Hiring the right moving company can make your moving process more streamlined and stress-free. They help handle tasks like loading and unloading, packing and unpacking, and offer transportation and storage solutions. To find one, search “movers near me” to get a list of companies in your area. Here are the steps to follow when choosing your ideal mover:
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Assess Your Needs
Moving companies offer varying services. Some companies are full-service movers, offering services ranging from packing to unpacking in your new home. Others only provide specific services, like transportation. Determine the services you need to help you narrow down your options. If you need assistance packing and unpacking your belongings, choose full-service companies from your “movers near me” search.
Some companies can only operate within specific distances. Here are the types of movers you may come across:
- Local movers: They typically help individuals planning to move a few miles from their current homes. A local mover may be suitable if you’re moving down the street or a few blocks away.
- Intrastate movers: They cover longer distances than local movers but still operate within a single state. Choose them if you’re moving across your city.
- Interstate movers: They handle moves that cross state lines. Choose them if you plan to move a few states away or across the country.
Verify Licensing
Before you move further, assess the licenses of the companies on your list to make sure they’re up-to-date. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) gives licensed interstate moving companies U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) numbers. Ask the companies on your shortlist for their U.S. DOT numbers and verify their legitimacy through the FMCSA’s site. If you want a local or intrastate mover, check the validity of their license through your local consumer affairs agency.
Verify Insurance
Reliable moving companies have insurance to protect themselves and their clients if loss or damage occurs. Movers typically offer the following liability coverages:
- Full value protection: This is the most comprehensive plan. With this coverage, your mover can repair a damaged item, replace it, or give you a cash settlement equal to the item’s market value.
- Released value protection: This is a no-cost option that provides minimal coverage. Under this option, your mover will only be liable for no more than 60 cents per pound per article if damage or loss occurs.
Eliminate any company that doesn’t provide these options from your list to limit your liability in case an accident occurs.
Check Complaint Histories
Checking companies’ complaint histories will give you an insight into how the company has fared regarding customer satisfaction, punctuality, and service delivery. Use the FMCSA search tool database to assess movers’ complaint histories. Look for patterns of recurring behavior like late arrivals and damaged items. A high volume of complaints may indicate inexpertise and unprofessionalism, so avoid such moving companies.
Request Estimates
Ask for estimates to identify companies that fall within your budget. Be wary of companies that give you estimates over the phone, as they may provide inaccurate quotes for your move. Reliable companies will schedule an in-person meeting to assess the scope of work before providing an estimate. Compare the estimates received and consider factors like the extent of the services offered and the estimated timeline for completion.
Read Your Moving Contract
Don’t rely solely on a verbal agreement with your chosen mover. Ask for a contract, as it’s more binding than word of mouth. Read through the contract to make sure it contains the following:
- A description and scope of services section: This details your initial and final destination and the services your mover will provide.
- Payment section: This contains information on the moving cost, when you’re expected to clear your payment, and the consequences for failing to pay on time. Confirm whether the stated fee is the same as the agreed-upon cost. If not, ask for a detailed breakdown of the additional charges before signing, as you’ll be legally bound to pay the stated amount when you do.
Search “Movers Near Me”
Search engines are excellent assets for anyone looking to move. You only need to look up “movers near me” to find moving companies within your locality. When you do, make a list, and assess each based on the factors discussed in this article. Sign a contract with the company that ticks all your boxes.
