Are you gearing up for a big move and have been scouring the internet for “movers near me?” Choosing the right moving services is crucial to protect your belongings, minimize hassle, and save time during an often chaotic chapter of life. Continue reading to discover how to identify the key qualities of a great moving company and take actionable steps to make a pleasant moving experience.
5 Key Qualities for Movers Near Me
#1: Licensed and Insured Movers
When researching “movers near me,” the first quality you need to check for is whether they are properly licensed and insured. Hiring licensed and insured moving services not only minimizes the chances that you will get scammed but also guarantees that you and your belongings are protected in case of an accident.
When verifying the legitimacy of a moving company, request their license and insurance information, which they are required to provide, and verify it against official websites. For example, at Larsen Transfer, we have our numbers for the US Department of Transportation, Washington UTC, and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) listed in the footer of our website.
#2: Experience and Reputation
While we aren’t knocking new moving services, it is important to acknowledge that every new business has hiccups. If you’re looking for a streamlined service that gets the job done right, you want a moving company with years of experience in handling moves efficiently.
The best way to check for experience and reputation is through customer reviews, testimonials, and ratings. We recommend checking third-party review sites, like Google or Facebook, for honest, trustworthy reviews from real customers like you.
#3: Transparent Pricing and Estimates
When evaluating the top “movers near me” you’ve chosen, a vital consideration is their pricing, the supplied estimates, and contract transparency. First, it is important to note the difference between binding and non-binding estimates.
A non-binding estimate is there to help you determine the expected cost of a move, but it does not guarantee a final price. However, according to the FMCSA, “Under a nonbinding estimate, the moving company cannot require you to pay more than 110 percent of the non-binding estimate at the time of delivery.” A binding estimate, however, requires you to pay 100% of the agreed-upon price upon delivery.
Binding estimates are usually the preferred choice for moving services, as they provide a safe way to ensure transparent and fair prices. However, suppose you want to move by weight or have your moving company pack your belongings for you. In that case, a non-binding estimate will often be offered, as the moving company calculates the final price based on the weight of the move and the quantity of packing materials used.
While both offers are legitimate and frequently used, we suggest that you read through whichever one you choose carefully and ensure there are no loose ends or “blank spots” that could be filled in without your consent. Additionally, if you select a non-binding estimate, we suggest you are aware of the minimum and maximum amounts they can request, so you aren’t surprised when it comes time to pay.
#4: Professional Equipment and Moving Trucks
Another key factor when selecting a moving company is the condition of their trucks and their moving equipment. The easiest way to view this is to do an on-site estimate request. While you are at their main office, you can check out their trucks to see if they are properly maintained and in good condition, and that the trucks are branded with the company logo for all to see. This demonstrates the care and responsibility the company takes to protect its assets, and is an indicator of how it will care for yours as well.
Additionally, the right moving equipment ensures a safe and efficient move for the drivers, crew, and your belongings. We suggest asking your moving company about the equipment they use to perform their moving services. They should include equipment such as moving dollies, furniture sliders, moving blankets or pads, moving straps, corner protectors, and protective gloves. All of these should be supplied and maintained by the moving company, not the employees or movers.
#5: Flexible Services
The last factor to consider when selecting a moving company is the flexibility of their service. Some companies offer strict packages with no customization options, while others provide a variety of services tailored to meet the customer’s needs. For example, here are some questions worth asking:
- Do they provide full-service moves?
- Can they work with partial DIY moves?
- Do they offer interim storage?
- Can they handle specialty items, such as pianos?
We recommend carefully reviewing moving services and selecting the company that best suits your needs for your move.
How to Hire the Best Movers Near Me
Now that you understand the key factors that go into narrowing down that list of “movers near me” that Google recommended, it is time to hire! Here is a quick step-by-step guide on the actions you should take:
- Identify your candidates: Create a list of the top-rated moving companies in the area, based on your research and recommendations from friends, family, or colleagues.
- Ask questions: Take the time to ask each candidate the vital questions we discussed above, specifically regarding experience, policies, and moving services.
- Verify their credentials: Don’t simply trust them; always verify their stated credentials through government transportation websites, online reviews, and personal references.
- Look for red flags: Read the fine print and check their details for red flags, such as vague pricing, lack of a physical business location, or poorly kept trucks.
- Request multiple quotes: Compare multiple moving companies before making a final decision.
- Get a concrete contract: Always get a finalized contract in writing. Make sure to check for hidden fees or loose ends before signing!
Why Choose Larsen Transfer for Your Next Move?
Are you currently located in the Tri-Cities and looking for a trusted moving company with years of experience? We at Larsen Transfer are a fully licensed, insured, and highly rated customer moving company that offers comprehensive full-service moving, storage, and packing solutions.
Whether you are looking to move across town, to a new state, or all the way across the country, we’re dedicated to providing you with a stress-free moving experience. Contact Larsen Transfer today for a free moving estimate and experience a seamless, stress-free move!
