How to Choose the Best Local Mover in Charlottesville
A few factors to consider when choosing a moving company include licensing, cost, services offered, and customer reviews.
Determine Your Budget
According to our research, the average local mover in Charlottesville costs $49 per hour. The average local move costs $4,348 total for two-bedroom homes. Your home size, move date, move distance, and any additional services you need will contribute to your actual cost.
Consider getting quotes from a minimum of three moving companies in your area to make an educated choice. Written estimates are essential in this process. They should include a breakdown of the total cost, including the hourly rate or flat fee. Comparing the estimate provided by your moving company to the final cost after your move helps ensure fair pricing is maintained.
Read Customer Reviews
Customer feedback plays a crucial role for moving companies. Looking at customer reviews on Trustpilot, Yelp, Google Reviews, social media, and the Better Business Bureau will indicate which movers have positive customer experiences. We recommend thoroughly researching customer reviews before selecting a moving company.
Ensure Proper Licensing
Moving companies in Charlottesville must follow different licensing requirements depending on their service area. If you're moving from one Virginia city to another, your mover must be bonded, insured, and certified according to state regulations. The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles handles intrastate moving companies.
The requirements are different if you're moving to or from another state. In this case, choose a mover licensed with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). The team should also have active United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers. You can see a company's registration status on the FMCSA’s mover registration search tool.
Services
Ask if the mover you chose provides the services that meet your expectations as you receive quotes. Get ready for the quote process by taking a thorough inventory of your home and noting any services you might require. Notify the moving company if you have any specific conditions or needs to determine whether the company is a good fit.
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
Ensure you inform your mover of any extra services you need during the quote process. The following 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 Charlottesville, VA
Here are a few additional tips to keep in mind when moving to, from, or within Charlottesville.
Schedule an Early Move
Charlottesville gets congested with traffic during rush hour. Navigating it can be more challenging in a moving truck compared to a personal-use car. Movers caught in traffic may result in delays and a higher cost since local movers charge by the hour. We suggest planning before morning rush hour, which guarantees the movers beat the traffic and wrap up the move before evening.
Avoid Busy Season
The busiest moving period, which falls between May and September, coincides with the summer heat in Charlottesville. This can negatively impact your move. If you book in advance, you should be able to schedule with the mover you prefer regardless of the season. However, the movers may be hindered by the heat.
Pack in Advance
We suggest you begin packing around six weeks in advance to avoid stressing over last-minute packing when moving day comes. Spending time packing some items each day can get the task done without overwhelming you. Most movers won't handle items that haven't been packed by your scheduled moving time.
How Much do Movers Cost in Charlottesville, VA
Movers in Charlottesville cost $2,677 on average for moves less than 250 miles. It can cost up to $7,651 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 | $2,677 | $3,318 | $7,651 |
| 250-999 miles | $3,293 | $3,967 | $11,079 |
| 1,000-2,499 miles | $3,337 | $4,530 | $11,651 |
| 2,500+ miles | $3,288 | $5,607 | $13,813 |
Ready to Get a Quote on Your Moving Project?
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Frequently Asked Questions About Moving in Charlottesville
What is the average commute time in Charlottesville?
Does Charlottesville have good schools?
How much do movers cost in Charlottesville?
When should I begin contacting moving companies?
How long should my move take?
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviewsteam@thisoldhousereviews.com.
