How to Choose the Best Local Mover in Alexandria
Make an informed choice by considering the following crucial factors when choosing movers in Alexandria.
Determine Your Budget
Based on our findings, the average cost of a local mover in Alexandria is $81 per hour. The overall cost amounts to $3,779 for a two-bedroom move. Your home size, move date, move distance, and any additional services you need will determine your actual cost.
You should obtain quotes from three or more movers in your area. Ask for written estimates that provide a clear breakdown of the total cost and the flat fee or hourly rate. Comparing the estimate provided by your to the final cost after the move helps ensure fair pricing is maintained.
Read Customer Reviews
Moving companies depend on solid customer reviews. Reading customer reviews on Yelp, the Better Business Bureau, Trustpilot, Google Reviews, and social media will show you which movers have positive customer experiences. We suggest thoroughly researching customer reviews before selecting a moving company.
Ensure Proper Licensing
Moving companies in Alexandria must follow different licensing requirements depending on their service area. If you are only moving within Virginia, your mover must be insured, bonded, and certified according to state regulations. The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles oversees intrastate moving companies.
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
Ask if your chosen mover provides the services that align with your expectations as you receive quotes. Prepare for the quote process by taking a comprehensive inventory of your home and noting any services you might require. Discuss any special conditions or needs with your moving company representative in order to assess if the company can fulfill your specific requirements.
Types of Moving Services
For basic moves, full-service movers often include the following moving services in the starting cost:
- Basic wrapping materials for furniture protection
- Loading and unloading
- Released liability coverage for loss or damage
When requesting a quote from your moving company, communicate any services you need. 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 Alexandria, VA
Keep the following in mind before moving to, from, or within Alexandria.
Schedule an Early Move
The morning and evening rush hours in Alexandria are widely known for their extreme traffic congestion. Movers stuck in traffic can also lead to higher costs when charged an hourly rate. Arranging your move for the early morning will ensure that your movers arrive before rush hour and head to your new home in the afternoon when traffic is limited.
Avoid Busy Season
Moving season is the busiest between May and September. In Alexandria, this time corresponds to hot summer weather, which can delay or worsen your move. Plan ahead and secure your chosen mover at least eight weeks in advance. You should also be prepared for the potential difficulties the summer weather may pose to your movers during a summer move.
Pack in Advance
You should begin packing about six weeks before you move. Spend some time packing each day to prevent needing to pack at the last minute. Most moving companies handle same-day packing requests similarly. Movers won't move loose items that haven’t been packed by the time your move is scheduled to start in many cases.
How Much do Movers Cost in Alexandria, VA
Movers in Alexandria cost $2,481 on average for moves less than 250 miles. It can cost up to $5,242 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 | $2,481 | $2,243 | $5,242 |
250-999 miles | $3,085 | $2,774 | $8,905 |
1,000-2,499 miles | $3,098 | $3,278 | $8,451 |
2,500+ miles | $2,871 | $4,302 | $10,499 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Moving in Alexandria
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