Are you planning on packing up and making a move this year? You’re not alone. In fact, about 84% of people plan to move within the same metro area.
Another 7.5% of people plan to move within the same state. More Americans are leaving cities, too.
Whether you’re moving across the state or across the country, you shouldn’t have to go through it alone. Instead, here are six factors to consider while vetting local moving companies.
Learning how to spot the best moving companies can simplify your entire search. Packing up your life and making the drive is stressful enough. With their help, you can remain efficient, on time, and on budget.
You can avoid unnecessary stress and begin enjoying your new home instead.
Ready to get moving? Use this guide to find the best local moving company today!
1. Years of Experience
There are currently over 18,290 moving service companies across the US. These companies employ over 110,700 professionals within the industry, too. Not every moving company has spent decades in the industry, though.
As you vet your list of local moving companies, take the time to find a long-established business.
First, talk to friends and family members who live in the area. Ask if they’ve hired a moving company in the past few years. If they have, ask about their experience with the team.
For example, did they encounter any issues? Ask if the moving company did anything to resolve the problem. Determine if they would hire the same moving company in the future, too.
Gathering personal referrals will help you create your list of the best moving companies in town.
Next, visit each company’s website and Better Business Bureau listing. Determine how long the company has run and operated locally.
An established, long-running business has likely worked out any problems within that time. The company likely has an efficient plan in place for helping clients.
Chances are, the team has learned from their hands-on experience within the moving industry, too.
You’ll have peace of mind choosing a company that already has the experience and expertise you need. These teams are less likely to make mistakes. They’ll probably offer additional services that can benefit your move, too.
Once you find a list of local moving companies, you can start zeroing in on the best team in town.
2. Proper Credentials
Don’t rush to hire the first local moving team you call, though. Sometimes, it’s not enough to find a long-established business. You’ll need to make sure the company has the proper paperwork in order, too.
First, ask for proof of the company’s license. Make sure it’s up-to-date. Otherwise, scratch that company off your list.
You’ll want to make sure the company follows federal laws and guidelines, too. Look for moving companies that have a membership with the American Mover and Storage Association. These teams will handle your possessions with the proper care and treatment.
Companies with this membership are less likely to cause losses or property damage. They’ll protect your belongings, helping you avoid stress in the long run.
Check the Better Business Bureau website for companies that have memberships, too. Don’t forget to review their listing. You can determine if previous clients have lodged complaints against the business.
If they have, you can scratch that moving company from your list of options.
Reviewing BBB listings can help you find professional, reliable companies in the area.
If you’re searching for long-distance moving companies, double-check their credentials. Make sure they have a US Department of Transportation (USDOT) number. Only the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) can issue a USDOT number.
These companies strive to comply with the USDOT’s rules and regulations. They know how to operate legally and safely with their clients in mind.
Determine which businesses on your list are Updater Certified Moving Companies. These companies are licensed, insured, and registered.
Look into the company’s insurance policy, too. Look for companies with general liability and worker’s compensation insurance. These companies won’t hold you accountable if there’s an accident.
3. A Reliable Team
During your search for the best moving companies in town, determine who will arrive to work on your move. Determine if the company hires contractors or employees. Ask about the team’s training, too.
A company’s insurance policy might not cover contractors. Make sure their contractors have their own worker’s compensation insurance before they start working.
4. A Strong Reputation
While you’re online, look for client reviews for each local moving company on your list. You can find reviews on the company’s BBB and Google My Business profiles. Check the company’s website, too.
Make sure you’re choosing a company that already has a strong reputation. Look for comments about their arrival times and professionalism.
You might find one or two unhappy comments. That’s normal. If the bad outweighs the good, however, choose a different business.
5. The Right Services
Before choosing a moving company, consider the services you need. For example, you might require:
- Long-distance moving services
- Delivery services
- Storage services
- Junk removal
- Full-service packing and unpacking
You might need help moving large items, such as a piano or aquarium. Make sure the team is experienced in offering the help you need. For example, you can find help with aquariums here.
6. Ideal Pricing
Before making your final decision, gather quotes from two or three moving companies in the area. Make sure to get an itemized list of their services. Then, start comparing your options.
Don’t choose the cheapest team. Instead, review your notes. Look for a team that’s experienced, reliable, and able to help based on your needs.
You might pay more for a team that’s more experienced. Hiring an experienced, capable team can reduce the risk of losses.
Pack It Up: 6 Factors to Consider Before Hiring Moving Companies
Don’t rush when hiring a moving company. Instead, keep these six factors in mind during your search. With these tips, you can find the best moving companies in town.
An experienced team will save you time and stress in the long run.
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