When choosing a moving service, get quotes from multiple companies. Also, request selections be based on in-home surveys or inventory of your belongings rather than ballpark figures over the phone.
The best movers will provide detailed, transparent pricing and add-on services that fit your timeline and budget. Look for online reviews, testimonials, and ratings from past customers.
When choosing movers, it’s important to consider their reputation. A company’s rating with the Better Business Bureau, reviews, complaints and government actions should all be taken into account. Checking a mover’s reputation online is easy and convenient. Simply type the mover’s name into a search engine to see what comes up. If you find any negative reviews or complaints, look for a company that has an active and up-to-date BBB profile.
Other standouts include a dedicated claims support line, which allows you to speak with a real person rather than navigate an automated customer service system, and a streamlined damage claim process. For added peace of mind, this company also includes satellite shipment tracking as a standard part of every move.
Experience
Whether your move is local or long-distance, a full-service moving company will have the knowledge and expertise to meet your unique needs. These companies understand the entire moving process, from packing to settling in your new home. If there are any hiccups during the move, they will be there to resolve them. They will also know the best way to pack your belongings for the most efficient transportation and storage.
When selecting a moving company, consider their reputation and customer service. Check reviews and ratings on online platforms to determine how satisfied previous customers are with their experience. You should also check the company’s credentials, such as license and insurance. Make sure to read all the fine print before you sign a contract with a company.
The right moving company will provide a comprehensive service that includes cleaning, moving, and storage. They can also assist you in arranging utility services. For example, they will arrange shutoff dates for your current utilities and turn-on dates at your new address. They will also file your change of address with the post office.
In addition to offering comprehensive moving services, the right company will provide a free estimate on their website. This will help you choose the best package for your move, and you can also compare prices with other companies. The cost of the move will vary based on the size and distance of your move, as well as the type of items you’re moving.
Residential movers specialize in moving household goods, while commercial movers are experts at moving offices and warehouses. Choosing the right mover will ensure a smooth transition and save you time, money, and stress.
Full-service movers are trained to handle logistics and protect your belongings during the move. They can pack and unpack your items in a fraction of the time it takes to do it yourself. They will also dismantle and reassemble furniture. Their services also include securing your belongings in crates and on the truck, ensuring they’re safe and secure throughout the move.
Insurance
Many moving companies offer a variety of insurance coverage for your belongings during the relocation process. You should carefully examine each plan to ensure you understand how much coverage you get for your belongings and how the claim process works. You should also find out whether the company has auto insurance, workers’ compensation insurance and other types of business insurance.
Most moving companies have basic coverage, or released value protection, which is often included in your moving quote for free. This type of coverage obligates the mover to assume liability up to $0.60 per pound of each item for loss or damage, regardless of its actual value. It also excludes items in boxes that are not packed by the movers, and it does not cover natural disasters or other events outside of the mover’s control.
Full-value protection is more comprehensive and costs extra, but it can be a worthwhile investment for high-value items. With this option, your mover will repair or replace damaged items with new ones or make a cash settlement up to the current market value of the items. It is important to know how your mover calculates replacement value and how much the policy covers for each item, as these details can affect how much you are compensated for a loss or damage claim.
The cost of full-value protection varies by moving company, but it usually costs around 1% of the total shipment value. In some cases, you may be able to choose your own deductible, which can decrease or increase the price of the policy. Auto liability insurance is a common add-on for moving services, and it typically protects the moving company if it crashes into your car or trailer while loading and unloading goods. Workers’ compensation is another common add-on and helps to pay for on-the-job injuries.
Other types of business insurance that you should investigate include commercial property, which provides coverage for the contents of your warehouse and office spaces, and commercial umbrella, which offers supplemental coverage for large claims. You should also ask the moving service about its auto insurance policy if you are shipping your vehicle, as this is required by law in most states. Finally, you should ask about storage insurance if you need to store your belongings before or after the move.
Fees
Before you book a mover, make sure you fully understand all the costs involved. Some movers may charge extra fees for stairs or elevators, long carries, packing supplies and more. Providing as much detail as possible during the phone call will help the company give you an accurate quote. Ask what services they offer and if there are any additional costs you need to know about, like non-refundable Co-Op application fees or the cost of breaking your current lease early.
The size of your home and how much stuff you have are the biggest factors in determining moving costs. Most movers will weigh and measure your belongings to determine the total weight of your move and how many boxes it will take to transport. The size of your belongings will also determine how long it takes for a crew to clear out your space. If you have a four-bedroom home, it will take longer and require more people to finish the job than a studio apartment.
If you hire a full-service mover, they will provide the truck and do all the packing, loading and unloading for you. This option can be more expensive than DIY moves, but it offers peace of mind that your possessions are in good hands.
In addition to the base moving fee, some companies will add on a service fee, which covers their labor and equipment. Some will charge by the hour, while others charge a flat rate. In either case, the more time it takes to complete your move, the more you will pay.
A full-service move can usually be completed in one day, but it will depend on the size of your home and the amount of stuff you have. Most companies will include a three-person team and five or six hours of loading, moving, and unloading time for a standard local move.
Most movers will provide a Bill of Lading that breaks down the estimated costs and fees associated with your move. This document will show the transportation fees, estimated weight, mileage charges, service fees and any applicable discounts or surcharges. Be sure to read the Bill of Lading carefully to avoid any surprises on your final bill. If you are happy with the service, consider tipping your movers. A 10% tip is standard for a local move, and up to 20% is appropriate for a long-distance move.