Find The Perfect Moving Company For Your Next Move.

Moving companies help businesses and people pack and move their goods when relocating locally, nationally, or internationally.

Finding a quality moving company requires a lot of time and effort. After all, moving is no easy task. It takes a lot, both physically and financially, to move a home or business from one location the next. From buying moving supplies to adequately and safely packing your belongings, there is a lot to take care of when moving. There are even more things, along with additional costs, to consider if the move is a cross-country or even an international one. Taking all the different factors into consideration, having the right local moving company will help to ease the stress of moving so that you can focus on other important matters. The options may be overwhelming and at first glance, it may seem as if you are looking at a lot of similar companies. However, if you do closer research, you will see what makes a quality moving company stand out from the rest. Here are some tips for hiring the perfect moving team for your move:

• Look for references - Nothing beats a personal reference. If a family member or friend has moved recently and had a great experience with the moving company they used, then that would be the ideal place to start. Some companies even offer referral discounts, which could cut down on costs. Absent a personal referral, online reviews are the next best thing. With online reviews, you will be able to see the good, bad, and ugly about every company before you make a decision to their movers. Past customer experience is an excellent indication of what you can expect when dealing with a moving company. If they have a reputation of treating customers honestly and fairly, then you will be at ease knowing you can expect the same treatment. Your personal belongings will be with these people for at least a few hours so it is of utmost importance that they are reliable and honest.

• Pay attention to your contract - Most moving companies are upfront about their costs but there are a few bad apples in the industry. Some companies try to tack on hidden fees or switch around the estimate. Never sign a blank document or agree to prices verbally. Ensure that every fee, discount, and even the hours that movers agree to work are clearly outlined in your moving contract. The contract is the most important document in your moving process because it itemizes your belongings. By signing, you are confirming that all your items are indeed in the inventory so be sure to check everything thoroughly. If anything is missing and you incorrectly signed, there may be no legal recourse to getting your items back.

• Ask about inventory and walk-through processes - Reputable moving companies will always take inventory of your items. This is for both your protection and theirs. If something goes missing, having a list of your items and the date they were handed over will help with any insurance claims you have to file or with recovering money from the moving company. Taking inventory of your items is also the way in which the moving estimator can give an accurate quote. Be wary of moving companies that try to get you to commit to a quote without even doing a walk-through of your home.

• Evaluate the deposit policy - If a moving company is trying to charge a large deposit upfront then that is a major red flag. It is not uncommon for people to deal with moving brokers and mistakenly think they are communicating with the actual moving company. There are lots of reliable moving brokers that can facilitate an easier move by handling all the coordination with the actual moving company. However, you should not be forking over a high deposit to them either. A standard deposit of around 20% of the total cost should be sufficient. Pay your deposit with a credit card so that you are protected in the event of a dispute or fraudulent transactions.

• Only do business with companies that are licensed, bonded, and insured - It may be tempting to cut costs and hire a couple local movers off a site like Craigslist but keep in mind that you will always get what you pay for. If you try to cut corners, then you risk not being compensated in the event of damage to your items. There are many resources that help you validate the licenses of moving companies. For out of state moves, The U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) provides a helpful resource for verifying moving companies’ licences at protectyourmove.gov. You can also request the moving company’s U.S. DOT number, which is needed in the event you have to file a claim at some point. You can even go a step further and inquire about any professional accreditations held by the moving company. These trade associations give seals of approvals for companies that they passed certain strict standards. This can help to give added peace of mind that your personal belongings are in good care while moving.

Bonus tip for those moving out of state: Opt for Full Replacement Value Protection

- Insurance is one of the most important elements in the moving process. It is so important that federal regulations demand all moving companies provide two types of insurance coverage to customers who are moving out of state.  While the ideal scenario is that your move would go smoothly, unexpected things arise all the time, especially during a long-distance move, and more insurance coverage is always better than less. If your items are either destroyed or damaged during a move, full replacement value protection means that the moving company will either pay to repair them so that it is in a similar condition to its original state or pay to replace it. This does not mean that you will get a brand new item. The moving company is only required to replace it with an item of like kind and quality. However, this is a better alternative than the ‘released value protection’, which will only reimburse you up to 60 cents per pound for each item.

Popular moving destinations

Considering an out-of-state move but not sure where to start? Check out our recommendation on top U.S. cities to live in 2020 and get some inspiration:

• Arlington, VA - This city tops the list for both Curbed and Niche’s best cities to live right now. Once you take a closer look at Washington’s D.C. neighbor, you’ll know why people are lining up around the block to call it home. From its cultural diversity to booming economy, Arlington provides a rich cultural experience for anyone looking to make a move. Whether you’re coming from a big city or a small one, the welcoming nature of its residents will make you eager to move in.

• Austin, TX - This is a popular destination due to its affordability. Everything is bigger in Texas and you are sure to get more bang for your buck. Despite being the host to many major music festivals and having a booming music scene, it is still an affordable place to call home with a thriving job market.

• Denver, CO - Ranked high in education, this city’s short commute time, low unemployment rate, and large employers is sure to make it a favorite on anyone’s list of places to relocate. Colorado is known for its mountains and there are quite a few to explore in close proximity to Denver.

• Boise, ID - If you’ve never considered moving to a place like Boise then you would be missing out on a scenic desert destination with lots of growing business opportunities. With a cost of living is more than half that of the national average, it’s no wonder some millennials are ditching California to set up residence in Boise.

• Kansas City, MO - Though it is often easily  confused with Kansas City, Kansas, this Jackson County city has more than enough accolades to make a name for itself all on its own. As the largest city in Missouri, it has attracted the attention of companies such as Amazon, Garmin, Ford, and General Motors. The many cultural attractions it offers such as museums, historical monuments, and even a symphony, make it the perfect destination if you are considering moving to a new location.

• New Orleans, LA - Your inner foodie wants you to move to New Orleans so just trust it. This place is famously known for its delicious down south cooking. Culture abounds as it is is home to some of the most historic sites in the U.S., such as the building in the French Quarter. If you like the nightlife, then you will love New Orleans as Mardi Gras is integral here.

• Raleigh, NC - If you’re looking to move to a place with a fast-growing educational system then look no further than this city, which is home to the prestigious Duke University. It is a popular destination for young professionals and new graduates.