How to Choose the Best Local Mover in Wauwatosa
You should consider several important factors when choosing a moving company. Here are some things to keep in mind when hiring movers in Wauwatosa.
Determine Your Budget
The average hourly rate for local movers in Wauwatosa is $96. A two-bedroom move in the area costs approximately $4,354 in total. Your move date, home size, move distance, and any additional tasks you need the movers to do will affect your actual cost.
You should get quotes from three or more movers in your area. Request written estimates that outline the total cost and the hourly rate or flat fee. Keep your mover's estimate on hand until the move is done to ensure fair pricing practices.
Read Customer Reviews
Customer feedback plays a crucial role for moving companies. Check websites like social media, the Better Business Bureau, Google Reviews, Trustpilot, and Yelp to gain insights into customer experiences with that mover.
Ensure Proper Licensing
Moving companies in Wauwatosa must follow different licensing requirements depending on their service area. If you are making a short-haul move that's purely 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.
If you're moving across states, the regulations are different. Choose a company licensed with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). It should also carry 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
Asking whether the mover offers the services you need is essential during the quote process. Conduct an inventory of your home when requesting quotes and note down any basic or add-on services that might be necessary to ensure accurate pricing. Inform the moving company about any special conditions or needs to assess if the company is a fit.
Types of Moving Services
A full-service mover includes these services for standard moves:
- Basic wrapping materials for furniture protection
- Loading and unloading
- Released liability coverage for loss or damage
When seeking a quote from your moving company, discuss any additional services you require. Services that can contribute to higher pricing include:
- Crating for art or antiques
- Extra flights of stairs
- Long carries
- Packing
- Piano moving
- Storage
- Unpacking
- Vehicle shipping
Tips To Consider When Moving in Wauwatosa, WI
Consider the following before moving to, from, or within Wauwatosa.
Schedule an Early Move
Wauwatosa traffic during the morning and evening rush hours is notoriously congested. Navigating gridlock in a moving truck is even more challenging 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. Arranging your move for the early morning ensures that your movers get there before rush hour and make the trip to your new home in the afternoon when traffic is lighter.
Avoid Busy Season
The busiest period for moving, which falls between May and September, coincides with the fairly hot temperatures in Wauwatosa. This can slow or negatively impact your moving experience. If you book far enough in advance, you should be able to schedule with your preferred mover regardless of the season. However, your movers may be hindered by the heat.
Pack in Advance
You should begin packing about six weeks before your move. Spend some time packing each day to avoid needing to pack at the last minute. Most moving companies handle same-day packing requests similarly. Movers won't move loose items that haven’t been packed by the time your move is scheduled to begin in many cases.
How Much do Movers Cost in Wauwatosa, WI
Movers in Wauwatosa 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 Wauwatosa
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