Compare the Best Local
Moving Companies of 2023

Moving can be quite overwhelming, even when it's just a local move. Packaging, loading, offloading, unpacking, and organizing can be a real hassle, especially when you don't have much time on your hands. All these aspects can be even harder if you are handling the moving process alone. That is why most people partner with renowned local moving companies to guide them through the process and lift the weight off their shoulders. When moving, you must understand the basics of your moving project. Read on to help you prepare for what to expect and the kind of help you need.

Company Company Name Local and Long Distance Offers
Auto Shipping		 Rating Details
Allied Van Lines
Yes
Yes
4.8
North American Van Lines
Yes
Yes
4.7
Gentle Giant Moving Company
Yes
No
4.4
JK Moving Services
Yes
No
4.2
Bellhop Moving
Yes
No
4.1
Author: Helen McKenzie
January 18, 2023

Writer & Researcher

8 Min Read

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What is Considered a Local Move?

Generally, any move between two locations 50 miles or less apart is considered a local move. Unlike long-distance movers, local movers do not go beyond the state lines. In most cases, these kinds of moves are completed within a day and are charged hourly based on the ultimate travel time and fuel costs. Local moves could range from moving the contents of a furniture store to a new unit upstairs or moving a four-bedroom house up to 50 miles away.

Due to the short distance covered in a local move, people are sometimes tempted to handle the task independently. Sometimes, they might turn to friends, family, or unauthorized part-time movers. This could involve finding and hiring part-time labor from various sites online or simply renting a truck. Sure, this might seem like an easy way to grab a bargain and save money. However, remember the mover’s level of professionalism, credibility, and experience can define the success or failure of your moving process. Choosing part-time movers can increase the chances of delay or damage to your assets, translating to a negative moving experience.

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Why Should I Hire a Local Moving Company?

Local Moving Companies Have an Adequate Understanding of the Location

Generally, moving companies determine their rates based on the distance of travel, time, and materials used. So, what happens when you hire a giant moving company with no branch in your local area? In this case, chances are the giant moving company does not have enough experience in your location and its roadways. Consequently, they can charge you hefty amounts based on their assumptions of your exact location and expected road conditions. On the other hand, renowned and reputable local moving companies clearly understand your area, road conditions, and everything in between. Even better, they have mastered the best routes and shortcuts for quicker and safer deliveries.

Local Movers Can Handle All Types of Moving Requirements

Local moving companies are always ready and willing to listen to their clients’ needs and expectations. The best thing about such moving companies is they are well-equipped to handle all types of work based on your requirements. This might not be the case with corporate moving companies. They may not be interested in handling smaller shipping responsibilities due to the reduced profit margins.

Local Moving Companies are Affordable

Generally, local moving companies will only operate within their smaller designated areas and drive significantly smaller distances. These companies operate at lower costs which translates to reduced prices for the client compared to moving with interstate movers. Customers moving within the same vicinity are better off working with professional local moving companies.

Dedication, Credibility, and Reliability

If you think national moving companies are more trained, experienced, credible, and reliable than their local counterparts, think again. Contrary to popular belief, local movers are professionally trained, licensed, and insured. After all, these movers serve locally and therefore understand the local surroundings better, which means they are more experienced. Besides, local professional movers pay attention to the smallest details and guarantee the utmost client satisfaction as they have a local reputation to uphold. 
Local moving companies, especially those serving in small communities, are dedicated to helping their customers. They offer higher localization and dedication levels and are always willing to go the extra mile for their customers. With a smaller clientele base they want to maintain, these experts are willing to devote more time and attention to their customers.

How to Choose a Reputable Moving Company

There is no doubt that working with a professional local moving company saves you time, stress, and energy. It also increases the chances of a successful move. Partnering with an unprofessional, unreliable local mover will do more bad than good. You must take enough time to search and find a reputable local moving company to work with. Here is what to consider when choosing a local mover for your next move:

Start with Getting Referrals

Talk to your family members, neighbors, friends, or co-workers, especially those who have moved recently, and find out if they have a reliable local moving company they can recommend. Listen to their personal experiences of working with the company as these direct referrals are much better than online reviews. If you partner with a real estate agent, you can also ask them for a reliable referral. This can be a great place for you to start your research for local movers to contact.

Check Out Ratings and Reviews

Thorough online research can tell you so much about your prospective company. When researching a specific local moving company, be sure to check out their ratings and online reviews from previous customers. Your best move is to choose the company with the most positive reviews and highest ratings. Once you select your prospective local mover, confirm with the Better Business Bureau and ensure that the company is accredited and highly rated.

The Rule of Three All The Way

Do not go with the first company and price estimate you get. Instead, take time to interact with at least three companies. The companies will need an idea of the volume of contents to be moved to give you an accurate in-person statement. You should compare the three estimates alongside other factors such as reputation, experience, professionalism, and customer service before making a decision.

Your Local Mover Should be Licensed and Insured

Always work with a licensed moving company. This way, if anything goes wrong in the process, you will have recourse in the case of damage or company misconduct. Similarly, if your local moving company is insured, you will not have to bear the burden if things go wrong. This means the moving company will be able to compensate you if any of your cargo is damaged or destroyed during the move. Working with a licensed, bonded and insured company will give you the peace of mind that your valuable possessions are in safe hands. 

Pay Attention to Red Flags

The worst thing you can do is to ignore red flags when choosing the best moving company. For instance, a renowned local moving company will rarely ask you for a cash deposit before moving. If the mover seems overly eager to get your money, there is a high chance they are not legit. You must also pay attention to how the mover behaves right from the initial interactive stages. Did they show up late? Are they confident in their abilities? Are they professional and willing to communicate and answer questions? The answers to these questions will give you a clear picture of what to expect from the service.

Tips on Preparing For a Move

Forward Preparation is Key

It would be best to start planning for the move as soon as possible. You might begin by creating a weekly moving timeline and a checklist of what you need to handle before the moving day. Personalizing your moving timeline will help you complete your tasks in good time and help you stick to the right organization track. Some customers tend to take the local moving process too casually. After all, you are moving over a short distance, and you have all the time in the world. The closer you get to your moving day, the faster the days seem to pass by. Don’t relax until the entire moving process is complete..

Take an Accurate Inventory

Having an accurate inventory of the belongings you want to move will help you estimate your ultimate moving cost. Take time to account for everything you need and present it to your local moving company. Your inventory list will also make the insurance shopping process more manageable.

Set an Accurate Moving Budget

Take time to set your moving budget. An accurate budget should encompass all the moving costs, including the money required even after the move for repairs and other necessities. Remember to keep a copy of all your moving expenses in a dedicated moving folder.

Organize Packaging Supplies

Some local moving companies provide packaging supplies for their customers for a small fee. However, if you have decided to do it yourself, the first step is to get sufficient packing materials. These are mostly clean boxes that come in all sizes and shapes to accommodate and protect your possessions. The boxes should also have sturdy bottoms and efficient sealable top covers. You should have enough bubble wrap, packaging papers, color markers, and masking tape, among other essentials.

Do Not Hesitate To Declutter

Any prospective move, even your local one, is a great chance for you to reevaluate what you own. The moving process will cost you more time and money if you have many items to transport. Fortunately, some of your unneeded possessions can be gifted to family, friends, neighbors, or co-workers. You can also donate to your most preferred charitable organizations or sell them second-hand. Old and broken items that cannot be gifted, donated, or sold can be disposed of or recycled.

Frequently asked questions

How Much Do Local Moving Companies Cost?

The fact you are moving over a short distance does not allow you to underestimate your moving price tag. Your average moving cost will depend on the amount and type of possessions, the distance of operation, the size of the moving team, and the time required, among other factors. Getting an accurate free estimate is vital to you and your moving company. You must present an accurate inventory of your possessions. Sometimes, you might be tempted to under-represent the size of your inventory, especially when you are operating on tight budgets. Unfortunately, your moving costs will increase when the company finds a larger inventory than initially expected, and the process might take longer than expected.

Generally, most local moving companies will charge you between $25 to $50 per hour per mover. For instance, let’s assume that your move requires two people operating for four hours. In this case, you will pay between $200 – $400 to cater for labor. However, remember other costs will be incurred during the moving process, including gas, transportation fees, and materials.

Author: Helen McKenzie
January 18, 2023

Writer & Researcher

8 Min Read

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Helen McKenzie is a writer with more than 10 years of experience. She has always loved writing and started writing for her school newspaper and eventually became a staff writer for a major metropolitan publication. More recently, Helen has been a member of the iMove Research Team, where she seeks to provide the most accurate and up-to-date information about products and services available to consumers. In this role, she has conducted extensive research on topics such as moving companies, storage solutions, and real estate.

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