How to Choose the Best Local Mover in Lake Ridge
A few factors you should consider when looking for a moving company include licensing, customer reviews, cost, and services offered.
Determine Your Budget
The average hourly rate for local movers in Lake Ridge is $85. A two-bedroom move in the area costs around $4,421 in total. Your home size, move date, move distance, and any additional tasks you need the movers to do will affect your actual cost.
You should obtain quotes from three or more movers in your area. Request written estimates that break down the total cost and the flat fee or hourly rate. Hold onto your mover's estimate until your move is finished.
Read Customer Reviews
Solid customer feedback is important for all moving companies. Take the time to read customer reviews on platforms like the Better Business Bureau, Trustpilot, social media, Yelp, and Google Reviews to find movers that prioritize positive customer experiences.
Ensure Proper Licensing
Moving companies in Lake Ridge 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 movers.
If you're moving interstate, 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
Assessing whether the mover provides the services you need is essential during the quote process. Get ready for the quote process by taking a comprehensive inventory of your possessions and writing down any services you may need. Notify the moving company about any specific needs to determine if the company is a good fit.
Types of Moving Services
A full-service mover will include the following services for basic moves:
- Basic wrapping materials for furniture protection
- Loading and unloading
- Released liability coverage for loss or damage
If you need special services from your moving company, disclose these during the quote process. Services that result in increased pricing include the following:
- Crating for art or antiques
- Extra flights of stairs
- Long carries
- Packing
- Piano moving
- Storage
- Unpacking
- Vehicle shipping
Tips To Consider When Moving in Lake Ridge, VA
Here are a few additional tips to keep in mind when moving to, from, or within Lake Ridge.
Schedule an Early Move
Lake Ridge usually gets hectic during rush hour. Maneuvering through it can be more challenging in a moving truck compared to a personal-use car. Movers caught in traffic may lead to delays and a higher cost since local moving companies 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 less congested.
Avoid Busy Season
The busiest moving period, which falls between May and September, coincides with the summer heat in Lake Ridge. This can negatively impact your moving experience. Plan ahead and schedule your desired 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
Most moving companies won't transport items that haven't been packed by the time your move is supposed to start. We recommend you start packing around six weeks in advance to prevent stressing over last-minute packing on your moving day. Packing some items each day can make the process less overwhelming.
How Much do Movers Cost in Lake Ridge, VA
Movers in Lake Ridge cost $2,703 on average for moves less than 250 miles. It can cost up to $7,958 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 | $2,703 | $3,456 | $7,958 |
250-999 miles | $3,319 | $4,120 | $11,356 |
1,000-2,499 miles | $3,368 | $4,690 | $12,059 |
2,500+ miles | $3,341 | $5,774 | $14,236 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Moving in Lake Ridge
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