Packing up and moving it to a new home can be a stressful job, but for a professional moving company it’s all a day’s work. Experienced movers can safely transport all your belongings from point A to point B without putting yourself at risk. Whether you’re packing a small apartment or a sprawling home, a professional mover is the key to a stress-free move. There are many moving companies to choose from, but this guide can help you find the best moving company for your relocation needs.
Eligibility for moving
Professional movers can save you time and effort during the relocation process – but only if they act with the utmost professionalism and courtesy. If you hire an inexperienced mover, you may increase your stress level. Hiring a moving company means you entrust your personal belongings to professionals. So in addition to determining how much they charge for your move, you’ll want to research other qualifications before booking your move.
Training
The job of a professional mover is physically demanding, so a healthy and strong body is the greatest qualification for this job. If a business has been in business for a while, you might trust the owners to hire the right people for their clients.
License and Insurance
Moving companies often use large trucks to transport customers’ items, so their employees may need to obtain a commercial driver’s license (CDL). Movers are tasked with loading these trucks with your personal items, many of which are expensive, sentimental, or both. Therefore, companies must obtain licenses and insurance in case of damage or legacy issues.
While licensing laws vary from state to state, professional moving companies must be licensed and insured in order to conduct business. Some companies are also bonded, which means the company takes on additional insurance. You can check the moving company’s insurance status directly or with a company like the Better Business Bureau (BBB). If you are moving into an apartment building, co-op or apartment complex, you may need to show proof of your business license before you are allowed to move into the building.
Services offered by moving companies
You might consider hiring a moving company only for moving day duties, but many moving companies also perform other tasks and services:
Moving supplies, such as boxes and bubble wrap
Packaging service
disassemble/assemble furniture
Shipping of fragile/priceless items such as art
piano move
Not all moving companies are one-size-fits-all, so if you have specific moving requirements, it pays to choose one that can meet those needs.
How to Hire a Mover
In order to choose the best mover facilitator for your needs, you should research the company and read reviews on their website or on the BBB. Ask friends and family to weigh in on the movers they hire for their own move. Prices will vary by move, but the main thing you need to enter is how professional the moving company is and, most importantly, whether the items arrived safely at their destination.
Questions to ask the moving company
Is your company licensed and insured? This is especially important if you’re moving into an apartment building – the property manager may ask for a copy before you approve the move. )
Do you charge hourly or flat rate? Keep in mind that it may take a minimum number of hours for a moving company to accept a job, and these hours also include border crossings.
Do you have experience with moving (specific objects)? Piano moving companies exist for a reason. If you have delicate or priceless items beyond traditional piles of boxes, you’ll want to make sure the hauler you choose is experienced.
When and how would you like to be paid? It’s not uncommon to pay a deposit to secure your moving date, especially if you’re moving during peak season. If you’re paying the remaining bill on moving day, make sure you’re ready to use your moving company’s preferred payment method.
Choose the right mover
There are many moving companies out there, and you must do your due diligence to find a reliable moving company that best suits your needs. For example, if you’re moving internationally, you’ll want to find a moving company that has experience moving across states. When looking for a mover, keep the following in mind:
Research movers and read reviews.
Call competing moving companies and get some estimates. Keep in mind that depending on what day of the week/month you are moving, there may be some ways to save money.
Ask about the moving company’s other services. While these will incur additional costs, if it means less work for you, then you may find it worthwhile.
Get movement estimates in writing. Don’t verbally agree to anything – you have to sign a contract.
