7 Helpful Tips to Help You Find Reliable Movers

Relocating to a new home can be long and tiring, especially when it comes to finding a good moving company. Finding reliable movers in your area may not be as easy as you might think it is, because not all companies are quite reliable when it comes to moving your personal effects. To avoid any unpleasant situations when moving out, here are 7 tips to help you out.

1. Ask for Recommendations

One of the easiest and time-saving methods to find a good moving company is simply asking for recommendations. You must know someone who has recently moved out, so that person will be able to tell which company they’ve allowed to move their personal belongings. You can also ask friends or family who have recently moved or your real estate agent. However, if that doesn’t work out, you can ask questions on one of your social media channels, such as Facebook, Reddit, or even Instagram. You’d be surprised by how many people are willing to help you.

 2. Read Online Reviews

Online reviews can have a huge influence on your final choice. That’s why social media platforms like Facebook, Google, and Yelp provide detailed reviews on different products/ services/ companies. Naturally, good reviews will attract more customers, while bad reviews will deter them away from you. if you take a look at this site, you’ll understand how impactful reviews can be, as they can provide objective information on the worker’s performance and their overall experience. You need to make sure that the reviews are consistent. You should also check whether or not the company addressed the concerns of poor reviews.

3. Check for the Company’s Experience

Experience is an important factor to look for when searching for a moving company. You don’t want to deal with someone who has just recently entered the industry, as there’s no way to tell whether or not they will be good enough to help you with moving out. Alternatively, make sure that you look for a company that has a couple of years’ worth of experience. This company should also be getting clients and online reviews consistently. High-quality service can only be provided by the sought-after company, so make sure that you stick to that rule.

4. Go over Their Website

If you want to know more details on a company’s services, you can simply visit their website and see for yourself. Generally speaking, checking a company’s website is a crucial part of doing business, as websites will offer almost all the information there is about them. It should also tell you whether or not their services will fit your needs, which will eventually help you make up your mind. A company’s website will also provide information on which locations they cover, so you’ll be able to know whether or not they’ll be able to help you with relocating.

5. Look for Licensed Moving Companies

When it comes to reliability, only licenses and essential documents can ascertain it. When hiring a company, make sure to look for a license on their website. Otherwise, you might be at risk of losing your belongings during the relocation process. You should also make sure that they are police verified, which means that they must be verified to move at greater distances. This can be useful if you’re moving interstate.

6. Understand the Pricing

Usually, moving companies charge their customers by the hour. However, this can make estimating the final price a bit difficult, so it’s best to steer clear of this method, especially that moving professionals can always slow down the process on purpose to increase the costs. Instead, look for a company that provides a no-obligation quote, as this showcases their reliability and professionalism.

7. Speak to One of the Workers at the Company

Once you’ve created a list of possible moving companies, you’re only left with one last step: talking to someone within the company. There are different factors and logistics involved in the process of moving in, so speaking with a representative of each company you’ve chosen will clear things up for you and also enable you to compare between their services and decide which one will work best for your unique situation. a reliable mover should also ask you a couple of questions of their own as well to ensure that they’re fit for the job, so keep that in mind when making these phone calls.

Now that you know these 7 tips, you can find reliable movers without a hassle. Luckily, most local moving companies are professionals who genuinely want to help out people like you, so once you do your research, you will feel that your personal belongings are in safe hands. Remember to avoid companies that provide rates that are too good to be true, as most of the time this can be a red flag.

Different Types of Moving Companies

Commercial Moving Company

Commercial moving is the main emphasis of commercial movers. Everything, from little offices to huge warehouses, is packed and moved by them. Because of their staff’s expertise and familiarity with particular packing methods, gear, and technology, businesses hire commercial movers to ensure a smooth transition.

The majority of movers focus on either residential or business relocations. Some businesses, however, offer both services. Ask the moving firms about quotations and estimates for both residential and business removals if you are interested during your interview.

Residential Moving Company

Local residential moving firms handle all of your home’s relocation requirements, from your priceless heritage China to your tool-filled garage. You have the option of selecting a full-service relocation or asking for quotes for particular services like packing or loading. The most popular kind of moving service is often residential moving firms.

Local Moving Companies

Professional movers often charge by the hour for packing, loading, unloading, and unpacking services and consider local moves up to 100 miles within the same state. For a moving crew of four, you will pay on average $1,400, or between $100 and $200 per hour.

Depending on the size of your property, you might hire a big team of movers or use two to three staff members to move your belongings. When interviewing possible local movers, check to see if they are properly licensed, have a detailed quote, and have good online reviews.

Long-Distance Moving Company

You should work with a moving firm that specializes in cross-country moves if you need to move long distances (often more than 100 miles) or interstate. You should be aware that a long-distance move will cost you at least $4,000 and possibly over $10,000.

Unlike local movers, who charge by the hour, long-distance movers charge by the overall weight of your shipment, the precise distance between sites, and any specialized services, such as extra packaging supplies.

To select the most capable moving team, interview at least three different businesses before deciding on one. You’ll require a business that is authorized, insured, and acknowledged by the United States for long-distance relocation because they are more complicated than local moves. the Transportation Department.

International Moving Company

International moving firms manage the complex logistics of air and sea freight as well as a massive quantity of vital paperwork, including customs and insurance procedures, to successfully complete cross-border removals. Because your shipping charges are based on the volume of your household goods, which are measured in cubic feet or meters, try to ship as few items as possible. Moving internationally will cost you about $20,000.

You should thoroughly investigate and speak with several international movers before hiring one to assist you with your relocation, as you’ll need to rely on their knowledge of the local language and of foreign import regulations.

Specialty Moving Company

To make sure they are successfully transported to your new home, some of your possessions require specialist care. Inform the contenders for your moving firm about your prized specialty goods; some can move them. If they don’t, they can recommend you to their partner specialty movers.

If you are transporting any of these things, you might want to hire specialized movers.

  • Antiques
  • Artwork
  • Aquarium (with live animals)
  • Cars 
  • Collectibles 
  • Hot tub
  • Musical Instruments
  • Safe
  • Sports equipment

Small Load Moving Companies

For the new shipping alternatives that allow for the delivery of a few large things at once, you can credit the explosion in online shopping. Via small load moving firms, you may now receive the dining room set you purchased from an online auction or transfer your nephew your old sofa for his new apartment. Depending on the size of your shipment, commercial shippers like UPS or FedEx could be able to handle the load if there isn’t a small load transportation firm nearby.

Household Moving Company

You will require a local moving company that can provide the services you require if you intend to transfer your home. As there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach to moving homes, you should request that they customize their moving services for your needs.

White Glove or Full Moving Service

If you want the pros to handle everything on moving day, think about hiring a comprehensive moving service. The entire process, from disassembling and packing to unloading and unpacking your items at the new home, is included in a full-service move. Keep in mind that among all residential moving services, white glove moves are the most expensive.

Partial Moving Services

To save money, another choice is to help out with the relocation process. To aid you in keeping to your budget, the majority of moving firms provide a la carte options. Choose the tasks you are capable of handling, and let the business handle the others.

  • Packing and unpacking: A team comes with the necessary supplies and professionally packs all of your belongings. They will then unpack and put your items together at the new place.
  • Loading and unloading: You are responsible for paying the moving workers to load furniture and boxes at your old location and unload the moving vehicle at your new residence.
  • Pickup and delivery: A business moves your portable container that has already been filled.
  • Storage: If you are not ready to receive your household goods, several movers offer warehouse space for storage.

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Tips on Avoiding Moving Scams

The following are the most typical moving scams you could encounter:

  • The Hostage – The hostage situation occurs when a mover refuses to return your possessions until you pay twice or three times the cost of the first estimate.
  • Bait and Switch – Bait and switch refer to when a mover alters your moving plans at the last minute and charges you far more than originally anticipated.
  • Outrageous delivery fees – When a mover adds extra fees for fictitious justifications and makes you pay more to get your belongings back.
  • Late delivery – The mover fails to deliver your possessions on time, or even worse, never does.
  • Reckless abandonment – Reckless abandonment occurs when a mover collects your payment in advance, ceases business, and abandons your belongings.

Never make a big down payment

Reliable movers will not demand cash up front or a sizable payment. Only pay when the product is delivered. If not, you might never see your possessions again. And to assist safeguard you against any fraud, pay with a credit card.

Beware relocation firms that change their name

Some less-than-outstanding businesses use alternative identities in order to avoid being reported to the BBB. Red flags include a company’s lack of a physical address, staff who don’t answer the phone using the organization’s full name, and any instances in which the company is “doing business as” another name. Also, the business should be able to provide you with information about its insurance and licensing, including the company’s state and federal license numbers.

Be aware of the expense of packing

Inquire about the experience of the packers if you choose to have the movers pack your items. The majority of packers are cautious, but you want to avoid the possibility of hiring someone who simply stuffs as much as they can into a box and then seals it up without thinking about breaking it. Also, the cost of packing can prove to be prohibitive, so you should think about other options, such as doing your own packing or enlisting the assistance of family or friends.

Beware of hidden costs

Ask the mover if there are any additional charges that would be necessary for your case. They can include navigating stairs and elevators, moving in a busy place, or doing it on a roadway that is too narrow for a moving truck to pass through. Although none of those costs are excessive, they should be considered in advance.

Do not consent to an empty moving contract. Get everything in writing and never sign an unwritten agreement. Check your contract carefully and confirm that all of your possessions are listed after a moving inventory. Anything that is not listed in the inventory list cannot be the subject of a claim.

Refuse the “guaranteed” quote

Three different types of moving contracts exist. The “guaranteed quotation” is a huge red flag because it is not an honest and accurate estimate.

Do not wait to report any issues

You have nine months to notify the moving business of any issues and submit a moving complaint. The mover must acknowledge receipt of your claim within 30 days. The mover is required to reject your claim or make a payment offer within 120 days of receiving it. On the day of the move, attempt to open every box to check for damage because there will not be much time. Hence, before signing the bill of lading, you can make any necessary notes on the mover’s copy of the document.

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Understanding your moving an estimate

  • If your contract contains a non-binding estimate, the business cannot demand payment for anything that is 10% or more than the original estimate. The payment of any overages is due within 30 days of delivery.
  • You will not be responsible for any price increases above the non-binding to-exceed estimate in your contract. Your obligation to pay for any services supplied will not exceed the estimate.
  • Your contract should include a contractual estimate that guarantees a fixed cost for the transfer as well as any additional costs and services. Any additional costs (such as unpacking fees) must be paid within 30 days after delivery if you require further services.

Tips for Saving on a Move

  • Create a moving checklist in advance or use one of ours to get ready.
  • Instead of employing professional movers, consider renting a moving truck.
  • Rather than hiring full-service movers, consider renting a portable moving container.
  • Arrange a hybrid relocation that might involve working with a labor-only moving firm on the actual moving day.
  • Pick a less expensive moving date (a weekday between the months between October and April)
  • Get free moving supplies and boxes.
  • enlist the assistance of family and friends
  • Declutter, sell and donate after purging