A survey found that around 40 million Americans move each year. Most of these moves are local. Whether you’re moving to relocate to a new job or into a bigger home to accommodate your growing family, it’s important to plan well for it.
Moving is stressful no matter what the circumstances are, but moving without help can make things even more difficult. Before moving day, take your time finding the best moving company. With professional movers on your side, you can ensure a smooth and stress-free move.
In order to find the best residential movers for you, continue reading below. There are several factors you should consider before hiring a moving company. Here’s everything you need to know!
Conduct Online Research
It’s a good idea to learn as much as you can about a moving company before deciding if that’s the company you want to hire. The best way to do this is by conducting some online research. Start by searching for local moving companies near you.
After you get your results, you can explore each one’s website. While on the websites, there are a few things you should look for. Here’s a list of some of those things.
- professionalism
- company history
- locations they service
- a physical address
- various contact methods
Take your time looking through each website and ensuring the moving companies are professional, reputable, and trustworthy.
Verify License and Insurance
It’s important that the moving company you hire has a business license and proper insurance. You might be able to find this information on the website but otherwise can contact the moving company directly and ask. A business license shows the company has taken all of the necessary legal steps to run a legitimate business.
Insurance is essential because it protects both you and the moving company if any damages or injuries were to occur on your property. A reputable moving company shouldn’t have a problem showing you proof of both.
Ask About Moving Experience
Let’s say you’re moving from a third-floor apartment into a new home. You want to find movers with experience moving large items from a multiple-story location. What types of homes have the movers worked with in the past?
Moving heavy items down several flights of stairs is no easy task. You want to ensure all of your belongings are kept in great condition throughout the entire move. If you’re moving a large item such as a piano, then you want movers who have experience moving such fragile and important furniture items like this.
Find out how many years of experience the movers have in the industry and how much experience they have conducting the type of moving services you require.
Inquire About Moving Services
Speaking of moving services, it’s important to note that not all moving companies offer the same type of moving services. For this reason, you want to know exactly what moving services you need before hiring movers. Make sure the movers are capable of providing you with those specific services.
For example, if you’re in the process of a commercial or office move, then make sure the movers you hire specialize in that type of move. Are you planning a long-distance move? Will you require packing and storage or loading and unloading?
The right moving company for the job will be able to help with all of your moving needs.
Look at Reviews, References, and Referrals
As you begin to find a few reputable moving companies you’re considering, help narrow down that list by looking at reviews, references, and referrals. You should find reviews after searching for local moving companies online. Read through the reviews to get a better idea about what to expect from the moving company.
Then, contact any moving companies you’re interested in hiring and ask them to provide you with a list of references. If they’re able to do so, then call each reference and ask questions about the moving company. Do they recommend that moving company and why?
You can also speak with friends and family members about companies they’ve hired in the past and would recommend as well.
Avoid Large Cash Deposit Requirements
Unfortunately, not all moving companies are professional, which is why you want to take your time researching each one. To avoid a possible scam, it’s best to avoid making any large cash deposits before moving day. If a deposit is required, most reputable moving companies won’t require a deposit of more than 20% of the total moving cost.
However, many professional moving companies won’t require payment of any kind until the move is complete. If you do need to make a deposit, then be sure to use a debit or credit card so there’s a record of this payment.
Compare Moving Estimates
Once you narrow your search down to your top few picks, that’s the time to start comparing moving estimates. Don’t compare estimates in the beginning stages of your search. You don’t want to choose a moving company based on which one has the cheapest moving costs.
Instead, use the information listed above to help you first find a few reputable companies, then compare moving estimates to select a great moving company with fair prices.
Finding the Best Moving Company Starts With This Guide
Moving is stressful. Help take away some of that stress by hiring the best moving company near you. Use all of the helpful tips and information given in this guide above to ensure you find a professional and trustworthy moving company in your area.
Then, to discover more topics on lifestyle, business, or reviews, check back here on a daily basis!
