Choosing a moving company is an overwhelming process. There are so many companies out there from local businesses that handle in-state moves to large companies that accommodate cross-country moves. Weeding out the good ones from the not so reputable can be difficult. But knowing what to look for can make this task somewhat easier. Below are the 8 details you should look for the choose the best moving company for you.
How to Choose the Best Moving Company: 8 Details to Look For
Service Area
Before you start collecting quotes, make sure the company can service both where you’re moving from and to. Every state has different moving licenses required, and the company you’re interested may not be able to move you to a different state, even if it’s only two minutes across the state line.
Services Offered
Next, make sure the company provides the service you’re looking for. You might need a piece moved that the company cannot not move for you. Pieces like:
-grand pianos
-gun safes
-hot tubs
-pool tablesIf you have any of these things or something similar, check that they can move it before you go through the process of getting a quote.
Licensed & Insured
A reputable moving company will always be licensed and insured and willing to provide proof of that coverage. If there’s any sign they are not licensed and insured or not willing to provide proof, skip getting an estimate from that company.
Verify Their Address
There are a lot of shady moving companies out there. But the one thing they won’t be able to trick you on—as long as you’re alert—is their business address. Make sure the address on their website lines up with what’s listed on Google, their Facebook, and their business card. Beware of any moving company with a residential address listed as their business address. There’s a chance they may still be a legitimate moving service, even with a residential address, especially if they’re just getting started. But if anything seems a little off, don’t be afraid to ask questions.
Read Reviews & Complaints
Crowdsource your research by reading reviews online on Google, Facebook, or Yelp. Reviews include a rating on a 5 star system. An 4 star moving company is one that is reputable and responsive and proactive regarding any problems that occur.
Make note of how the company responds to issues that occurred during the move. Often, either the customer will include the problem in their review and how it was resolved, or the company will respond to a negative review with how they sought to resolve the problem.
Though it can be tempting to ask moving companies for direct phone numbers of references, they aren’t allowed to give out previous client’s personal information. You’ll need to rely on reviews you find online or personal experience your friends have had with the company.
Compare Estimates
Comparing moving quotes from different companies is much less like comparing apples to apples and more like comparing apples to broccoli. It’s not as simple as comparing the final numbers. Different moving companies will have different fees. Or they might have have the same fees but call it something different. They will also have different terms & conditions and fine print in the estimate. Ask the company what happens if the move takes longer than the initial estimate? What does the supply fee cover? Does the time for labor start when the movers start loading or when they leave their facility? The best company to move with will answer these questions honestly.
Deposit Only, Not an Advance
It’s normal and a routine practice for moving companies to request a deposit to reserve your move. A normal deposit for a local move is somewhere around $100, and for a long distance move, 10% of the total. If the company requires a large sum before the move even happens (more than 20%), steer clear and look for another moving company.
Look for the Right Movers for You
When it comes down to it, the best moving company for you is the one that suits all your needs. As long as they are providing the correct service in the correct area, are licensed and insured, have decent reviews, and are up front an honest about any questions you have, then they could be the right one for you. Get quotes from multiple companies you deem legitimate, and choose the one you’re most comfortable with.
Now that you know how to choose the best moving company, we have a few resources to help start your search. We at Moving U & Junk U believe we’re the best moving company—for a Pennsylvania or Delaware move—for you. We are licensed and insured, and you can find and read many five star reviews on Yelp, Google, and Facebook. Our movers are professionally trained to safely move your belongings from point A to point B. Whether you’re looking for moving, packing, junk removal, or a little of each, you can sit back, relax, and trust us to take care of all the heavy lifting for you.
When you’re ready to get your free estimate, give us a call or text at 484-301-2442 or email us at info@movingujunku.com.
