. Keep your mover's estimate on hand until the company has completed your move to ensure fair pricing practices.
Read Customer Reviews
Moving companies rely on solid customer feedback. Reading customer reviews on the Better Business Bureau, social media, Yelp, Trustpilot, and Google Reviews will indicate which movers prioritize positive customer experiences. We suggest thoroughly researching customer reviews before choosing a moving company.
Ensure Proper Licensing
Moving companies in San Marcos must follow different licensing requirements depending on their service area. If you are only moving intrastate, choose a mover licensed by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles.
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 offers the specific services you need during the quote process. Get ready for the quote process by taking a detailed inventory of your home and noting any services you may need. Inform your moving company representative regarding any specific requirements or unique circumstances to evaluate if the company can provide adequate service.
Types of Moving Services
For basic moves, full-service movers often include the following services in the starting cost:
- Basic wrapping materials for furniture protection
- Loading and unloading
- Released liability coverage for loss or damage
Tell your moving company about the other services you require while going through the quote process. Services that can lead to higher pricing include:
- Crating for art or antiques
- Extra flights of stairs
- Long carries
- Packing
- Piano moving
- Storage
- Unpacking
- Vehicle shipping
Tips To Consider When Moving in San Marcos, TX
Here are some additional tips to keep in mind when moving in San Marcos.
Schedule an Early Move
San Marcos gets congested with traffic during rush hour. Navigating it can be more difficult 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. Try to plan your move either several hours before or after the morning rush hour to avoid this issue.
Avoid Busy Season
Moving season is the busiest between May and September. In San Marcos, this time overlaps with very hot summer weather, which can slow or worsen your moving experience. You should be able to secure the moving company you prefer by contacting movers at least eight weeks before your move. However, keep in mind that the heat may still present challenges for your movers.
Pack in Advance
You should start 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 depend on it. Most movers approach same-day packing requests similarly. In many cases, movers won't move loose items that haven’t been packed when your move is scheduled to begin.
How Much do Movers Cost in San Marcos, TX
Movers in San Marcos cost $2,783 on average for moves less than 250 miles. It can cost up to $8,940 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 | $2,783 | $3,894 | $8,940 |
| 250-999 miles | $3,404 | $4,606 | $12,242 |
| 1,000-2,499 miles | $3,465 | $5,201 | $13,363 |
| 2,500+ miles | $3,510 | $6,306 | $15,586 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Moving in San Marcos
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