While relocating to a new place is a matter of great joy, moving is a daunting task without reliable help. Finding a suitable moving company is the key to a hassle-free and safe transition. However, searching for a reliable moving company is not an easy task. You need to put in some time to research and compare moving companies to hire a trustworthy moving company. Some of the factors such as pricing, company reputation, insurance and many more are crucial to ensure a stress-free and seamless move. The following section of the article would provide a comprehensive guide on how to compare moving companies?
Things to Consider While Comparing Moving Companies
There are some key parameters to compare moving companies. Here are some essential tips on how to compare moving companies.
Specific Moving Requirements
The first thing that you should consider when thinking about how to compare moving companies is your specific moving needs. Having a clear understanding of your specific moving need would inform you the best moving company for you.
First of all, the distance of your move is a crucial determinant of the type of moving company you need. For a move within the city or state, local movers near you are a good option. However, if you are planning an interstate or cross country move you must look for movers who are equipped for a long distance move.
Secondly, if you need packing and unpacking assistance then you must choose a moving company covering packing and unpacking services in their quote. However, keep in mind that with additional services your cost would go up. Thus, having proper budget estimation is important to optimize your moving benefits. Additionally, if you have delicate items requiring speciality handling services you must communicate that with your moving company and ensure that the chosen company covers all these aspects of a move.
Assess your Budget
Everybody tries to minimize the cost of moving services. However, lower-priced moving services might not match the quality that you would expect. There are multiple moving companies that offer lower-price initially but include hidden fees that are not mentioned in their quote. Moreover, most low-cost moving companies provide subpar services entailing a lot of risk like valuable misplacement, improper handling of delicate items and so on.
On the other hand, some moving companies offer additional services like packing and unpacking, storage facilities, cleaning services and many more. You need to determine which additional service you would opt for to optimize a comfortable move.
For instance, you might need a helping hand for packing and unpacking and do not need storage facilities and cleaning services. Then choosing only the services you need instead of all the services would allow you to save money and also to optimize your move. Having discussed the above points it is recommended that you compare the estimates of at least three to four companies before finalizing your selection.
Moving Company’s Reputation
This is an effective way to compare moving companies. You need to check the track record of moving companies near you. Going through companies’ complaint history of clients is an authentic source of review. Better Business Bureau (BBB), local consumer protection agencies, provides valuable information on companies’ reputation. On the other hand, for interstate move Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) is an authentic source of companies’ reputation information.
Learn about Companies’ Experience
Companies’ experience and the number of years they are in the moving industry inform their experience and expertise. You must search for companies with extensive history and rich experience to ensure quality moving service. Additionally, having membership at a professional organization like American Moving and Storage Association is also indicative of a company’s commitment and expertise.
Check Company’s Licensing and Insurance
For choosing a legitimate moving company for interstate move you need to ensure that the company is registered with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and has a valid U.S. Department of Transportation number. Visit FMCSA website to check the moving companies with proper registration and license. For intrastate move check out with local government agencies.
Insurance coverage of the moving companies is also an essential factor that you must verify. Different companies offer different levels of insurance. Compare as many companies as you can from the FMCSA website to make an informed decision.
Endnote
The article discussed some useful tips on how to compare moving companies. Since you have to depend on a moving agency with all your valuables, thorough research is extremely crucial. Ensure that your chosen moving company is fully licensed with proper documentation. Then compare their services and prices to determine the one that is aligning with your specific requirements and budget to ensure a smooth moving experience.
