Moving can be a real pain. Anyone who tells you otherwise must like stress-inducing activities. Despite being an overwhelming feat, moving signifies a moment in your life where you get a fresh start, in a brand-new space, with boundless new opportunities.

Besides nailing down details surrounding when you’re going to move, you also have to weigh your options when it comes to hiring a reputable moving company. If you’re in a small apartment or making the journey out of your parents’ house for the first time, the moving process may be manageable enough to attempt alone. If you have a large house with lots of bulky furniture, however, you’re probably going to need the help of a professional.

The question is, how do you go about hiring the best moving company?

There are multiple residential moving services out there, but depending on who you go with, you could be picking a top-rated company or wind up dealing with incompetent movers. Not only are you spending your hard-earned dollars on a moving company, but you are entrusting a group of people with your personal belongings. So, choosing wisely is imperative.

You’re probably wondering, “Where do I even start?” You need to be wary of false online reviews or companies that cake on a ton of hidden costs. 

To help make your move a seamless one: Here are the steps you should take when deciding which moving service to use.

Ask For Referrals

Chances are, you are not the first person in your life to move. There must be a couple of individuals throughout your circle of friends or family who you can connect with for moving advice. See what companies they would recommend, and which companies to steer clear of. You can also try finding a moving company by searching a movers directory.

If you happen to be using a real estate agent during your move, seek out their recommendations as well – they probably know a multitude of great local choices.

Shop Around

Just like when you shop around for a new home, you want to invest the time in exploring your options. Even if you receive an estimate that seems like a fair price, it’s good to research about three other companies before ultimately making your decision. You probably looked at several new houses or apartments before settling on the one you’re moving into, so why would you settle on the first moving company you found?

Red Flags to Keep an Eye Out For

“Listen to your gut instinct” is a noteworthy mantra to live by. Keep an eye out for red flags and warning signs that rub you the wrong way during your research. 

If you encounter any of the following red flags, it’s a good indicator to move onto the next moving company:

  • Most companies won’t ask for a cash deposit until you move. Be wary of companies that require a large sum of money upfront, as they may not be a legitimate business. 
  • Make sure to keep an eye on the level of professionalism the movers’ display. If they seem hesitant, look disheveled, or they aren’t acting in a professional capacity, head for the door. You don’t want to risk damage to your property or have any valuable items mysteriously disappear. 

Is the Company on the Better Business Bureau?

Before locking down a deal with a moving company, you should check to see if the company is listed on the Better Business Bureau. If you don’t see the moving company on it, then you might want to consider finding a company that is, as it helps confirm the credibility and legitimacy of the business.

Now that we’ve reviewed the steps you should take to find a reputable moving service, here’s what you should look for in a moving company so you are selecting the right one!

Does the Company Take Inventory?

Any reputable moving company will take a thorough inventory of your belongings prior to moving. This ensures everything from your furniture to your appliances is accounted for in the final price. Most of your moving estimate is determined by the weight and quantity of your possessions. Keep an eye out to see if your moving company takes this extra step in their process.

Open Communication

A good mover will keep an open line of communication with you and exercise transparency throughout the moving process. They will perform a walkthrough of your home and discuss both their process and your expectations. Any mover who quickly glances around and seems apathetic to your move, won’t be an optimal choice at the end of the day.

There may be items currently in your home that you aren’t planning on transporting to your new place. If the mover doesn’t delve into these details with you then they’ll wind up packing all your belongings and dumping them into your new home, which equates to a higher cost and more work for you. 

If you have specialty items, such as a piano, gym equipment, or a pool table, you’ll want to seek out a company that has expertise in handling these specific types of belongings.

What Goes into Factoring the Price?

Going with the cheapest mover may seem like the easiest choice, but it’s not always the wisest one. It’s important to find a good balance between price point and quality. A company’s reputation and what’s included in your estimate are important factors in determining who you should partner with.

Not only do you want to have an in-depth conversation about what’s included in the price, but it’s essential to obtain everything proposed in writing. 

A moving company could be cheap, but will they pay for the boxes? Was fuel factored into the estimate or will that be added to your final invoice? These are all questions you should ask to know what you can expect cost-wise and to budget appropriately. Getting a good idea of how to calculate your average moving costs before you commit to booking with a moving company is in your best interest!

The prospect of moving can be a thrilling time in your life. Especially if you are upgrading your living situation or even the neighborhood that you’re residing in. Finding a trusted moving company that services your area is vital to pulling off a smooth, headache-free move. 

While this may seem like an impossible task at first, you can have a more seamless transition by following the tips and tricks above.

REQUEST A FREE QUOTE

  • MM slash DD slash YYYY