When moving to a new home, there are many things to consider and do, from packing boxes to arranging furniture. The best way to make this process as stress-free as possible is to hire a moving company. Professional movers are trained and qualified to handle the heavy lifting for their clients. They also have access to specialized equipment such as dollies and furniture pads that ensure your items are properly transported. In addition, they know how to properly pack and unpack items in order to protect them from damage during the move.
There are about 7,000 licensed moving companies in the United States, most of which are local independent contractors or affiliates of large van lines like Allied and Mayflower Transit. They offer a variety of services for both residential and commercial moves, such as disassembling and reassembling furniture, packing and unpacking items, providing storage options, and transporting vehicles and motorcycles. Some moving companies even offer a mobile app to manage checklists, incorporate relocation contacts and schedule pickup and drop-off times for utility services.
Choosing a reliable moving company should begin with a review of customer reviews and ratings. Customers should pay special attention to red flags such as a request for a deposit or advance payment. In addition, customers should ask about pricing and services. Some movers require an in-person walkthrough before providing a quote, while others only provide nonbinding estimates, which can mean that the price on moving day can be more than the original estimate.
A moving company’s rates are typically based on the number of hours and manpower needed for the job. The company’s website should indicate the minimum and maximum charges for each service. In addition, the website should display licensure information and a list of insurance policies. It is also important to ask a moving company whether they offer a guarantee on their work.
The busiest season for moving companies is in the spring and summer, when more people are relocating. However, a reliable moving company should be able to accommodate moves year-round. They should be able to provide accurate dates for a move and will have enough resources to complete the job on time.
Moving companies should be able to offer different types of insurance, including full value protection, which covers the actual value of your possessions. However, it’s important to note that the cost for this type of coverage is generally higher than other options.
When evaluating moving companies, customers should be wary of extremely low prices. A moving company with an extremely low price is usually not a legitimate business and may be using deceptive advertising techniques. Customers should also check a company’s license and insurance status on their state’s consumer information websites. In some states, movers must be licensed by the FMCSA and must adhere to certain safety regulations. They should be able to provide customers with copies of these documents upon request. If they don’t, then the customer should look elsewhere for a moving company.