Best 5 Movers in Richmond, VA

How to Choose the Best Local Mover in Richmond

Make an informed choice by taking the following factors into consideration when choosing movers in Richmond.

Determine Your Budget

Local movers in Richmond charge an average hourly rate of $39. A two-bedroom move in the area costs approximately $4,289 in total. Your actual costs will depend on the season, move distance, your home size, and any additional tasks you need your movers to handle.

Consider obtaining quotes from a minimum of three movers in your area to make an educated choice. Written estimates are crucial in this process. They should include a total cost breakdown, covering the hourly rate or flat fee. Keep your mover's estimate handy until the move is completed to ensure fair pricing.

Read Customer Reviews

Positive customer feedback is necessary for all moving companies. You can identify movers that provide good customer service by reading reviews on platforms like Trustpilot, Yelp, the Better Business Bureau, social media, and Google Reviews.

Ensure Proper Licensing

Moving companies in Richmond must follow different licensing requirements depending on their service area. If you're making a short-haul move that's purely within Virginia, your mover must be bonded, certified, and insured according to state regulations. The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles handles intrastate movers.

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

Asking whether the mover provides the services you need is essential during the quote process. Take inventory of your home before getting quotes and document any basic or add-on services that might be necessary to ensure accurate pricing. Notify the moving company if you have any specific conditions or needs to evaluate 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

Tell your moving company about the extra services you require while going through the quote process. Increased pricing may apply for these services:

• Crating for art or antiques
• Extra flights of stairs
• Long carries
• Packing
• Piano moving
• Storage
• Unpacking
• Vehicle shipping

Tips To Consider When Moving in Richmond, VA

Here are a few additional tips to consider for your Richmond move.

Schedule an Early Move

Richmond sometimes sees its fair share of traffic, and navigating this can be a challenge in a moving truck. Being stuck in traffic during your move can lead to delays and significantly impact your budget, as local movers charge by the hour. You can avoid this by booking movers several hours before or after morning rush hour.

Avoid Busy Season

The busiest period for moving, which falls between May and September, coincides with the summer heat in Richmond. This can slow or negatively impact your moving experience. By planning and booking at least eight weeks before your move, you should be able to lock in your desired moving company. However, be prepared for the possibility that the hot weather could pose difficulties for your movers.

Pack in Advance

Begin packing about six weeks before your move so you won't have to rush at the last minute. You can pack a couple boxes each day to make the process more manageable. Most moving companies won't carry items that haven't been packed by your scheduled moving time.

How Much do Movers Cost in Richmond, VA

Movers in Richmond cost $2,657 on average for moves less than 250 miles. It can cost up to $7,400 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.