Whether you’re moving across town or relocating to another city, hiring a professional moving company can make the process easier and less stressful. Companies offer a wide range of services, from packing to storage, and they can help you with your move regardless of how much stuff you have to transport.
Before choosing a moving company, it’s important to know what you need from the service and how much money to expect to pay for it. You’ll also need to choose a company that is licensed and insured and has a strong reputation for handling your belongings.
You’ll also want to ask lots of questions and get written estimates so that you can compare different companies in detail. You should never sign a contract until you’ve done all of your research and evaluated reviews from several sources.
Movers are responsible for loading, transporting and unloading your goods, so it’s important to pick a mover that you trust to do a good job. Some companies are regulated by state departments, so check with your state’s licensing agency to find out what they require.
Most local movers can also handle moves within their own states, but if you’re planning on moving beyond the borders of your home state, you should consider a national company. The best companies to use are those that have a long track record of providing high quality service, as well as a reliable and trustworthy customer support team.
Ensure the moving company you’re considering has both an MC and DOT license to ensure they are legally authorized to transport your goods. You can use the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s website to verify a company’s MC and DOT numbers and see any complaints that have been filed against them.
You should also make sure that the company has a workers’ compensation and liability insurance policy. These policies protect you in the event that a mover gets injured while transporting your belongings.
If you are moving with a high-value item, be sure to inform the movers of the value and size of the items so that they can take necessary precautions to ensure your items arrive in good condition. You can also request a guaranteed pickup and delivery option, which is more expensive than standard service, but guarantees that your items will be picked up on a set date and delivered to your new home in the exact same condition as they left it.
Full-service moving carriers are companies that handle all aspects of your move, from packing to delivery. Some national carriers, like North American Van Lines, also offer residential moving and storage options to customers.
A full-service mover usually provides packing services, as well as a truck and crew of workers to transport your belongings from your old location to your new one. They can also handle a variety of other moving-related tasks, including disassembly and reassembly, and they may even provide furniture movers to help you get your furniture from your current home into your new one.