How to Choose the Best Local Mover in University Place
Consider each moving company's customer reviews, licensing, cost, and services before choosing.
Determine Your Budget
The average cost of a local mover in University Place is $95 per hour. The overall cost adds up to $4,259 for a two-bedroom move. Your move date, home size, move distance, and any additional tasks you need the movers to do will determine your actual cost.
We recommend obtaining quotes from at least three reputable movers in your area. Be sure to request written estimates. These should detail the total cost, including the hourly rate or flat fee. Comparing the estimate provided by your mover to the final cost after your move helps ensure fair pricing is maintained.
Read Customer Reviews
Customer reviews are indispensable when looking for a mover. Take time to read customer reviews on websites such as Trustpilot, social media, the Better Business Bureau, Google Reviews, and Yelp to identify movers with excellent customer service.
Ensure Proper Licensing
Moving companies in University Place must follow different licensing requirements depending on their service area. If you're only moving within Washington, your mover needs a permit from the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC). You can check permits on the UTC's list of household goods carriers.
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 the mover you chose can deliver the services that meet your expectations as you receive quotes. Get ready for the quote process by making a thorough inventory of your home and writing down any services you might require. Inform the moving company if you have any special needs to evaluate whether the company is a good fit.
Types of Moving Services
Full-service movers provide the following standard services as a part of their base price:
- Basic wrapping materials for furniture protection
- Loading and unloading
- Released liability coverage for loss or damage
If you need additional services from your moving company, mention these when requesting a quote. Additional fees may apply for the following 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 University Place, WA
Here are a few additional tips to keep in mind when moving to, from, or within University Place.
Schedule an Early Move
University Place traffic during the morning and evening rush hours is notoriously congested. Navigating gridlock with a moving truck is even more difficult than with a standard personal-use vehicle. Movers getting stuck in traffic during your local move typically leads to higher costs if they charge by the hour. Try to arrange your move either a few hours before or after the morning rush hour to prevent this issue.
Avoid Busy Season
The busiest moving period, which falls between May and September, coincides with the fairly hot temperatures in University Place. This can slow or negatively impact your moving experience. Plan ahead and book your desired moving company at least eight weeks in advance. You should also be prepared for the potential challenges the hot summer weather may pose to your movers during a summer move.
Pack in Advance
We suggest you begin packing about six weeks in advance to prevent rushing to pack on your moving day. Packing some items each day can make the process less stressful. Most moving companies approach same-day packing requests similarly. Movers will not move loose items that haven’t been packed when your move is scheduled to begin in many cases.
How Much do Movers Cost in University Place, WA
Movers in University Place cost $2,647 on average for moves less than 250 miles. It can cost up to $7,273 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 | $2,647 | $3,150 | $7,273 |
250-999 miles | $3,260 | $3,780 | $10,738 |
1,000-2,499 miles | $3,300 | $4,334 | $11,149 |
2,500+ miles | $3,222 | $5,403 | $13,293 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Moving in University Place
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