Today, there are over 18,300 moving businesses in the US. This should be reassuring if you're moving soon, as you'll have tons of choices!
But with so many options, you might be anxious that the one you pick isn't the best. Or maybe you simply don't have the time to go drudging through the internet to find a mover.
In any case, if you're thinking of hiring movers for your upcoming relocation, then you have to read on. Here are 7 things to keep in mind so you save some time and effort!
1. How Far You're Moving
Typically, there are 2 distances people move: short or long-distance. It might surprise you, but the distance you're moving will matter when hiring movers.
For example, if you're moving within the city or state, it's preferable to go with a local in-state moving company. This is because they're more familiar with the local areas, plus they're able to offer some good discounts when compared to bigger companies.
On the other hand, if you're moving across the country, then you'll want to pick a national company. These are long-distance movers who have handled numerous other moves like yours, so you can trust that they'll make your relocation as smooth as possible.
2. Free Quote
You should never have to pay to get a quote. This is an unscrupulous practice, as it puts money in a mover's pocket when they don't have to do a thing besides tell you how much you'd have to pay for their services.
If any company says they charge for their quotes, then that's a company to avoid. Reputable companies don't need to use tricky tactics like this to make a profit. They should be confident in their quality of services and garner business through that alone.
Even if they say the fee for the quote is waived if you do business with them, it's best to still avoid that company. You want to work with someone who doesn't try to nickel and dime their potential customers.
3. No Deposit
On that note, you shouldn't have to pay a deposit either, especially not a large one. Again, some of the shadier companies will try and make you pay a deposit before services are even given. This means they can run away with your money, as well as your belongings if they've already picked them up.
Trustworthy moving companies will only take money from you after they've successfully delivered on their services. This is usually at the end of your moving day, after you've received all your belongings safely and soundly.
4. The Services You Need
For some people, they're very hands-on. They prefer to pack their own things, so all they need is a professional who can transport their possessions safely. For others, they'd rather have someone else take care of as much as possible.
Many moving companies do offer packing and unpacking services, so if you're of the latter group, you'll want to focus on these companies. After all, you might find a good one, but if they don't have these extra services, you're out of luck.
Some movers also have storage units they can put your stuff in if you're not quite ready to move to a new place yet. This can save you some money if you're getting moving and storage services all under 1 roof.
5. Reviews
It's important that you check out reviews for moving companies. In this day and age, it's very easy to do this, so there's no excuse not to.
You'll want to pick a mover that not has good reviews, but a large number of them as well. This proves that they consistently provide excellent service and that they have satisfied customers throughout the years.
Avoid using moving companies that have a concerning number of bad reviews. And with ones that have no reviews at all, it's best to cross them off the list altogether. There's a chance they might've gone through a name change, which only indicates bad things about the company.
6. Moving Insurance
You'll probably want to insure your items. That way, if they get damaged or lost, you'll get monetary compensation or the items might be repaired or replaced.
Not all moving insurance is the same though. At the very least, moving companies offer a type of partial coverage for free. Expect $0.60 in compensation per pound of items you're moving.
If you're moving more expensive items, we'd highly suggest going for full-value protection. You'll have to pay extra for this, but in most cases, your things will be fully covered. This means you can get them repaired or replaced, or you might get compensation for the full value of your items.
7. License
Most importantly, you should opt for a mover that is licensed. Those who are unlicensed might be cheaper, but you don't necessarily want cheap movers for your most treasured possessions.
Both federal and state laws require that moving companies have state licenses. They also need to be registered with the US Department of Transportation (USDOT) if they're crossing state lines.
Do your due diligence and only hire professional movers who have all their licenses in order.
Hiring Movers Made Easy
Hiring movers can seem like a daunting task at first. But with our tips, you won't have to worry. When you take advice from pros who have seen it all, you'll have a better chance of working with a reliable moving company that won't cost an arm and a leg.
So for those of you who are moving in the near future, we wish you luck. We hope that many exciting things are on the horizon for you!
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