10 best movers in Prairieville, Louisiana

International Van Lines is the best long-distance moving company for relocating out of Louisiana. If you're planning a local move in the Prairieville area, use the filters below to find other movers in your area.

Long-distance movers in Prairieville

A long-distance move means moving more than 50 miles away or to a different state. If you're crossing state lines, you need to be especially cautious that the moving company you choose has the necessary federal licensing. Interstate movers must have United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers. Input these numbers or the mover's name into the FMCSA's database to confirm a carrier's licensing status.

We’ve verified that the long-distance moving companies below are actively licensed. These experienced and reputable movers can help get your belongings safely and efficiently across state lines.

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4.7

Our Rating

Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.

• Includes one month of storage with long-distance moves
• Lists add-on service costs online
• Services all 50 states

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4.7

Our Rating

Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.

• Operates exclusively as a carrier
• Runs shuttles for moves between major cities
• Offers storage for high-value items and antiques

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3.7

Our Rating

Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.

• Offers flat rates for all long-distance moves
• Has secure storage facilities with 24/7 surveillance
• Includes packing and storage in all quotes

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Why is moving so expensive?

Moving within or out of Prairieville is fairly costly, as the average hourly moving rate is higher than the national average. This makes sense given that the cost of living in Prairieville is above 81.4% of the country.

Moving costs add up quickly based on what services you need. Here are some common moving costs:

• Professional labor
• Packing
• Junk removal
• Storage
• Fuel
• Supplies

Your total moving cost may also be impacted by these additional considerations:

Transporting specialty items

Moving companies may charge more to move fragile, valuable or oversized items. These common items can cost more to move:

• Heavy pieces of furniture or technology
• Pianos
• Safes
• Artwork and sculptures
• Family heirlooms or antiques

If you have to move any of these items, ask potential movers whether they charge extra for them.

Tipping your movers

While tipping your movers isn’t required, it’s common if your movers got your belongings to your new home safely and efficiently. For local moves, a typical tip is $5–$10 per mover per hour. For long-distance moves, tip $20–$40 per mover per day.

Unexpected delays

It's common for a move to be delayed due to issues such as traffic, transportation emergencies, a lack of supplies and inclement weather. These can raise your moving costs and extend your timeline. There’s no way to combat delays, but you can prepare for them by keeping a flexible schedule and budgeting 25% more than your movers quote you.

How to save money on moving costs

Consider these ways to lower moving expenses in Prairieville.

Be communicative

Avoid surprise charges the day of your move by being as communicative with your movers as possible. Be especially transparent about items you’re adding to your inventory after a virtual or in-person walkthrough with your movers.

While your movers can usually accommodate small items without issue, larger pieces such as new appliances or furniture should be discussed before the move. Additional fees may apply for these items, and your movers won’t begin the move until you’ve agreed to the charges.

Have a flexible schedule

Move in the off-season or during the week to lower the cost and reserve your movers of choice.

Most people schedule moves between May and September. If you have a flexible timeline, moving during less hectic months may result in less competition or lower ratesfor services.

Consider alternatives to professional movers

There are several alternatives if you can't find an affordable moving company.

You can handle the move on your own, but consider the labor required and the following costs:

• Fuel
• Moving truck rental
• Packing supplies

You may also need to ask family, friends or neighbors for help moving large or heavy items such as furniture. If you lack the time or support system needed for a DIY move, employing movers is a worthwhile investment.

Another option is to find movers on service marketplaces such as Fiverr or Thumbtack. Hiring hourly help can be more cost-effective, but gig workers may not have proper licensing or insurance coverage.

FAQ about moving in Prairieville

What’s full-service moving?

Full-service moving is when your hired movers manage the entire moving process for you. They provide packing supplies, pack your belongings, transport them and unpack them.

Full-service moving costs more than standard moving services, which typically only include the loading up and transport of your belongings. The cost can be justified, considering the time and labor packers save you, as well as covering the cost of packing supplies. Additionally, full-service moving can provide better insurance coverage, as self-packed goods are typically only insured up to 60 cents per dollar, and it can be challenging to get a claim accepted for self-packed damaged items.

How do you know a mover is licensed?

Legitimate moving companies will show proof of registration on all trucks, documents and facilities. Interstate moves require USDOT and MC numbers, so be sure to inspect their registration thoroughly before hiring movers by visiting the official FMCSA website. Moving companies in Louisiana are also required to have a license from the Louisiana Public Service Commission.

How does moving insurance work?

Estimate the total worth of your belongings to accurately choose the best insurance policy. All movers will offer released-value coverage, which protects your goods at a rate of 60 cents per pound per item. Getting this supplementary coverage will cost more, but may be worth it if you're moving expensive or rare items.

When is the best time of year to move?

The hotter months, spanning May through September, usher in peak moving demand, leading to constrained availability and inflated costs countrywide for big and small moves alike. This might dissuade you from a summer relocation given the price hikes. You also may want to steer clear of moving amid Prairieville's scorching summertime temperatures, as this could make relocating exceptionally difficult.

We recommend moving during the spring or early fall to experience the best possible weather and lower rates for service.

What things should I leave to the movers, and what should I transport myself?

To be safe, keep essential financial records, keepsakes and identification documents in your own car. We also recommend keeping expensive technology with you while moving.

Moving companies often limit insurance coverage on expensive items, like jewelry and heirlooms. Carry irreplaceable and valuable possessions in your own car if you're concerned about loss or damage.

Most movers refuse to transport certain items, including these:

• Fuel sources
• Toxic chemicals or cleaners
• Fertilizers
• Perishable foods and produce
• Batteries
• Flammable chemicals of any kind
• Compressed tanks or gas
• Plants
• Aerosols

Our methodology for selecting moving companies

The Homefront Local team employs a proprietary scoring algorithm that evaluates companies based on key factors you value, such as average customer review ratings and trustworthiness indicators. Our method for determining trust involves a comparative analysis of the number of reviews a company receives compared to its local competitors. This leads to companies that have earned more trust from your local community being awarded a higher score.

We review national moving providers against our full moving methodology. We score movers based on reputation and customer experience, service availability, cost and pricing practices, insurance options, customer service and communication.