Will Movers Pick Up From Two Locations?
Yes, most moving companies will pick up from two locations, but they charge extra for this service. Most moving companies pick up from two locations or more for an additional charge, with costs typically ranging from $150 to $500+ per extra stop. This service helps families who have belongings spread across multiple homes, storage units, or offices.
This article will cover everything you need to know about multi-location moves. You'll learn how these moves work, what they cost, and how to plan for a smooth experience.
How Multi-Location Pickups Work
Moving companies plan multi-stop pickups by creating a route that includes all your locations. Once you call and give the locations, the movers will establish a route to take to pick up your belongings. They will stop at the first location to pick up everything, and then make the additional stops you had planned.
The process is pretty simple:
- You tell the movers about all pickup locations
- They plan the best route between stops
- Movers load items from the first location
- They drive to additional stops and load more items
- Everything gets delivered to your new home together
Same-Day vs. Multiple-Day Pickups
Most nearby locations can be handled in one day. But if your pickup spots are far apart, the move might take several days. Depending on the distance between the locations, the pickups may happen on multiple days.
Common Reasons for Two-Location Moves
Families need multi-location pickups for many reasons. Here are the most common situations:
Combining Two Households
When couples get married or move in together, they often have belongings in two different homes. You may be combining two separate residences into one new one, as often happens with a marriage. This is one of the most popular reasons people need multi-stop moving services.
Storage Unit Plus Home
Many people store seasonal items, furniture, or boxes in storage units. If you're moving and need items from both your home and a storage facility, movers can pick up from both places on the same day.
Office and Home Items
Some people work from home and have office equipment at both locations. Business owners might also need to move office supplies along with household items.
Family Helping with Storage
Sometimes family members help store your belongings temporarily. Parents, siblings, or friends might be holding furniture or boxes that need to be picked up during your move.
Downsizing and Donations
Many of our customers have items they'd prefer to donate to a local charity rather than toss in the trash. By scheduling a stop at a donation center, movers for donations can ensure your usable items go to a good cause instead of ending up in a landfill.
Senior Moving Situations
Moving elderly family members often involves multiple stops. Some cherished furniture might go to a new assisted living apartment, while other items need to be handed down to relatives or donated.
Costs for Multi-Location Moves
The price for extra pickup locations varies a lot between companies. Here's what you can expect:
Average Extra Fees
According to move.org, the average cost for extra pickups or deliveries is $150-$500+. The final price depends on several factors.
Some companies keep it simple. Our pricing model is simple. You pay $149 per hour for a two-man moving crew and a moving truck. The factors that affect your total bill include the size of the load, the distance of your move, and the number of pick-up locations.
What Affects the Cost
Several things make multi-location moves more expensive:
Number of Locations Movers can stop at more than two locations if needed. However, this will add to the complexity and increase the cost. Each extra stop means more time and planning.
Distance Between Stops Consider how far it is between locations. More travel time means a higher bill. If your pickup spots are close together, you'll pay less than if they're across town from each other.
Amount of Items More items take longer to load into the truck. You might also need to hire a larger moving team, to be able to carry everything. Heavy or bulky items at multiple locations will increase costs.
Time of Year Moving during busy seasons (summer months) costs more than off-peak times. Allied Van Lines reports that off-season moves (October through April) are typically more affordable than peak season moves. Plan your multi-location move during slower periods to save money.
How to Plan a Two-Location Move
Good planning makes multi-location moves go smoothly. Here are the key steps:
Call Ahead and Confirm
Call and confirm with your moving company if you need them to pick up from two locations. They will be able to tell you if it is possible and what the additional fee is. Each company has different policies and restrictions, so when in doubt, call and ask.
Ask these important questions:
- What's the extra fee for additional stops?
- How far apart can the locations be?
- Do you need to be present at each location?
- What happens if one location takes longer than expected?
Get Multiple Quotes
Don't settle for the first quote you receive. According to Consumer Action, a leading consumer protection organization, you should contact at least three moving companies and compare their services before making a decision. It's a good idea to consult with several moving companies. Get multiple quotes. Ask about the fees. Weigh up multiple options to find the one that fits you best.
Create a Detailed Inventory
Make lists of what's at each location. This helps movers:
- Plan the right size truck
- Estimate how long each stop will take
- Give you a more accurate quote
- Load items efficiently
Organize Each Location
Before moving day, get each location ready:
- Pack boxes and label them clearly
- Take apart furniture that needs disassembly
- Clear pathways for movers
- Have important items easily accessible
Consider Being Present
Being present at the pick-up locations can make the moving process go a lot faster. Plus, it can give you a sense of security about your belongings. If you can't be there yourself, ask a trusted friend or family member to help.
You should be present to:
- Answer questions about items
- Check that everything gets loaded
- Sign any necessary paperwork
- Handle any unexpected issues
Multi-Location Delivery Options
Sometimes you need deliveries to multiple places instead of pickups. Sometimes, you might have all your goods in one place and want them dropped in two areas. There are many reasons this might happen. You might have some items going to your house, while others are going to a storage unit.
Common Delivery Scenarios
Storage and Home
Items for immediate use go to your new home, while seasonal or extra items go to a storage unit.
Divorce Situations Or, in the case of a divorce, splitting belongings between two people. This requires careful planning and clear labeling.
Family Distribution Some items might go to your new home while others go to family members who want specific furniture or belongings.
Making Multi-Delivery Easier
There are a few things you can do to make this type of move easier, including: Label the boxes. Use different colored labels or clear marking systems to show which items go where.
When packing your belongings, separate and label articles designated for different drop-offs so your movers can inventory and load items in a logical fashion.
Choosing the Right Moving Company
Not all movers handle multi-location moves the same way. Here's what to look for:
Company Experience
Look for companies that specifically mention multi-stop services. When hiring professional movers, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) recommends verifying that movers are properly licensed and experienced with complex moves. At Safe Responsible Movers, one of the questions we frequently hear is, "Will you make multiple stops during my move?" The short answer is yes. It's quite common for customers to need an extra pickup or an extra dropoff along the way, and we're more than happy to accommodate.
Clear Pricing Policies
Avoid companies with hidden fees. The best movers will explain exactly what multi-location moves cost upfront. National Van Lines charges a small fee for multi-stop deliveries, based on the number of locations and the distance between drop-off points.
Proper Licensing and Insurance
For moves within Edmonton and Alberta, make sure your mover has proper licensing. For moves between provinces, verify they're registered with federal authorities. Transport Canada oversees interprovincial moving regulations to protect consumers.
Check these credentials:
- Provincial or federal registration numbers
- Insurance coverage details
- Better Business Bureau ratings
- Online customer reviews
Flexible Scheduling
Whether you need two stops or ten, our friendly and professional team will work with you to create a moving plan that fits your unique situation. We'll coordinate with you every step of the way, ensuring we have the correct addresses, a clear timeline, and an efficient route.
Tips for a Successful Multi-Location Move
Follow these tips to make your move go smoothly:
Pack Smart
Use sturdy boxes and pack similar items together. Label boxes clearly with both the contents and destination room. This helps movers work faster and reduces your hourly costs.
Plan for Extra Time
Multi-location moves take longer than regular moves. Build in extra time for unexpected delays, traffic, or last-minute items you forgot about.
Have Payment Ready
Some companies require payment before unloading. Make sure you understand the payment terms and have the right amount ready in the accepted form (cash, check, or credit card).
Take Photos
Before movers arrive, take photos of valuable items at each location. This helps with insurance claims if anything gets damaged.
Keep Important Items With You
Don't put important documents, medication, or valuable jewelry in the moving truck. Keep these items with you during the move.
Alternative Solutions
If multi-location pickup fees are too expensive, consider these alternatives:
DIY Consolidation
Rent a small truck or van to move items from one location to another yourself. Then have movers pick up everything from a single location.
Storage Solutions
Some people use temporary storage to consolidate their belongings. Move everything to a storage unit first, then have movers pick up from just the storage location.
Multiple Moving Days
Instead of paying extra pickup fees, schedule separate moving days. This works well if you have time between moves.
Friends and Family Help
Ask relatives or friends to help transport smaller items to your main location. Save the professional movers for heavy furniture and appliances.
Working With Local Movers in Edmonton
If you're planning a multi-location move in the Edmonton area, local companies often provide more flexible services than large national chains. Edmonton movers understand local neighborhoods and can navigate efficiently between multiple pickup points.
Local advantages include:
- Better knowledge of area traffic patterns
- More flexible scheduling
- Personal customer service
- Competitive pricing for regional moves
Many Edmonton moving services specialize in complex moves and can handle multiple pickups throughout the metro area, including surrounding communities.
Making It Work With Your Budget
Multi-location moves don't have to break the bank. Here are ways to keep costs reasonable:
Get Everything Ready
The more prepared you are, the faster movers can work. This reduces hourly charges and saves you money.
Choose Off-Peak Times
Avoid busy moving days like weekends, end of the month, or summer peak season when possible.
Compare All Your Options
Get quotes for both multi-location pickup and alternatives like storage consolidation. Sometimes the alternatives cost less.
Be Flexible
If movers can combine your stops with another customer's route, some companies offer discounts.
Final Thoughts
Most moving companies will pick up from two locations, but expect to pay extra fees ranging from $150 to $500+ per additional stop. The key to a successful multi-location move is planning ahead, getting multiple quotes, and choosing a company with experience in complex moves.
Whether you're combining households, clearing out storage units, or handling a family move with multiple stops, professional movers can handle the job. Just make sure to communicate your needs clearly, understand the costs upfront, and prepare each location properly.
Ready to plan your multi-location move? Contact experienced local movers who can provide detailed quotes and help coordinate your complex moving needs. With proper planning and the right moving company, your multi-stop move can go just as smoothly as a traditional single-location move.