How to Choose the Best Local Mover in Arlington
Consider each moving company's customer reviews, licensing, services, and cost before choosing.
Determine Your Budget
Based on our findings, the average cost of a local mover in Arlington is $98 per hour. The overall cost adds up to $4,481 for a two-bedroom move. Factors that affect your actual cost include the season, your home size, move distance, and any additional tasks you need done.
We suggest getting quotes from at least three reputable movers in your area. Get written estimates, which should outline your total cost and the flat fee or hourly rate. Keep your mover's estimate on hand until the moving process is finished to ensure fair pricing.
Read Customer Reviews
Customer reviews are indispensable when evaluating moving companies. You can identify movers that prioritize positive customer experiences by reading reviews on platforms like Google Reviews, social media, the Better Business Bureau, Yelp, and Trustpilot.
Ensure Proper Licensing
Moving companies in Arlington must follow different licensing requirements depending on their service area. If you are only moving intrastate, your mover needs to be certified, bonded, and insured according to state regulations. The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles oversees intrastate movers.
If you're moving to or from another state, the regulations are different. Choose a company licensed with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). It should also have active United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers, which you can use on the FMCSA’s mover registration search tool to look up a mover’s registration status and complaint history.
Services
Assess whether the mover you chose can provide the services that meet your expectations while obtaining quotes. Make a list of any basic or add-on services you may require and take a comprehensive inventory of your home before requesting quotes. Furthermore, inform your moving company representative about any particular requirements or unique circumstances you may have to evaluate the company's ability to offer adequate service.
Types of Moving Services
For basic moves, full-service movers often include the following services in the standard price:
- Basic wrapping materials for furniture protection
- Loading and unloading
- Released liability coverage for loss or damage
Tell your moving company about the special services you need while going through the quote process. Services that can lead 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 Arlington, VA
Here are some extra tips to consider when moving in Arlington.
Schedule an Early Move
Arlington usually gets hectic during rush hour. Maneuvering through it can be more difficult in a moving truck compared to a personal-use car. Movers caught in traffic may result in delays and a higher cost since local moving companies charge by the hour. Try to plan your move either a few hours before or after the morning rush hour to avoid this issue.
Avoid Busy Season
The busiest time for movers—between May and September—coincides with Arlington's hot weather. This can negatively impact your move if you begin looking too late and can't find an available moving company. You should be able to schedule with the moving company you want by contacting companies at least eight weeks before your move. However, keep in mind that the heat may impact your movers.
Pack in Advance
Most movers won't transport items that haven't been packed by the time your move starts. You should begin packing around six weeks in advance. Pack a few boxes each day to avoid rushing on the day of your move. Your movers may have a few extra boxes with them for last-minute packing, but you shouldn’t depend on it.
How Much do Movers Cost in Arlington, VA
Movers in Arlington cost $2,723 on average for moves less than 250 miles. It can cost up to $8,212 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 | $2,723 | $3,569 | $8,212 |
| 250-999 miles | $3,341 | $4,245 | $11,585 |
| 1,000-2,499 miles | $3,393 | $4,822 | $12,397 |
| 2,500+ miles | $3,385 | $5,912 | $14,585 |
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