How Do Moving Companies Work?
Most moving companies assess your needs and provide you with a quote. They typically include packing, loading, transportation, and unpacking. On the scheduled day, the movers sort through your belongings, place them into a truck, transport them, and unload them at your new place.
How to Choose the Best Moving Company
When choosing a moving company, do your research and compare different options. Consider the mover’s reputation, insurance options, and whether it’s a moving company that offers storage. To ensure it’s authentic, read client reviews, check its credentials, and request a quote. Finding the right moving company for you should be one of the first items on your moving checklist.
You should also consider the following factors:
1. Reputation
Start your search by skimming reviews and asking friends and family for recommendations. A reputable moving company mostly has positive feedback and a BBB accreditation.
2. Type of Move
Consider whether you’re relocating short- or long-distance. Local movers are more affordable, while international and interstate moving companies offer the professionalism needed for longer treks.
3. Shipment Content Amount
Check how much you need to move. If you don’t have a lot, going with a cheaper mover may be enough. But if you have many items or ones of high value, a more reputable company with insurance is a safer bet.
4. Certification
Make sure the moving company you choose is properly licensed and certified. Check its certification details on its website or the Federal Motor Carrier Administration page using the mover’s United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) number.
5. Insurance
Under federal law, all interstate moving companies must offer two types of insurance: full-value and released-value protection.
With full-value protection, the mover must repair or replace belongings lost or damaged in the transport or offer a cash settlement. The cost of this kind of coverage varies by provider, and insurers usually restrict it to valuable items only.
On the other hand, released-value protection is free of charge but limited to 60 cents/pound, which may not be enough if some of your expensive items are damaged. Consider buying additional insurance through a third party to cover any losses not included here.
6. Additional Services
Check if the moving company offers additional services such as storage, packing, and furniture assembly if you need help with more than just transport. This way, you can carefully plan every detail and ensure a smooth transition into your new home.
Types of Moving Companies
Every move is unique, and there’s a moving company for each one.
- Local moving companies specialize in moves typically within 50 miles of your current home. They usually charge a flat hourly rate.
- Long-distance moving companies handle moves that are more than 50 miles away. They base their price on the weight of the items you want to transport and the travel distance.
- Moving companies with storage can help you keep your furniture and valuables safe while you renovate your house.
- Interstate moving companies specialize in cross-country moves. They’re licensed and regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and must follow specific rules and regulations.
- International moving companies can help you move your stuff across international borders if you plan on starting a new life abroad. They can also assist with customs and immigration and provide information on international shipping regulations.
- Moving container companies can provide you with portable storage units if you want to save money and control every aspect of your move, including packing.
- Packing services wrap, box, and secure your belongings for safe transport. This ensures items are safely packed, reducing the risk of damage during the move.
- Truck rental companies can give you more control if you’re comfortable driving a large vehicle and prefer a DIY approach to moving. You can choose the packing materials you want and how your belongings are loaded and transported.
- Car shipping companies transport your vehicle by truck, train, or ship if you’d prefer to book a flight to your new place.
How Much Does a Moving Company Cost?
Local moves cost around $30 to $60/hour for each mover you hire. On the other hand, long-distance relocation can be anywhere from $1,000 to over $5,000, depending on the mileage.
Tips for a Successful Move
To help you ensure a successful move, we’ve created a list of tips to consider:
Working With Professionals
Movers who work for certified companies have the necessary skills and expertise to ensure the process runs smoothly. Hiring professionals also reduces the risk of your items being damaged during transport.
Make an Inventory List
Create a list of valuable items you’ll be transporting and their condition quality. It can help you quickly check if all your belongings have arrived safely at your new home. You can also take pictures of valuables beforehand for reference.
Do a Final Check of Your Old Home
Once you finish packing, check every room in your house for items you could’ve missed. Focus on electrical sockets, as you can easily forget phone or laptop chargers in the chaos of the move.
Keep Your Essentials on Hand
Keep essential items, such as keys to your new home, water bottles, snacks, or cash to tip the driver after the move, with you. This way, you can avoid having to unpack to find the items you need.
How to Prepare for a Move
When planning to relocate, your first step should be to create a moving checklist. Write down all the tasks you need to complete with their due dates. Before moving, you must:
- Research and choose a reputable moving company
- Declutter your home and donate or sell unwanted items
- Pack non-essential items first and label their boxes
- Create an inventory of all your belongings and keep it in a safe place
- Change your address with the post office and notify important parties such as banks, insurance companies, and government agencies
Why Do I Need a Moving Company?
There are many reasons why people choose to hire professional moving companies, such as:
Peace of Mind
If you relocate out of state, there are many things you may need to do beforehand. It can be much easier if you hire long-distance moving services to handle the packing and transporting since it’ll free you up to focus on other tasks.
Reliability
Most long-distance moving companies will offer some sort of insurance for your belongings. So, if something breaks during transport, you can get a refund for repairs or replacements.
Efficiency
Moving company employees have years of experience packing up, hauling, and unloading items in the fastest, most efficient manner. Local relocation services can even speed up the whole process since you can visit their office if you have uncertainties.
Safety
If you don’t have a friend who can help, you can put a lot of strain on your body. The best long-distance moving companies know how to move large, bulky, and heavy items without hurting themselves. They also have various tools that help them make the process easier, such as ratchet straps and stair rollers.
How Can I Find a Moving Company Near Me?
Use search engines like Google to find local and long-distance movers in your area. Look for companies that have good reviews and ratings from previous customers. Referrals from friends, family, or colleagues who had a positive experience are always a safe bet. Broker companies like American Van Lines and CMM can also help.
What Is the Cheapest Way to Move Cross Country?
DIY is the cheapest option and likely appealing to the 50% of Americans willing to move across the country to save money on housing. Renting a truck or a trailer and packing and driving yourself can save a substantial amount of money compared to hiring a full-service moving company. But you need to consider fuel costs, lodging if the move is long, and potential tolls.
Create a list of affordable companies by requesting a couple of quotes first. But don’t just look at the price tag. After all, the best ones provide added value at a standard cost through additional services, better coverage, or flexible terms.
If you're considering moving to another state, learn more about which are the most and least popular states Americans are moving to in 2024.
More Moving Companies We Reviewed
- U-Haul - Best for renting moving trucks
- uShip - Best for getting rates that meet your shipping needs
- A1 Auto Transport - Best for reliable nationwide vehicle shipping
- Bellhop - Best for picking and reviewing your own movers
- HireAHelper - Best for comparing online movers
Our Most Popular Moving Related Articles
Your Next Move: Choosing the Best Moving Company for You
Moving can be a stress-free process if you find the right company to help you. The most trusted ones typically have years of experience helping clients settle into their new homes.
While it's tempting to opt for the most affordable quote during your search, there may be better choices. So consider finding a company that offers all the services you need and has a strong reputation for customer satisfaction.
Although every company is different, most will typically have rates of approximately $30 to $60 per mover per hour. This means that the estimate you receive may vary if the job takes more or less time than anticipated. Most companies will also ask you for a deposit payable in advance of your move.
The amount you tip your movers will probably depend on the amount of work involved in your job. Many within the moving industry, however, state that it is customary to tip around $5 per hour for each mover. Remember, there is no requirement to tip your movers if you’re unhappy with the service.
You’ll typically pay less to relocate between September and April, as this is the least busy period for the moving industry. Rates tend to be the lowest in January, as this is when demand from customers is at its lowest. You may also find that costs are lowest in the middle of the month.
There are certain items that most professional companies won’t move for safety reasons. Obvious examples include weapons, ammunition, fireworks, and dangerous chemicals. However, other more surprising items won’t be hauled, such as scuba equipment, cleaning supplies, nail polish, and hair spray. In many cases, a company will not carry an item if it could be flammable within their moving trucks.
International Van Lines offers competitive rates and services every state on the continental US. U-Haul is always a popular choice for long-distance moves as well as American Van Lines.
Most experts recommend hiring a moving company 4-8 weeks in advance. It's good to give as much notice as possible, especially during high-moving seasons such as the spring or the end of the summer.
First make sure the company services the areas you live and are moving to. It's also smart to consider the rates, insurance offered, and the company's reputation. Lastly, make sure the company can accommodate any specific needs you may have, from specialty objects like pianos and large furniture to moving and packing supplies.
