Most people have the same response when it comes time to move? Why do I need to hire a mover when I can do the work myself? There are many reasons why people choose to hire professional moving services. For example:
When you're moving house, there are a million and one things that only you can take care of. Moving isn't one of them. It's a lot easier to let someone else take care of the hauling, moving, and transporting. And it'll free you up to take care of the more important, technical details that only you can do.
What’s more, professional moving companies will have some sort of insurance on your stuff. So, if something breaks during the move, it’s covered. If you break something while moving it yourself, you’re out of luck.
What’s even more valuable than money? Your time. Hiring local movers can help you save a load of time. Sometimes, that’s worth the investment.
Everyone's good at something, but few people are good at EVERYTHING. You might be really good at what you do. But you know what the best moving companies are good at? That's right, moving. They'll know how to pack up, haul, and unload your stuff in the fastest, most efficient manner possible. So you can get on with your life and start living in your new home sooner.
Moving can be hazardous to your health for many reasons. But one of the biggest ones is the strain you'll put on your body. Professional long-distance moving companies know how to move large, bulky, and heavy items without hurting themselves.
Bottom line, it's a good idea to hire one of the professional local or long distance moving companies out there, but make sure that you are working with someone that services your area. This is easily done by looking at their website to see the coverage area. Local movers will have a smaller coverage area than the major long-distance moving companies. But the coverage area doesn't have to be large. It just has to include you.
Check on the moving companies' websites for a section like moving companies near me. You'll put in your address or zip code, and see what areas they cover. You can also search Google for "movers near me." Choose from the list to ensure you're getting a mover that works within your area.
The best moving companies will offer value-added services, good reputation, and insurance for your belongings. Here are a few important features you should look for during your quest for good and cheap moving companies:
Check out reviews online, ask around, and see if the company has a Better Business Bureau accreditation. A fair amount of good reviews will tell you that this company is worth investing in, will treat you well, and will get the job done right.
Are you moving locally or far away? Depending on the type of move, different moving companies will be more suitable for the task. If you're just moving around the corner or a few blocks away, local movers will be more price-efficient. On the other hand, if you're looking for a long trek, long-distance moving companies will offer you the most professionalism, along with the ability to move you farther.
You also want to consider how much stuff you actually have to move. If you only have a small amount, 1 or 2 smaller appliances, etc., then you can opt for one of the cheap movers on your list. On the other hand, if you've got quite a bit of belongings to move, along with multiple major appliances, a more reputable moving service with insurance, is a safer bet.
The best moving companies are the ones that fulfill your requirements, offer affordable pricing, and will work within your moving area. Those are the only things you really need to look for. It's also a good idea to check out the customer support experience. While this isn't always a necessity, it's nice to know that there's someone you can reach out to in case you have questions or in the event that something goes wrong before, during, or after the move. It is typically an excellent idea to read online reviews and hear what others have to say about a service, as well. This gives you an indication of the general quality of service you can expect from a moving company.
Cheap moving companies are not unheard of. You just have to know where exactly to look. Start by getting a few online quotes. These are usually free, so don't pay for a quote. Once you've compiled a list of cheap movers, compare the different rates you received to find the most cost-efficient one.
But don’t just look at the price tag. After all, the best moving companies will offer added value on top of a standard price. That means they may be offering you more bang for your buck in the form of additional services, better coverage, or more flexible terms. So, don’t just pounce on the cheap moving companies. Weigh what you’re getting in the equation.
Also, bear in mind that cheap movers may not provide you with insurance. Often, the more professional movers will charge more because they come with the insurance and quality guarantee. If you're only moving a few items, insurance might not be that important to you, in which case, you should go with a cheap mover. But if you are moving valuable or expensive things, it's worth the investment to have an insurance policy in place.
Colonial Van Lines is a carrier company that handles everything from coordinating the move to transportation and heavy lifting. With its expertise in long-distance relocations, it also offers a seamless experience for cross-state or cross-country moves.
It’s streamlined the planning process with a free app full of moving resources and a direct communication channel with your coordinator. Plus, during the actual move, the company’s customer service team keeps you updated every step of the way.
It’s ideal if you need a moving company with storage, as you can keep your belongings safe in a climate-controlled facility. And despite limiting its default insurance to 60 cents/pound, its industry professionals are known to handle your items with care.
Why we chose Colonial Van Lines: We chose Colonial Van Lines as our best moving company overall due to its two decades of experience as a full-service packing and storage company. It also has a detailed resources section with checklists, FAQs, and training videos on how to pack properly.
Client perspectives: Christine (34) from Jacksonville said she liked that the quote tool “quickly generated a price” based on photos and videos of her apartment. She added that the company was “upfront about additional services included in the price, like packing and storage.” But since a truck couldn’t park near her place, she had to pick the shuttle service.
As a sustainable carrier-broker hybrid company, American Van Lines aims to reduce fuel consumption. It encourages employees to carpool and coaches dispatchers to plan efficient routes. Considering the transportation sector contributes to nearly one-third of US greenhouse emissions, it shows how important the initiative is.
American Van Lines only directly handles relocations within North Carolina, Dallas, and Florida. If you live outside these areas, the company connects you with a local third-party carrier, so there’s always a risk of varying service quality and delivery care for your items.
Why we chose American Van Lines: If you want an eco-friendly moving solution, American Van Lines can broker multiple third-party moving agents near you. The company establishes linerboard and paper product recycling initiatives for each of its partners, so you don’t need to look online for another sustainable company to recycle moving materials after you settle down.
Client perspectives: Matt (27) from Raleigh appreciated that the moving crew called him to confirm his appointment and notify him that they might be late because of traffic. He added that “the coordinator went through all of the things [he] had to move over video call” before offering an initial quote.
Allied Van Lines covers every aspect of your move with full-service packages that include loading, unloading, shipping, and storage. It’s a carrier that focuses on long-haul relocation and international shipping. You can also pay to get extra care for bulky, valuable, or fragile items through its list of add-ons.
In its household moving package, you get furniture assembly, disassembly, and cleaning services. You can also ask third-party movers to handle these tasks. For international moves, it maintains a network of over 1,000 agents in more than 130 countries, with online shipment tracking included.
Why we chose Allied Van Lines: If you’re interested in corporate relocation, Allied Van Lines may be ideal as it takes a lot of precautions to prevent damage. The movers wrap your items with a heavy-gauge stretch wrap—a plastic sheeting that protects your sensitive furniture from stains and rips. You even get an adhesive-based cover to shield your carpet from dirt and grime.
Client perspectives: Holly (47) from Nova Scotia appreciated that the foreman gave her a clipboard with all her items’ tagged numbers. She explained that “he called off each item’s number while unloading, and [she] checked it off.” She also had a heavy cabinet that wouldn’t fit in the elevator, “but they took the initiative to take it up a few flights of stairs.”
