Moving to a new home can be exciting, but it can also be a lot of work even if the move is within a locality. It’s easy to feel stressed out when you have to pack boxes, move furniture, and get used to your new home. That’s why a lot of people choose to get help from local moving companies.
Getting the right movers can ease a lot of your stress. You should always go for companies that are FMCSA compliant and insured to prevent a whole lot of issues. This is very important and must not be overlooked.
Below are detailed steps on how to choose a local moving company.
Do Some Research First
Take time to research different moving companies in your area before you decide. This will help you to find the right service and avoid the bad ones. Here are things to do:
- Look up at least three to five moving companies in your area.
- Go to their websites and learn about what they have to offer.
- Research their history and find out how long they’ve been in business.
If you’re finding it hard to find movers yourself, ask friends and family for recommendations. You’re likely to get some quality recommendations. A personal recommendation can often be trusted more than online ads.
Check Ratings and Reviews
Not all movers treat customers the same. Some treat their customers well, while others don’t. That’s why reading what other people have said about the company is a good idea.
You should:
- Read reviews on Google, Facebook, or other review sites you know you can trust.
- Pay attention to the company’s response and reaction when it gets bad reviews.
- Keep an eye out for patterns of poor service or damaged items.
Stay away from a mover if a lot of people say it’s not honest.
Compare Prices and Services
You shouldn’t just look at price, even though it is important. There are companies that charge less because they don’t provide as many services. Here’s what you should do:
- Have each company give you a price quote.
- Make sure that all of the services you need are in the quote.
- Find out if there are any extra charges or hidden costs. You can read this article to learn how to uncover and avoid hidden costs.
Pick a company that can help you with your needs and fits your budget.
Know What Services You Need
There are movers who do everything, while some only load and drive. It’s easy to choose a mover when you know what you need. The following are some common services:
- Packing and unpacking
- Loading and unloading
- Furniture disassembly and setup
- Storage options
A basic service may be enough if all you need help with are heavy items. But make sure they offer full-service moves if you want it. That way, you don’t need to get other people to carry out other aspects of the move.
Ask About Licenses and Insurance
It’s important to do this step. It’s safer to hire a mover who is licensed and insured. To find out about the mover’s license and insurance, ask the company:
- Are you licensed to move homes in this state?
- What kind of insurance do you have?
- Do you offer extra insurance for expensive items?
If they can’t answer clearly or avoid the question, that’s a red flag.
Pick the Right Time to Move
You might be wondering what picking the right time to move has to do with choosing a mover. We’ll tell you so that you understand. You see, when you move can affect the cost. Besides, during busy seasons, you might find it hard to secure the services of quality movers.
So, do these:
- Don’t move during busy times like summer.
- If possible, move during the week instead of on the weekend.
- Book movers early to avoid missing out.
If movers aren’t busy, they have more time to help you and may charge less.
Stay Within Your Budget
Determine how much you can spend before you hire anyone. By doing this, you won’t have to pay more than you need to. To stay on budget, do the following:
- Get everything in writing. Don’t depend on spoken quotes.
- Find out if they offer discounts for students, seniors, or military families.
- Don’t pay the full amount until the job is done.
It’s easier to make good decisions when you have a clear budget. It also protects you from surprise charges.
Understand Flat Rates vs. Hourly Rates
There are different ways movers charge their customers. Knowing this difference can help you save money when you take advantage of it. The table below shows the difference between both rates.
| Flat Rate | Hourly Rate |
| One price for the whole move | Price based on the time used |
| Good for big moves or long-distance moves | Best for short or simple moves |
As you can see, each option has its advantages. Therefore, you need to figure out which one best suits you at the moment. Once you’ve done that, find out from the mover if they charge that way. If they do, you can hire them or look elsewhere if they don’t.
Ask About Packing Options
Many people choose to pack themselves, as it saves them money. You can visit https://dailycivil.com/ to learn how to pack your entire home to move. However, many movers can help you pack, but for an additional fee. You can choose to have them pack only large or fragile items.
Bear in mind that if your items get damaged, you won’t be compensated if you packed them yourself. Besides, if you DIY, you might not pack the items properly since you are not trained to do so. This is why many people choose to hire movers to do this task.
Conclusion
It doesn’t have to be hard to choose a local moving company. You just need to be patient, ask the right questions, and know what to look for. Check to see if they are insured and follow the FMCSA rules.
You should also read reviews, get multiple quotes, and know what you’re paying for. If you use these tips, you should be able to find the right moving company. Go ahead and enjoy a stress-free move.
