How to Choose the Right Moving Company
Did you know that according to the U.S. census, the average person moves an average of 11.7 times in their life? If you've moved before, you know how stressful the process can be. You have to make sure that none of your belongings are damaged and figure out how to move heavy pieces of furniture.
Hiring the right moving company can take a lot of the weight off your shoulders during a move. The question is, how do you find the right moving company for your needs? No matter what your situation looks like, we're here to help ensure you find the right partner for your next move.
5 Tips for Finding the Right Moving Company
1. Do Your Research and Read Reviews
When you do a Google search for moving companies, the results can be a little overwhelming. The good news is that you can narrow down your options by reading consumer reviews. Google Reviews give you an accurate look at the quality of service you can expect. Look for reviews that give context for the entire experience.
Outside of online reviews, you can also ask your friends and family for recommendations. Ask them about their last move and what their experience was like. Once you get a recommendation, look at the company to see if reviews back up the suggestion.
2. Be Sure to Get Estimates
Before you hire a moving company, be sure to get an estimate. Most moving companies should be able to offer you a free estimate once you explain your needs. From there, it's a good idea to get at least two other estimates. That way, you can ensure that you're not paying more than you should. Make sure that each estimate clearly identifies any extra costs to avoid any last-minute surprise costs that usually end with a “take it or leave it” approach.
Make sure you provide the estimator with as much information as possible including the details of where your belongings will be moved. Are they going into storage? Are you moving into a new apartment on the 5th floor with no elevator? These factors will all impact your overall estimate.
During your estimate, you will want to ask the detailed questions like the following to get a feel for the company’s abilities:
- How many movers will be onsite to complete the move?
- How much space will this move take on the truck(s)? If multiple, do you have enough trucks or will you need to do multiple trips?
- Does the estimate include disassembly/reassembly of furniture?
- Are there extra costs that I should be made aware of?
- Do you background check and train your movers?
- How do you protect furniture and fragile items during the move?
- How do you protect my current and new home from damage while moving?
3. Make Sure the Moving Company is Licensed and Insured
What happens if any of your belongings get damaged or lost by a moving company? While it's not ideal, an insured moving company can make sure you're compensated. You can find out if the moving company you're considering is licensed and insured by checking out their website. Most moving companies will display this information on their homepage.
It's also important to note that only hiring licensed and insured moving companies will lower your risk of encountering a scam. Licensed and insured moving companies are also issued an ID number from the Department of Transportation. You can look up the license of a moving company you're considering for added peace of mind.
4. Find the Right Moving Service for You
Take some time and think about what your unique moving needs are. Are you looking for a company to take care of everything? Or do you want movers to handle your large furniture and heavy items? Part of your answer to these questions rests in your budget.
If you have a more conservative budget, you can take on most of the moving work yourself. For this scenario, you'll want to make sure you start packing your belongings in advance. If you're fortunate to have room in your budget, moving companies can help you with packing and getting ready.
5. Ask About Their Moving Equipment
Before you make a decision on which moving company you'll use, ask about their equipment. Some companies have specialized equipment like forklifts that can make the process go smoother. To make sure all your needs are met, make a list of any items that might require special attention.
Once you have that list, you can ask moving companies about how they would move those items. This can give you some valuable insight into which company is best for your move.
6. Consider Decluttering and Storage Before Your Move Are you listing your home for sale? Consider decluttering to stage your home for sale[CB2] - which will make it easier to sell your home and potentially at a higher price! In addition to cleaning and repairing your home, you will want to store the extra clutter that we are all guilty of accumulating over time.
Make Your Move Easier with RightAway Storage
If you have an upcoming move or are selling or renovating your home, RightAway Storage can help make the process easier. Our Storage Experts can provide solutions to fit your needs whether it’s our Self Storage Units that come in a variety of sizes or let us pickup, store and deliver your belongings with our Valet Storage Service. We understand that moving and storage can be stressful, so we take the time to understand your unique situation to provide a solution that works for your schedule, need and budget.
Contact our Storage Experts today to learn more about how we can help you with your next move.