If you’re planning to move in a few months but have more belongings than you and your friends can transport, hiring a moving company is your next best option.
Moving can be stressful, and the movers you choose can make the process more or less stressful. Aside from professionalism, reputable moving companies honor contracts and take care of their client’s possessions.
Given the abundance of moving companies in the United States today, selecting professional movers for short or long-distance moves requires research, but the payoff is usually worthwhile.
Perhaps you are relocating; this article highlights important tips for selecting a reputable moving company as well as other moving-related information.
How to Find a Reliable and Professional Moving Company
Local or Long-Distance Moving Companies?
Distance is one of the most important considerations when making a decision. Moving cross-country is a long-distance move, but relocating to another neighborhood in your town can be handled by a local mover.
Your options will be determined by the type of moving service you require. Most businesses list their service offerings on their websites.
Ask Family and Friends for Recommendations
Recommendations from family and friends can have a significant impact on your decision. People do not hide their feelings and opinions, especially when it comes to poor service.
However, if a specific moving service comes highly recommended, ask the following questions to learn more about the mover:
- What services did they request from the company?
- Were there any interruptions in the moving process?
- What determined their decision to choose the company?
- Would they use the moving company again?
The answers provided will give you an insight into their moving experience.
Confirm They’re a Moving Service, Not a Broker
To find a reputable mover, make sure you’re dealing with the moving company directly rather than a broker. A moving broker is not certified to move your belongings; rather, they book and schedule your move with a company of their choice.
This moving option is risky because you have no control over who handles and transports your belongings. In the event of damage or loss, assigning liability will be difficult.
Research the Moving Company
When hiring any service, it is critical to conduct thorough research. Although recommendations may speak well of a mover, you should still conduct your own research.
This can be a time-consuming process, but you’d rather spend time researching than face the consequences of making the wrong decision. You must determine whether the company is new or has been in operation for a long time.
Are they local or interstate movers? Can you easily find tangible information about them? Remember that the more established a company, the more information you’ll find about it online.
Consult State and Federal Resources
Not all companies that claim to be legitimate are. In addition to general information, consult state and federal resources to confirm the legitimacy of the mover you intend to hire.
If you’re moving within your state, you should consider learning about your state’s moving regulations, as local movers are subject to specific regulations.
Meet Them in Person
It’s time to go offline after a thorough online screening. Confirm the information you found online by visiting the moving company’s office. High-quality moving services frequently have one or more physical addresses to accommodate walk-ins and conduct business.
Avoid movers who do not provide a physical address because you may have difficulty tracking them down in the event of a problem. Ignoring a dissatisfied customer at the office is more difficult than ignoring phone calls.
Get an In-Home Estimate
To provide an accurate estimate, movers must see what you want them to transport. An in-home estimate enables the mover to fully comprehend the scope of the job as well as the crew size required for satisfactory service delivery.
The in-home assessment also gives you the opportunity to become more acquainted with the mover and inquire about those who will be in charge of your belongings.
Without a proper evaluation of your possessions, an estimate provided online or over the phone may be inaccurate, resulting in a delay in your move due to the incorrect crew size or moving truck.
Tips for Saving on a Move
Moving can be expensive, even if you choose the DIY option. Below are effective ways to save money on your next move:
- Box your belongings yourself.
- Source free boxes and moving supplies.
- Ask friends and family for help.
- Purge items with a garage sale, consignment, or donations.
- Keep your receipts to claim moving expenses at tax time.
FAQs Regarding Hiring a Moving Firm
How Do Moving Companies Work?
Most moving companies provide every moving service, including furniture disassembly, truck loading, and unloading, shipping your belongings, and placing your items in the desired locations in your new space.
Most movers, especially long-distance moving services, provide temporary storage for additional fees. If you’re moving across the country but your new home isn’t yet ready, consider long-distance movers who offer item storage.
How Far Ahead Should I Hire a Mover?
Begin looking into moving companies eight weeks before your desired move date. Get estimates seven weeks in advance, compare prices, choose a mover, and schedule your move six weeks in advance.
How Long Will Moving Take?
It is determined by the type of move. Packing and moving on your own can take days, if not weeks. However, if you hire a professional mover, you will be aware of the overall time frame. A timetable will be provided, which will include inventory taking, shipping duration, furniture disassembly and packing, loading, and unloading.
Do I Need to Pay a Moving Deposit?
Many moving companies will require a deposit. A small upfront payment is reasonable, and a reputable company will never request a large upfront deposit.
Let Division 1 Moving & Storage Handle Your Next Move
Hiring a reputable mover, such as Division 1, will save you time and money on moving day. If the thought of packing, loading, and driving a moving truck stresses you out, call us at 571-970-3189.
Our team of experts handles all types of moves, including residential and commercial, local and long-distance, and Senior Management moves. We are your best choice for professional, cost-effective, and stress-free moving.