Guide: How to Choose a Moving Company
Moving can be a stressful experience but with the right moving company, it doesn’t have to be. As you prepare for a big move, it’s reassuring to have a reputable moving company on your side. Do you know how to choose a moving company or find a mover? This moving guide from White Glove Moving will help you find the movers to make your life so much easier.
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Assess Your Options Early
As soon as your impending move is confirmed, dedicated a decent amount of lime to looking into moving companies near you. Waiting until the last minute to find movers means you run the risk of ending up with a subpar company or even becoming the victim of a moving scam, where your belonging can be stolen. By researching moving companies as soon as possible, you can find reliable, reputable movers.
Get Mover Referrals
Look for Movers Near You
During your moving-company research, identify companies that are relatively close to you. You may find the local movers by searching in google for keywords like “local movers near me” or “gym equipment movers near me” etc. This is one way to avoid online moving scams, such as last-minute price changes, “unexpected” transportation issues, and – in the worst case scenario – your belongings being held by the moving company until you pay a large sum of money. It also gives you the option to visit the company and ask more questions before you commit to their services. Additionally, your family and friends are more likely to refer a business they have experience with, which may help in your decision to hire them.
Request Price Estimates from Several Moving Companies
To issue a comprehensive quote, a moving company needs to come to your home to evaluate everything to be moved. Any company that tries to give you a quote over the phone without seeing your belongings first is not the right choice. Understanding how to choose a moving company involves comparing estimates from multiple providers to ensure you’re getting the best deal. You should contact three to five moving companies to get in-person price estimates. By gathering multiple quotes, you can find a price and services that best fit your moving needs.
Questions to Ask During a Price Estimate
All reputable moving companies fall into these three categories.
Broker/Brokerage – these companies work with third-party movers. This means the company you hire may not be the company that shows up on moving day. A broker company may result in cheaper moving costs, but it can also cause more miscommunication during the moving process.
Carrier – moving companies handle every aspect of your move from start to finish. The company you hire is the company that shows up, which streamlines moving and communication. This option may cost a little more overall, but the cost is worth an easier moving experience.
Broker/Carrier Hybrid – a broker/carrier hybrid company handles most of the moving process in-house though they usually outsource specialty moving services like piano transport.
This is an important question to ask so you know who will be showing up with the truck come moving day.
Moving companies typically charge per hour for local moves and by weight or cubic feet for long-distance moves. To get an accurate price estimate for your move, the movers need to take accurate inventory of your belongings. From there, they will give you a price estimate based on how long the move will take or how much you are moving. Be sure to carefully look over this price estimate to ensure there aren’t major discrepancies on the estimated moving time and price.
When a moving company gives you price estimate, you should ask whether that price is guaranteed to stay the same when it’s time to move. Some moving companies will give one price during the estimate to earn your business, then tell you a different price on moving day. If the price estimate is binding, your moving costs shouldn’t go up unless your moving plans change at the last minute.
If you are quoted a binding long-distance price based on weight, know that it’s possible for the price to change on moving day simply because weight can be difficult to accurately pinpoint. If a moving company gives you a binding price estimate based on weight and the cost changes through no fault of your own, a reputable company will take responsibility for the additional changes.
Moving costs vary from company to company based on how moving costs are calculated. The most common factors affecting price are:
- Hourly labor
- Seasonality
- Moving distance
- Amount being moved
- Level of service
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Storage, if needed
Naturally, sometimes plans change and the move you were planning on doesn’t happen. Asking about cancellation options provides peace of mind in the event that you don’t end up moving.
Make Sure the Movers Are Reputable
Watch for Red Flags
When learning how to choose a moving company, it’s important to watch out for a few red flags during your research.
- Upfront case deposit – Reputable moving companies don’t ask for percentage of your move prior to moving. They may ask for a small deposit to secure your moving date, and brokers may ask for a 10% deposit, but after that they shouldn’t ask for any money upfront before you move. If a company asks for a cash deposit or seems overly eager about taking your money, it may not be an honest, reputable company.
- Unprofessional – When you schedule an in-home price estimate, watch how the worker acts. Do they readily answer all your questions? Are they thorough in assessing all of your belonging for an accurate estimate? Did they show up on time? If you can’t answer yes to all of these questions, look for another moving company.
- Non-company truck – When a mover shows up at your home to do a price estimate, they should arrive in a company moving truck. If they are in an unmarked vehicle or a moving truck from a different company, that could be an indication of an illegitimate business. Search for a different company to avoid a potential scam.
Ensure Movers are Licensed and Insured
Reputable moving companies have all the proper licenses and insurance to legally operate. If you are moving out of state, check that a potential moving company has a U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) number. Both in-state and interstate moving companies also need to have a Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) license number for legal operation.
Research the Company’s Track Record
As you narrow down your moving company search check out prospective companies with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). The BBB is a free online resource where you can look up any business to see how they are rated. The ratings are based on how a company interacts with its customers; a higher rating indicates a better chance of having a good experience. If the moving company doesn’t have a strong rating or isn’t listed on the site, look for a different company.
Verify the Company’s Physical Address
Some moving companies appear legitimate when you look at them online. But when you compare their listed address to their registered business address, the information may not match up. If a moving company’s address is listed as a residential address, it could be a scam.
What to Do If You Get Scammed
If after your careful and thorough research, you still end up getting scammed by a moving company, contact MoveRescue. When you call this company, a representative will listen to and assess your situation before offering solutions and recommendations for your next steps.
Read Reviews and Complaints
One of the best ways to get a feel for a company is to look at it’s online reviews and complaints. Typically, when someone has a good experience with a moving company, they’ll give star ratings or leave comments. However, if someone has a bad experience, they’ll more than likely leave a negative review. Take some time to read through customer reviews of a moving company you are considering. Look for multiple complaints like being late, breaking belonging, or being unprofessional. If you see a lot of review like that, look for another company. On the other hand, if there are lots of great reviews and only a few complaints, you can consider choosing the moving company.
Determine What Is and Isn’t Included in Moving Services
Learn About Company’s Moving Process
Find Moving Experts for Specific Belongings
While moving companies specialize in moving items, some companies may not be able to move your specific items. Pianos, for example, require delicate handling to keep them protected, and some moving companies won’t move pianos because of the moving process. If you have a piano, special antique furniture, priceless artwork, or other costly items, find a moving company that is capable and trained in moving the specific items. This ensures that your beloved belongings will be moved carefully and correctly and arrive safely at your new house.
Strike a Balance Between Quality and Price
After all your research on how to choose a moving company, it’s time to take the next step. A low-cost estimate doesn’t automatically mean a poor moving company just as a high-cost estimate doesn’t guarantee a high-quality moving experience. Assess the apparent quality, services, professionalism, and price before you make a final decision. If a moving company gives a reasonable, locked-in estimate, has good reviews, and offers the services you need, it may be the right moving company for you.
What to Do After the Move
Settle into Your New Home and Establish Yourself in the Area
Next steps are to:
- Get unpacked quickly to help your house feel like a home.
- Clear out discarded packing supplies, like boxes, to help get the place in order.
- Meet some of your neighbors – this may help you feel more welcomed in your new area.
- Set up your utilities and other services so your house runs smoothly.
- Explore your new town to start settling in and feeling at home.
Get Ready for Your Move
These tips should guide you on how to choose a moving company. Your move will be easier and less stressful when you pick the perfect movers. Don’t forget to pack a moving survival kit and follow our comprehensive guide on moving how to start moving, to ensure a smooth and successful move with the perfect movers you’ve chosen.
White Glove Moving provides high-quality, reliable, and reputable local moving services in New Jersey, New York, and surrounding areas. We are also equipped to handle long-distance and international moves if that’s what you need. Contact our team today to discuss your upcoming move or schedule an in person price estimate.
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