How to Choose the Best Local Mover in Alhambra
A few factors you should consider when choosing a moving company include licensing, services offered, cost, and customer reviews.
Determine Your Budget
A local move costs between $53 and $77 per hour. Based on this, a standard two-bedroom move costs around $4,300 in total. Your actual costs will depend on move distance, your home size, the season, and any additional tasks you need your movers to handle.
We advise getting quotes from three or more reputable movers in your area. It's essential to get written estimates, which should outline your total cost and the hourly rate or flat fee. Hold onto your mover's estimate until your move is done.
Read Customer Reviews
Moving companies need customer reviews. Reading customer reviews on Trustpilot, Google Reviews, social media, Yelp, and the Better Business Bureau will show you which movers prioritize positive customer experiences. We recommend thoroughly researching customer reviews before selecting a moving company.
Ensure Proper Licensing
Moving companies in Alhambra must follow different licensing requirements depending on their service area. If you are only moving within California, choose a company that carries a California Bureau of Household Goods and Services license. You can verify a company's local license using the Transportation Carriers Lookup tool.
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 your chosen mover can provide the services that meet your expectations as you receive quotes. Take inventory of your belongings when getting quotes and note down any additional services that you may need to ensure accurate pricing. Moreover, tell your moving company representative about any extra services you may need to gauge the company's ability to offer suitable service.
Types of Moving Services
Full-service movers offer the following basic 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, inform them of these during the quote process. Increased pricing 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 Alhambra, CA
Keep these tips in mind before moving to, from, or within Alhambra.
Schedule an Early Move
Alhambra sees its fair share of traffic, and navigating this can be more difficult in a moving truck. Being stuck in traffic can lead to delays and significantly impact your budget since local movers charge by the hour. Aim to arrange your move either several hours before or after the morning rush hour to avoid this issue.
Avoid Busy Season
The busiest time for movers—between May and September—coincides with Alhambra's hottest time of year. This can negatively impact your moving process if you start your search too late and can't find an available moving company. You should be able to book the moving company you prefer by reaching out to movers at least eight weeks before your move. However, keep in mind that the heat may impact your movers.
Pack in Advance
Most movers only move items that have been properly packed by the scheduled moving time, so you should finish your packing before their arrival. Begin packing around six weeks before your move so you won't have to rush at the last minute. You can pack a few boxes each day to make the process less stressful.
How Much do Movers Cost in Alhambra, CA
Movers in Alhambra cost $2,661 on average for moves less than 250 miles. It can cost up to $7,446 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 | $2,661 | $3,227 | $7,446 |
250-999 miles | $3,275 | $3,866 | $10,894 |
1,000-2,499 miles | $3,317 | $4,424 | $11,379 |
2,500+ miles | $3,252 | $5,496 | $13,531 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Moving in Alhambra
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