How to Choose the Best Local Mover in Milwaukee
A few factors you should consider when choosing a moving company include licensing, cost, customer reviews, and services offered.
Determine Your Budget
A local move costs between $39 and $57 per hour. Based on this, a standard two-bedroom move costs around $4,354 overall. Your move date, move distance, home size, and any additional tasks you need the movers to do will affect your actual cost.
Consider getting quotes from three or more reputable moving companies in your area to make an informed choice. Written estimates are crucial in this process. They should contain a breakdown of the total cost, including the hourly rate or flat fee. Comparing the estimate provided by your mover to the final cost after the move helps ensure fair pricing.
Read Customer Reviews
Moving companies rely on positive customer reviews. Reading customer reviews on Yelp, social media, the Better Business Bureau, Google Reviews, and Trustpilot will show you which movers prioritize positive customer experiences. We suggest thoroughly researching customer reviews before selecting a moving company.
Ensure Proper Licensing
Moving companies in Milwaukee must follow different licensing requirements depending on their service area. If you're only moving within Wisconsin, your mover must hold a certificate from the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, which will have the letters "LC" and the mover's authority number.
The requirements change if you're moving to or from another state. In this case, choose a company 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 find a company's registration status on the FMCSA’s mover registration search tool.
Services
Assess whether your chosen mover can provide the services that align with your expectations as you receive quotes. Get ready for the quote process by making a comprehensive inventory of your belongings and noting any services you might require. Tell the moving company if you have any specific conditions or needs to assess whether the company is a good fit.
Types of Moving Services
For basic moves, full-service movers will include the following services in the 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, disclose these during 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 Milwaukee, WI
Here are some additional tips to consider when moving in Milwaukee.
Schedule an Early Move
Milwaukee sees its fair share of traffic, and navigating this can be difficult in a moving truck. Getting stuck in traffic during your move can lead to delays and impact your budget, as local movers charge by the hour. Aim to schedule your move either several hours before or after the morning rush hour to prevent this issue.
Avoid Busy Season
Moving season is the busiest between May and September. In Milwaukee, this time overlaps with fairly hot summer weather, which can worsen your move. Plan ahead and secure your chosen 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
Begin packing around six weeks before your move to avoid rushing at the last minute. You can pack a couple boxes each day to make the process more manageable. Most moving companies only transport items that have been packed by the scheduled moving time, so you should finish your packing before they arrive.
How Much do Movers Cost in Milwaukee, WI
Movers in Milwaukee cost $2,679 on average for moves less than 250 miles. It can cost up to $7,676 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 | $2,679 | $3,330 | $7,676 |
250-999 miles | $3,295 | $3,980 | $11,101 |
1,000-2,499 miles | $3,340 | $4,543 | $11,684 |
2,500+ miles | $3,292 | $5,621 | $13,847 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Moving in Milwaukee
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