You’ve found a new home you’re excited to move to and you know when you’re going to move. The next step is choosing a moving company, but how? Choosing a less than ideal moving company can hinder your moving experience and cause problems that you will have to pay to fix later. So you should make sure to not skimp out when it comes to searching for the best people to help you with your move.
There are also all sorts of benefits in hiring some movers, especially when it comes to having someone do the heavy lifting for you, the difficult large truck driving, and making adjustments to your furniture placements. Good movers can make your move safer and less stressful.
Here is our guide to how to choose a moving company.
What to Look For in a Moving Company
Range of Services
Part of knowing what to look for in a moving company is knowing what you want from a moving company. Not all moving companies provide full-service, which means while they will help you carry and transport your items, they may not offer services in packing and furniture assembly. Certain moving companies might also be focused on specific types of moves, such as home moving or office moving. You might also have some special items, such as a piano. Not all movers have the capacity to move specialized items.
When choosing a moving company it’s important to look through what a moving company has to offer and if their services include everything you want from a moving company before you settle on one.
Availability
You may have found what seems like the perfect moving company, but it won’t work unless they are available for your move-date. Always check to see if a company can meet your schedule.
Certifications and Insurance
To add a layer of safety and peace of mind to your move, you can look for movers with certifications and insurance. These credentials can help ensure that the moving company has the right reputation, experience, and legal liability. You are placing a great deal of trust in your movers as they hold valuable possessions, and you are counting on them to deliver on time.
If you’re moving interstate, you can check the mover’s number issued by the Department of Transportation, which is required for transporting goods between states. You should also look up a company in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Association database.
Transparency
It’s a good sign if a moving company is willing to visit your home to provide a more accurate quote. This gives you more insight to how the quote is created and that the company is dedicated to service.
How to Find Good Movers
Know What You’re Looking For
The best movers are the ones that are best suited to your needs. Know where you’re moving into, how far it is from your original location, and when you’ll be moving. Having this understanding will help you find movers who can best assist you.
Ask Around
Word of mouth is a great way to learn about movers from people you personally know. Ask your friends and family, especially if you know someone who has moved to the area or is nearby. What has their moving experience been like? Are there any movers they know to steer clear of? What are some companies that people constantly praise? Did someone hire a famous moving company, only to run into unexpected fees?
Hearing what other people have to say about moving companies can help give you a better idea of what you’re looking for and how to find it.
Check Out Local Companies
There are many reasons to support small businesses, but local moving companies can be a good place to start when looking for movers. Not only will you get personalized service, but you will be hiring movers who are familiar with the local area. They would know how to navigate the roads and neighborhoods, and might even be familiar with parking. Local movers will help you move swiftly and effectively.
Look Through Reviews
See what other people have to say about the moving company. Check out testimonials and reviews both on the mover’s website and other sites.
Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Questions
Feel free to contact a moving company you are interested in and get a better feel for them. Do they feel approachable? Can they be easily contacted? How long have they been in business? Experienced movers are more likely to know how to better handle your belongings, after all.
Compare Prices
Make sure you’re getting what you pay for! There are likely multiple moving companies for you to choose from. Without comparing prices, you may be paying for something that is suspiciously cheap or suspiciously expensive. Get a good estimate for what a “good” price is to know that you are spending the right amount of money. When choosing movers, it’s important to find one that suits your financial needs but also one that will deliver the services you require.
Protect Yourself From Frauds and Scams
While it may be scary to think about, moving scams do exist. From jacking up prices on moving days to holding your property hostage, these “rogue movers” or “rogue operators” are more of a problem for interstate moves.
Some red-flags for moving companies include: not having a physical address, providing you a quote without some sort of inspection of your inventory, demanding a high deposit (especially one in cash and in higher than 20% the estimated cost), and appearing on moving day in a rental instead of a truck that is clearly marked as being part of a company fleet.
Also keep in mind that many of these scammers offer too-good-to-be-true prices and that if your most important criteria for movers is finding the cheapest one, then you might be putting yourself and your property at risk. You can contact the Better Business Bureau for information on companies with complaints and familiarize yourself with more tips from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Association.
Get Yourself Reliable, Expert Movers
Pack-Men Movers is a family-owned and operated local moving company based in Chicago, officially licensed by the Illinois Commerce Commission. With our knowledge of Chicagoland and dedication to our clients, we offer full-service and are here to make your move as stress-free as possible. Get a free quote today!
