Moving is stressful. So, before you add more to your plate, ensure that your movers have you covered. Besides looking for a moving company near you and within your budget there are other qualities to look for in a good moving company.
Our obvious answer as to the best moving company is UniMovers, but if we aren’t near you here is what you should look for.
Table of contents
Things to Look For:
Trustworthiness
One of the first things to look for in a moving company is their trustworthiness. A good moving company is one that you can trust. In other words, if you are about to entrust the company to move all your valuable possessions, make sure you have faith in them.
Ask around to get suggestions of companies that worked well for others. Just because a company has high ratings online doesn’t mean they are necessarily great. Your friends, family, neighbors, or coworkers may have had a different experience. They may also tell you why or why not a company may work for you depending on your needs.
Reliability
Similar to trustworthiness good moving companies are ones that won’t flake out on you. Moving is a time of change, so one thing that you want is stability in a moving company.
Once you get recommendations from other people do your research too. Try viewing reliable moving review websites, which give you options and rankings depending on your needs. Chances are if someone left a review it was either a very negative or a very positive experience. Either way, reading reviews will help you find a good moving company for you.
Experience
While it may be easiest to trust a company with years of experience, it is not necessarily one of the most crucial factors.
Lots of experience does not necessarily guarantee great service, but if a company has been competing with larger chains for years it must be doing something right. Really the main goal is to hire movers that are experienced and resourceful so they can tackle any problem or situation that may arise.
Licensing
Ensure that your moving company has the proper paperwork, either that they are insured or have a license from the U.S. Department of Transportation.
A long-distance mover will have an issued USDOT number that should be visible on their website. This is required for them to legally move your belongings.
Insurance Coverage
Whether a company is for long-distance or is solely labor-only they should be insured. A good moving company is an insured one.
Proper insurance will not only give you peace of mind but also protect you just in case something were to go wrong. Ensure your company can offer you adequate insurance suited for your particular case. If you worry about this you can always hire a third-party insurance company for the move!
Looking to move soon?
Check out UniMovers and save 30-50% on your move as compared with traditional moving!
Honesty
Another thing to look for in your search to find the best moving company is honesty and transparency when it comes to rates with no hidden charges and fees.
One of the first things you should ask your company is to request in-home surveys. This allows for a more accurate estimate of the cost. It also allows the movers to be more prepared for the day of the move, reducing the risk of additional costs and fees.
Affordability
Moving can be expensive, but don’t let the price of a company make you hire someone who is subpar. Even good moving companies can be affordable.
When looking for affordable movers, what is really happening is finding a good cost and quality balance. It is important to remember that the affordable moving company you hire should still provide top-notch services, otherwise the money you think you saved isn’t really there.
Look for extra services offered, respective rates, and possible other bonuses such as a discount or packing materials included.
Customizability
Overall a good moving company is going to be best for you if it fits your needs. Don’t be afraid to want a custom experience, after all, they are here to help you!
Some things to look for that you can customize your move with are disassembly/reassembly of furniture, crating, and warehouse storage.
Customer Service
Great moving companies are ones who will offer you support in case questions, problems, or disputes arise.
In case you need to keep in contact with the company after the move you want to make sure they offer you good customer support. A company that you have a good relationship with will be honest about its dispute settlement program.
Ask about how they have settled disputes in the past or even how they handle and settle complaints. You want a moving company that is professional, right?
Non-Rogue
Thousands of people move each year, and while rare people do experience fraud. To avoid this it is important to check for all of the things listed prior as well as check for a valid physical address and be wary of large deposit fees.
Business is everything and fraudulent companies are out there so don’t be afraid to ask the tough questions.
Do the research to get the best results in the long run. More time spent on researching moving companies leads to you finding the best fit for you. A good fitting company will be one that has all the things on your checklist.
Overall good moving companies are the ones who have a proven history of safety, reliability, and high-quality services.
You may end up moving again so make sure you find a good one!
Hi! I am Mackenzie Jones! I am currently a junior in college majoring in biology, psychology, and neuroscience. In my free time I enjoy writing, trying new local restaurants/cafes, and spending as much time outside as possible.