Whether it’s cross-country or across the street, moving can be stressful, time-consuming, and costly. But with a bit of research into how to choose a moving company – and how to avoid moving scams – you can lessen all of that worry, work, and price and make the experience as smooth and positive as possible. We’re not going to mislead you: Finding a reliable moving company will take a minute. Keep scrolling to learn our top four tips for hiring a moving company as well as a number of FAQs (and answers!) to your most pressing questions.
Don’t move a muscle – or a box – without reading all the way through, and definitely do additional research online and in-person. The security of your peace of mind is just as important as the security of your belongings, so invest the time on the front-end to make sure you’ve made the right choice for you and your family.
Should You Hire a Moving Company?
The first decision point in the process is whether or not hiring a moving company is the best choice for your move. The key questions to answer at this point are why, when, and how much you can expect to pay for a reliable moving company. Let’s examine each in detail:
What’s Your Budget?
Be realistic about how much you can – and should – spend on the move. Sure, you can find cheap movers just about anywhere…but will that upfront savings end up evaporating because of damage to your items, delays, lack of proper insurance, or other issues? Also consider all the additional costs, including self storage, moving supplies, and even hidden budget-busters like cash tips for the movers. Our best advice? Figure out what you’re working with by creating a realistic moving budget, reach out for estimates, and then craft your plan from there.
Why Should You Hire Local?
Hiring local movers is often a strong option when moving nearby – or even afar. Local movers generally have a reputation (good or bad) in the community, meaning you can get referrals (or warnings) from neighbors or friends. They also might cost less than national companies because they have less overhead, though national companies might offer sales or discounts that local movers can’t match. Again, you’re going to have to do some research to find the best choice for the distance you’re moving and the budget you have.
Should You Use Movers for Long Distance Moves?
Long distance moves can be tough. Hauling your own stuff can make it even tougher. Once you add up the costs and stress of renting a truck, packing it yourself, driving it yourself, and then paying for gas, food, and lodging along the way, hiring a moving company often looks like a pretty good deal. Another option for both local and long-distance moves is to pack your own items in a shipping or storage container and have it delivered to your new home. This method has gained in popularity in recent years and is something to consider.
How Much Do Movers Cost?
In two words: a lot. Moving is not cheap, especially if you’re looking for same day moving. Reputable movers may cost more, but that is generally because they have better equipment, better technology, more experienced workers, and more insurance than your typical fly-by-night “two guys with a rented box truck” setup. Take your time to figure out what you can truly afford and take advantage of any deals you can find (like making use of the free moving truck that many CubeSmart locations offer).
Hiring a Moving Company in Four Steps
When it comes to hiring a moving company, there are a lot of factors to weigh. We’ve narrowed down our top advice to four tips, but recommend you check out this article from Forbes as well for even more details.
Step 1: Check Reviews
This may seem like a no-brainer, but the first step in how to choose a moving company is to research everything you can about them. This includes reading online reviews on Google, NextDoor, and Facebook, as well as looking up any company on the Better Business Bureau website to evaluate how they handle disputes.
Step 2: Shop Around
If you’re not in the market for same day moving, you should hopefully have time to shop around to find the best movers for your particular needs. Call, research online, ask for discounts, and search for coupons or deals to make sure you’re getting the best price – and the best service for that price. You can even visit local movers if they’re close by to get a sense of how they operate and talk directly with a representative. Make sure to get any quotes in writing.
Step 3: Check Insurance and Accreditation
Don’t sign a contract without ensuring any vendor you choose has proof of their licensing and liability insurance. If the moving company is going to cross state lines with your belongings, they also must be registered with the FMCSA. Lessen the chance of falling victim to moving scams by asking for these credentials. Any reputable company will be happy to give you the information.
Step 4: Verify the Address
Use online mapping tools (like Google Maps or Google Earth) to verify that the address the moving company has provided on its business cards or website is correct. Scammers will often use a fake address and count on unsuspecting customers to take them at their word. Don’t fall prey. Research everything!
How to Choose a Moving Company FAQs
Looking for a quick summary of the information above? Check out the answers to frequently asked questions below:
- What is the best way to find a good moving company? Online research and personal referrals, if possible.
- How to choose a reputable moving company? Check for licensing and liability insurance and registration with the FMCSA. The U.S. Department of Transportation also recommends that you ask if the moving company is handling the move itself or if they’re brokering it out to another company.
- What should I look for in a good moving and packing service? First, look for a company that will come to your home to give you an in-person estimate. Next, make sure the movers are professional, that they’re operating their own trucks and that the contact info they’ve provided to you is legitimate.
- How to choose between moving companies? There are a number of moving company review sites that help break down the different aspects of the move you need to consider (price, availability, deposit amount, etc.) and compare national movers against each other to help guide your choice. If you do as much research as you can, you’ll have enough details to make the right choice for you.
- How much do movers cost? Prices vary wildly, which is part of what makes choosing the right mover so hard. Moving companies consider a number of data points to calculate cost, including weight, distance, services, and time-frame, so anything you can sell before the move – and any flexibility you can provide during the process – will benefit your bottom line.
- How much do movers cost for local moves? Again, costs vary but local movers will generally charge less than $5,000 (much less, in some cases). Get at least three in-person estimates before signing any contract.
Hopefully, the info above has you feeling more prepared to find a reliable moving company. Be sure to download our Moving Checklist for even more info about what you need to do – and when you need to do it – to ensure success. And, of course, if you need any storage options either before or after the move, we’re always here to lend a hand.
