Tips on Hiring the Best Moving Company for Your Needs

Moving to a new house or office is an exciting chapter of your life. But it also comes with a fair share of changes, adjustments, and decisions you have to make. One of the first is choosing a good moving company, as that’ll make or break whether your move will be seamless and hassle-free.

Here’s why you should hire professionals instead of dealing with relocation by yourself:

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/hire-a-professional-mover/

With so many options available, it’s good to know what to look for in movers. That’s crucial to make the best decision and find the best moving company for your needs (and budget).

Assess Your Moving Needs

Moving is a process that requires careful and detailed planning. But you don’t have to take all these on yourself. Instead, let the professionals do the legwork. But before entrusting them with your belongings, assess your own needs. In most cases, you need movers to pack and transport stuff, but they provide additional services, too.

For starters, how far do you move? Do you go to the nearby neighborhood or another state? Depending on that, you can choose between companies providing local or long-distance relocation services. Local movers have great knowledge of your new location, while long-distance companies have the necessary licenses to do interstate or international moving.

Next, are there any fragile or valuable belongings you need to transport? These delicate items require extra care, so you should entrust them solely to companies specialized in transporting stuff like this. These can be all kinds of artwork, pianos, antiques, etc.

Do Your Research

Once you know what you’re looking for in movers (regarding services), your first step should be making a list of reputable companies. Try to gather as many details from friends, neighbors, or colleagues who’ve already worked with movers.

You can get helpful information from online reviews and unbiased websites like Yelp and BBB. Also, you can go with local listings. All these will help you verify movers’ credentials. The business should be licensed to operate and insured to bring their clients peace of mind.

For interstate moves, most moving businesses must have a USDOT number. You can check this information at the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Also, when these companies are members of some professional associations, like the American Moving & Storage Association, that contributes to their credibility and legitimacy.

Ask Questions and Review Contracts

Once you get in touch with best cheap moving companies, don’t think twice about asking them some questions of vital importance. You need to know how long they’ve been in business, whether they subcontract moves, or have in-house moving experts, how they secure items during transportation, how they handle disputes or complaints, etc.

References from previous clients come in handy, too. No reputable company with great ratings will say no to this request, so feel free to ask. Finally, before you sign anything, make sure to be completely familiar with the contract details.

In case you don’t understand something, ask for clarification. Reputable companies are honest with their clients and will do their best to provide clear answers to any doubt. With that in mind, never sign blank papers or a contract that seems incomplete.

Get Multiple Quotes

The whole point of researching moving companies is to find the one that suits your needs and budget best. That’s possible when you have a wide pool of movers, all with great reputations and niche experience. You reach a few of them, get quotes for required services, and compare their offerings.

Most companies offer two types of estimates, binding and non-binding ones. The first option is a fixed rate based on an on-spot or online survey of your home and belongings. On the other hand, binding quotes vary depending on your location, the item’s weight, and extra services you might need.

Detailed estimates break down all the expenses incurred during the moving process. These include packing, transportation, storage, and a variety of other costs. Don’t accept quotes from companies that don’t assess your items. Also, ensure that estimating these expenses is free.

Watch Out for Red Flags

Be cautious of any warning signs that might indicate a less-than-reputable moving company. For starters, these could be poor reviews and low ratings on sites like BBB. If there are many negative comments about movers’ professionalism, service quality, or communication, it’s clearly a red flag.

Next, steer clear of agencies asking for large deposits. Legitimate companies shouldn’t ask for more than a 20% deposit charge of the overall estimated cost of the move. Also, asking only for cash payments can be suspicious, as it usually leaves no trace of transactions.

When checking moving companies, make sure they have physical addresses, with offices and fleet parking areas. All their vehicles should be marked and branded. As for the movers’ websites, they should be user-friendly, with Terms of Services clearly stated. You must be familiar with these before signing anything.

Understand Services Offered

Moving companies offer a wide range of services, not just packing and transporting. For instance, some movers provide packing supplies, while others ask you to do so. This information allows you to determine which company suits you best.

Depending on the volume and complexity of your relocation, you might need temporary storage for your belongings. You can choose between mobile containers or warehouses; you just have to ask about their rates and availability.

As already mentioned, delicate and fragile items require extra care. Check if the movers can handle your valuable possessions such as electronics, glassware, or antique furniture. Also, ensure movers have proper insurance and coverage in case of liability for items like these. You can visit this website to learn more about insurance options while moving.

Finding and selecting the right moving company takes time and effort. All the research and planning seem in vain, but the outcome is worth all the time spent. Adhering to the tips mentioned in this article will help you ease this challenging endeavor and bring you peace of mind, knowing your belongings are safe on the way to your new home.

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Angela Foster

Angela Foster

Angela Foster, an Interior Design graduate from the Pratt Institute, has been a key contributor to our Home and Living section since 2016. With over 20 years of experience in the design industry, Angela has transformed countless spaces into beautiful, functional homes. Her articles offer practical advice and inspiration for readers looking to enhance their living spaces, from décor tips to home organization solutions.

https://www.mothersalwaysright.com

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