Moving can be one of the most stressful times in a person’s life. You have countless little things to keep track of and need to pack up your entire life and move it to a new location.

That’s why many people turn to movers to get help with the process. It takes one thing off your plate that you don’t have to deal with.

But with over 18,000 moving companies in the United States, it’s not always easy to find a great moving partner.

Do you want a few tips that can help you find a reliable moving company? Use the guide below to find the best movers in your area.

Verify a Mover’s License

Becoming a mover isn’t as simple as setting up a business and selling your services. There are rules you need to follow based on where you operate. You need to get a license to prove you know and can follow those rules.

You’ll also need a license if you move stuff long distances. Out-of-state moves, for instance, have a special license. The same is true if you want to perform a move internationally.

Look at the license requirements required for a moving company in your area. Once you know what license to look for, ask for proof from the moving companies you speak with to verify they’re qualified for the job.

Learn About Pricing

Pricing is the next big thing to consider when hiring movers for your stuff. Moving is a manual process, with a few extra charges for truck rentals and gas. That means you’ll find a lot of pricing variations between your mover options.

The best rule to follow is the same as the home improvement expert search. You want to get quotes from a minimum of three moving companies before you choose.

Try to find the company that offers the most value for the price they charge. Don’t just go for the lowest or highest-priced provider you find.

Get Enough Insurance

Most reputable movers offer insurance to their customers. It comes in the default package and provides coverage for up to a certain amount of damages.

However, that amount of coverage may not be enough to cover all your belongings and make you feel safe.

Examine the default insurance coverage for all your mover options. Moving companies should be upfront about how much they offer before you sign a contract. Some will offer more coverage than others, so you’ll need to learn this beforehand.

Once you have the default coverage amounts, check how much added insurance protection is. If you have a lot of valuable objects, it makes sense to get extra coverage. The price for added coverage varies by company, so get quotes from all your options.

Consider Moving Specialties

You may not need special expertise to move most of your items. However, there may be a couple of things that require special expertise to move.

Here are a few examples of that to consider:

  • Piano
  • Pool table
  • Appliances
  • Exercise equipment
  • Artwork

Of course, this list is much larger than the one you see above. Take an inventory of all your items and send your inventory to your local moving companies. A reputable moving company will tell you if they have the expertise to handle those special items.

If you know an item needs particular expertise to move and a mover doesn’t agree, wait until you hear from your other moving options to see what they have to say.

Be Careful of Deposits

Some shady moving companies will ask for a moving deposit before handling a job. Unfortunately, giving money to these companies means they don’t have to worry as much about doing the job right. They can cut corners and still make money because you already paid their fee.

Deposits aren’t common practice in the moving industry. Try to avoid deposits for moving and only pay once the job gets completed to your satisfaction.

If a moving company does require a deposit, make sure you do your research to vet the company and make sure they’re a reputable provider.

Consider Your Timeline

The last thing you want to happen is to arrive at your new home and not have your belongings waiting for you. Unfortunately, some moving companies aren’t transparent with their timeline and won’t arrive on time.

You need to clear up any questions about your timeline with your moving company. Get in writing the day and time they arrive at your new location.

If a company isn’t clear when they’ll arrive, look for someone else to work with.

Look for Referrals

You undoubtedly know people who have moved. The question is, did those people handle the moving process themselves or hire local movers to get the job done?

If it’s the latter, they likely know of reputable companies that can handle the move for you. Reach out to your friends and family to see what companies they know and have worked with. You can then reach out to those companies to interview them for the job.

You can also get referrals by searching online. Searching for local movers will give you a list of companies to reach out to and show reviews from previous customers. This search will help you filter out the bad companies and help you focus on the ones that can handle the move.

Now You’re Ready to Find the Best Movers

A lot can go wrong when you’re moving, whether it’s a local move or a long-distance move. Because of that, you can’t afford to hire movers that don’t pack and ship your things right. Use the guide to find the best movers you can to ensure everything makes it to your new location without breaking.

Do you want more tips that will help you set up your new home? Learn more by heading back to the blog.

By Manali