Best House Movers
Welcome to the ultimate guide for finding the best house movers! Whether you’re moving across town or across the country with companies like Allied Van Lines, American Van Lines, or North American Van Lines, this blog post will provide you with all the tips and tricks you need to find the perfect house moving company for your needs.
Researching and Comparing Movers
When it comes to finding the best house movers, research is key. Here are some tips for researching and comparing house moving companies to ensure you find the right company for your needs:
Utilizing Online Resources
- The internet is a valuable tool for researching house movers. Websites like Yelp, Google, BBB, and MovingScam provide reviews and ratings for many moving companies.
- Look for house movers with high ratings, positive reviews, transparent business practices, and a history of good customer service.
- Pay attention to any concerning complaints or lawsuits filed against a company.
Reading Customer Reviews
- Reading through unbiased customer reviews on third-party websites can give you valuable insight into the real experiences others have had with a particular house moving company.
- Pay attention to any recurring issues or themes in negative reviews that may raise red flags about their service.
Obtaining Referrals from Friends and Family
- Word of mouth is a powerful tool when it comes to finding reputable house movers. Ask trusted friends, family members, realtors and colleagues for recommendations of moving companies they have used personally in the past.
Contacting Local Real Estate Agents
- Speaking with local real estate agents can provide specialized insight into reputable movers in your area. Real estate agents often have close relationships with moving companies and may be able to advise which ones provide quality service.
Understanding Different Services Offered
House moving companies offer a variety of services to accommodate different needs and budgets. Understanding the offerings can help determine the right type of mover for your situation:
- Full-Service Moving
- Full-service movers handle every aspect of the moving process including packing, loading, transportation, unloading and unpacking.
- This option provides complete start-to-finish service but is generally the most expensive choice.
- Self-Service Moving
- With self-service moving, you pack your own items and the movers provide the truck, moving equipment and labor to load, transport and unload your belongings.
- This can reduce costs but requires significantly more effort on your part.
- DIY Moving Rentals
- For very budget-conscious moves, some companies offer DIY rental trucks you pack and drive yourself.
- This is the most affordable option but requires the most physical effort and logistical planning.
- Specialty Moving Services
- Some movers offer specialty services focused on safely transporting valuable items like artwork, antiques, pianos, pool tables, safes, etc.
- If you need to move delicate or unusually large items, a specialty mover may be best suited for the job.
- Storage Services
- Many larger moving companies also provide temporary and long-term storage facilities for your belongings.
- This adds flexibility if you need to store items during a move.
- International & Overseas Moving
- For international relocations, specialized overseas moving companies can transport your belongings using sea freight containers.
- Make sure to research customs regulations for your destination country.
Evaluating Company Credentials
Before selecting a house moving company, it’s essential to thoroughly evaluate their credentials including licensing, insurance status and complaint record:
Licensing & Operating Authority
- Interstate movers are regulated by the FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) and must be licensed and registered to transport household goods.
- Ask movers for their MC (Motor Carrier) number and DOT (Dept of Transportation) number.
Insurance Coverage
- Reputable movers carry cargo insurance, workers compensation insurance and general liability insurance.
- Ask about the levels of valuation coverage and deductibles to protect your belongings in case of loss or damage.
Safety Record
- Check a company’s safety record through the FMCSA Safety Measurement System.
- This database logs inspections, collisions and driving violations incurred.
Complaint History
- You can view complaints filed against a company through the FMCSA, state attorneys general office and the Better Business Bureau.
- Numerous complaints can indicate poor service.
Professional Affiliations
- Look for affiliation with organizations like the American Moving & Storage Association (AMSA) and state moving associations, which promote ethical business standards.
Getting Accurate Written Estimates
- Obtain written estimates from multiple house movers to compare overall cost along with services offered.
- But keep in mind that estimates are not binding contracts locking in pricing.
- Due to liability, movers will almost always need to conduct an on-site visual inspection of your belongings before providing a guaranteed Price For Services binding contract stating your firm final cost obligation.
On-Site Inspections
- To get the most accurate price quote, request an on-site inspection from movers to allow them to get an in-person view of your home size, furniture inventory and any logistical challenges like narrow staircases, large items etc.
- This allows them to develop a more reliable estimate.
Binding vs Non-Binding Estimates
- There are two types of moving estimates – binding and non-binding.
- Binding estimates provide guaranteed pricing that cannot legally be increased more than 10% at delivery.
- Non-binding estimates provide ballpark figures but the final bill may be higher or lower.
Understanding Factors Affecting Price
The total price to move your belongings depends on many factors:
| Distance | Long-distance moves cost more than local moves |
| Weight | Movers bill based on weight of belongings |
| Services Required | Full-service moves cost more than DIY moves |
- Supplemental Services – Packing/unpacking, storage fees get added
- Seasonal Demand – Peak moving months often have price surcharges
- Fuel Costs – Fluctuating diesel fuel costs can alter pricing
Itemizing Inventory Checklists
- To arrive at an accurate written estimate, the mover will complete an itemized inventory checklist detailing your household goods to be moved, including furniture, boxes, appliances etc.
- Provide supplemental inventory lists of your own belongings to get the best estimate.
Finalizing Your Decision
Once you’ve researched house moving companies and obtained estimate pricing, it’s time to finalize your selection:
Review All Terms & Conditions
- Carefully review all legal terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions detailed in the written Price For Services contract provided by your chosen residential mover.
- Understand your rights and responsibilities.
Confirm All Details
- Communicate directly with your sales representative to establish and confirm all essential details including start date, required services, storage needs, delivery timeframe, forms of payment accepted and guarantees provided.
- Get re-confirmation 1 week prior to the scheduled move date.
Prepare for Moving Day
- In the weeks and days leading up to moving day, use provided planning checklists to organize and pack up your household belongings.
- Sort items into “Essentials” and “Non-Essentials” boxes.
- Communicate any special handling instructions to your team lead.
By following these comprehensive guidelines, you’ll be well-equipped to select the most qualified and economical house moving company for a smooth, stress-free relocation. Let the experts handle the heavy lifting while you focus on settling into your exciting new home!
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