If you’ve only ever dealt with a DIY moving day—or had a bad experience with a moving company in the past—then the idea of letting someone else do the heavy lifting might spark some mixed feelings. You want all of your belongings to stay safe. But you don’t want to be stuck moving everything yourself. So how do you tell the good movers from the bad ones?
3 Ways to Compare Local Moving Companies
Don’t make the mistake of accidentally hiring a moving company that won’t live up to your expectations. You need to hire movers who know how to do the job right, and there are some clear-cut ways to tell the good movers from the rest. Ask yourself these questions to make sure you’re going with true professionals!
1. Do they explain their fees and rates upfront?
Everyone appreciates a good deal. And while affordability is important, cost alone shouldn’t be the only motivator for your decision. Quality and experience play big roles too. Fortunately, you don’t have to compromise. Good movers will have the right technical and physical skills to give you a stress-free moving day. Along with that, they’ll be responsible enough to explain their pricing and fee structure to you upfront.
Experienced movers who take pride in their work won’t leave you with a surprise bill with random expenses added on at the end. Any moving estimate that you’re considering should clearly state what you’ll be getting on moving day. When all of those details are outlined on a company’s websites, that’s definitely a good sign.
2. Do they have other services for you?
Your move might require certain logistical expertise that not all moving companies can handle. Whether that’s moving heavy exercise equipment or large, delicate items like pianos, you need to make sure that the movers you choose can actually accommodate those requirements with the right type of equipment, or even additional insurance coverage, depending on the move.
What’s more, you may be interested in hiring a moving company that also offers professional packing as a service. This is a great way to save time and protect your peace of mind because they can efficiently and securely pack all of your belongings while you work through the other aspects of planning your move. Plus, they’ll have first-hand experience packing fragile items like lamps and family heirlooms, and even delicate electronics that can be tricky to handle correctly. It’s always nice to have some extra help.
3. What do the moving company reviews have to say?
Referrals from family and friends are certainly valid, but never underestimate the power of what neighbors and other customers have to say about their moving companies. The more recent the feedback, the better.
In particular, you’ll want to check for the consistency of positive reviews. The company’s professionalism, efficiency, and overall friendliness should be referenced multiple times. Leverage that collective feedback, and pair it with your own gut instincts. If the company you’re leaning toward has great customer reviews, comprehensive service offerings, and fair and honest pricing, then you should be set up for success!