How to Choose the Best Local Mover in Pasadena
Consider each moving company's customer reviews, licensing, cost, and services before choosing.
Determine Your Budget
According to our research, the average moving company in Pasadena costs $90 per hour. The average cost overall is $4,300 for two-bedroom homes. Your home size, move date, move distance, and any additional tasks you need the movers to do will determine your actual cost.
You should obtain quotes from a minimum of three movers in your area. Request written estimates that detail the total cost, including the flat fee or hourly rate. Keep the estimate from your mover and compare it to the final invoice to ensure fair pricing.
Read Customer Reviews
Moving companies rely on positive customer feedback. Reading customer reviews on Trustpilot, Yelp, social media, Google Reviews, and the Better Business Bureau will indicate which movers prioritize positive customer experiences. We suggest thoroughly researching customer reviews before choosing a moving company.
Ensure Proper Licensing
Moving companies in Pasadena must follow different licensing requirements depending on their service area. If you're making a short-haul move that's purely within California, choose a company that carries a California Bureau of Household Goods and Services license. You can verify a company's 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 the company’s registration status and complaint history on the FMCSA’s mover registration search tool.
Services
Assessing whether the mover provides the services you need is essential during the quote process. Conduct a thorough inventory of your home before requesting quotes and note down any basic or add-on services you might require. Tell the moving company about any special needs to determine whether the company is a fit.
Types of Moving Services
Full-service movers include 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
Inform your moving company about any other services you require while going through the quote process. Services that can lead 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 Pasadena, CA
Here are a few additional tips to keep in mind when moving to, from, or within Pasadena.
Schedule an Early Move
Pasadena traffic during the morning and evening rush hours is notoriously congested. Navigating gridlock in a moving truck is even more difficult than with a personal-use vehicle. Movers stuck in traffic will typically lead to higher costs if they charge by the hour. Scheduling your move for the early morning ensures that your movers get there before traffic peaks and head to your new home in the afternoon when traffic is lighter.
Avoid Busy Season
Moving season is the busiest between May and September. In Pasadena, this time overlaps with very hot summer weather, which can worsen your move. Plan ahead and schedule your chosen mover at least eight weeks in advance. You should also be prepared for the potential difficulties the summer weather may pose to your movers during a summer move.
Pack in Advance
You should begin packing around six weeks before your move. Pack a few boxes each day to avoid rushing on the day of your move. Your movers may have some extra boxes with them for last-minute packing, but you shouldn’t depend on it. Most movers only transport items that have been packed by the scheduled moving time, so you should finish your packing before their arrival.
How Much do Movers Cost in Pasadena, CA
Movers in Pasadena 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 Pasadena
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