One of the biggest questions people have when thinking about a long-distance move is how to get their belongings from their old home or business to the new one. Do you hire a moving company or handle everything on your own? For many people, a moving company makes everything related to a move easier.
Finding the right moving company is a significant decision. There are usually budget concerns and strict timelines to follow. The safety and security of your belongings is important to keep in mind, too. You might also consider making each step of the move smoother for everyone by choosing the right moving company.
How do you narrow down the choice of moving services? Let’s discuss.
Key Takeaways
- Your moving needs usually dictate the services you’ll use.
- Verifying your movers’ credentials and insurance helps protect you.
- Moving companies’ experience matters.
- Pay attention to pricing and fees to avoid being overcharged.
- Moving brokers can help facilitate moving services and take stress off your plate.
Assessing Your Moving Needs: Local, Long-Distance, or Specialty
The most significant factor in how to choose a moving company (or whether to hire one at all) is the type of move you’re planning. Local moves may not require professional movers at all. If you can make multiple trips, own a large vehicle, or don’t have bulky furniture, you may be able to move on your own.
Renting and driving a rental truck across town is much different than using one to travel hundreds of miles. In this situation, you’ll likely want to hire professionals to move your stuff. The major difference between local and long-distance moves is the distance traveled. This distance impacts several costs related to your move, including mileage charges, lodging and per diem costs for your movers, and more.
Outside of hiring long-distance moving services, you may also need to hire movers for bulky or specialty items. Trying to move a piano on your own, for example, is especially difficult. Hiring a mover with experience with musical instruments can help reduce the risk of damage.
How to Find Reliable Movers: Ask the Right Questions and Verify Credentials
Moving is stressful enough without worrying about unreliable movers. Asking the right questions and thoroughly checking credentials can help you find trustworthy professionals who will handle your move with care. No matter how many movers you’re comparing, consider these important questions to ask movers:
- How long have you been in business?
- Are you licensed for interstate moves?
- What types of insurance coverage do you offer?
- Do you have a physical business address?
- What’s your policy for handling damaged or lost items?
Asking the questions is important, but don’t just take their word for it. Verify claims as much as you can and ask for references from recent customers.
Even with these details, there are certain red flags you can pay heed to. Be wary of companies that demand large deposits up front or provide estimates over the phone without seeing your home or items. Companies that operate under multiple business names or lack a local physical address may also be a concern.
Checking for Proper Licensing, Registration, and Insurance
Before you hire your long-distance movers, verify their credentials to protect your belongings.
Every interstate mover must have a USDOT number from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). This tracks their safety record and ensures they meet federal requirements. You can verify this number by checking it on the FMCSA website.
For insurance, request proof of general liability and workers’ compensation coverage that protects you from liability during the move. You’ll also want to look out for two types of coverage:
- Released Value Protection (basic coverage): Minimal coverage typically only covers around $0.60 per item. Compensation for damages or losses is rarely enough to pay for a replacement.
- Full Value Protection (comprehensive coverage): Full compensation for damaged or lost items, often with a minimum or maximum coverage amount.
Moving Expertise: Why Experience Matters in a Moving Company
Years in service is vital for any moving company, but expertise is much more important. Quality movers can demonstrate their competence through specialized knowledge and proven track records, not just longevity.
Look for professional movers skilled at packing and safe furniture disassembly. They should also be efficient and able to navigate challenging spaces.
That experience is even more critical for complex moves for items in apartments and high-rise buildings or for working with antiques. Long-distance moves can sometimes take multiple days, so climate-controlled transport is also important.
One of the best ways to gauge this expertise is to read reviews from customers who underwent similar moves to yours. You can also ask your moving company for references.
Understanding Moving Quotes: Transparency and Hidden Fees
Hiring professional movers is rarely as simple as getting a quote and paying that amount. In some cases, there are other fees associated with moving. Some of the common moving-related fees you should prepare for are shipping and packing materials, hourly labor fees, lodging, and per diem fees (especially for multi-day moves).
Source moving quotes from multiple providers at once and ensure all fees are itemized in the contract. Watch out for unusually low estimates or fees for heavy items or trips up and down stairs. Any mover who offers a quote without at least getting a detailed inventory or a close-up look at your home’s contents is also one to be wary of.
Movers vs. Brokers: Understanding the Difference
When you hire professional movers, you have two choices: hiring them on your own or using the services of a moving broker to facilitate the move.
Moving companies typically own their trucks and equipment and handle your belongings directly. They hold direct liability insurance and are responsible for the hands-on aspects of your move. They usually perform in-person surveys and provide estimates based on that.
Moving brokers, meanwhile, are intermediaries. They don’t own trucks or employ movers. Instead, they book and sell your move to moving companies. They charge a fee for their services, but the stress they can take off your plate is well worth the price. Like movers, all brokers must be registered with the FMCSA.
As the founder of Safe Ship Moving Services says, “The greatest benefit of using a broker is that they work with numerous moving companies and can fit you with the company that best suits your needs in terms of pricing, scheduling, and services offered. Safe Ship Moving uses the experience developed over tens of thousands of relocations. As a broker we are able to determine what companies are able to deliver the service quality you need while retaining cost.”
If you choose to use a moving broker, get everything in writing and confirm the details of which moving company will handle your move. Even though brokers vet their partners, ensure you can access the broker’s and mover’s licenses and contact information.
While directly working with a moving company can ensure direct control over your move, brokers are helpful in many situations. They are a great resource when moving during peak season, for example. They’re also particularly useful when you need to source multiple quotes from movers and don’t have time to handle that legwork yourself. They also have partnerships with movers who offer specialized services and can point you in the right direction.
Equipment and Resources: Do They Have the Tools for Your Move?
Professional movers need the right tools to handle your belongings safely and efficiently. Before you sign the contract and hire residential moving services, verify they have the proper equipment for your move:
- Trucks that are the right size
- Professional-grade dollies and hand trucks
- Furniture pads and protective blankets
- Heavy-duty tie-downs and straps
- Lifting equipment for heavy items
- Boxes, tape, plastic wrap, and bubble wrap
- Ramps or lift gates for challenging locations
- Tools to disassemble furniture
If you have any questions about the items your movers will use during your move, ask during the consultation phase.
Red Flags to Watch for When Hiring Movers
Asking potential movers questions is one of the best ways to head off issues and red flags. Some of the biggest concerns you should be aware of when hiring movers include the following:
- Unusually low quotes
- Demand for large cash deposits
- Refusal to provide written estimates
- Significant price changes after the initial quote
- No USDOT number
- Missing or expired licenses
- No local business addresses
- Poor communication
- Missing or outdated websites
- Blank or incomplete contracts
- Refusal to provide detailed inventories
- No clear terms for damage claims
- Pressure to make quick decisions
- No weekend or evening availability
- Rude or unprofessional staff behavior
Ultimately, trust your instincts. Keep shopping around if anything feels off.
Making the Final Decision and Securing Your Move Date
Comparing options is a key component of finding the right movers to help you relocate across long distances. Once you narrow down your choices, consider booking your movers as early as possible to ensure availability for your desired moving date.
Making a Well-Informed Choice
Ultimately, thorough research and preparation are two of the most important factors as you consider choosing the right moving company. Whether you’re moving for the first time or the fifth, there’s always a new wrinkle to worry about.
The best way to ensure you make a confident, informed decision is to determine how much heavy lifting you need movers to do. Source quotes from multiple companies at once and ask plenty of questions to make sure the moving companies in question can meet your budget and relocation needs.
Do you prefer a more hands-off approach? Contact a moving broker like Safe Ship and get a quote today.
Our commitment to service helps you find licensed cross-country movers within our carrier network at fair, competitive prices.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if a moving company is good?
Good moving companies have verifiable credentials and insurance, clear communication, and detailed written estimates. They should also have a professional website and be willing to answer all your questions.
Are moving company quotes negotiable?
Moving quotes are often negotiable. Companies may offer better rates during off-peak seasons or in the middle of the month. You can negotiate by sourcing multiple quotes, asking about discounts, or adjusting your move date. Be wary of companies that dramatically lower prices without explanation, however.
How do I choose a professional moving company?
Get recommendations and read online reviews. Verify companies’ credentials and get at least three in-person estimates. Ask about experiences with moves like yours and review policies. Choose a company that offers clear communication and written documentation. When in doubt, consider a moving broker to help ease the process.
