How to Hire a Local Moving Company

Moving and relocating is a serious decision for any family or individual. It entails a lot of planning, preparation and coordination which if not done properly, result into stress and frustration. It’s a good thing that there are a lot of local moving companies out there. Local movers will help you with every step of the move. They can pack your furniture for you, put them in their trucks, transport them and bring them right to your new home. Sounds like a good deal right?

Local Movers – Getting the Best Price

But before you jump on to any contracts, here are some things to remember when hiring a local moving company and getting local moving quotes.

Fix your things first

Before you go looking for local movers in your area, clean your house and do an inventory of your things. Find out which items you’ll be bringing with you, which ones will be transported by the movers, and which ones you’ll be better off without. By sorting this out, you can save both time and money.

Look for local movers

Chances are, there is more than one local moving company in your area. Try to find more than one company, make inquiries and have them come to your home to make an on-site assessment. You can search for local movers using the internet (sites like TopMoverQuotes.com), your local directory or via newspaper ads. Look for movers that have an office in your area. Also, try to get companies that have been in business for a long time. If you can get referrals from your friends, that’s great too.

Study the quotes and paperwork

Watch them as they measure your belongings and take a good look at their quotes. Read each item carefully and never sign any blank forms or contracts. If you can, show the quotes of one company to another and ask about the price quotes. Take your time in doing this. Don’t be hesitant to make the companies wait. It‘s your duty to choose the best company out there.

Do a background check

It’s also important to know that all moving companies should provide you with a “Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move” booklet, issued by the Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA.)Reliable companies will offer this to you without question. And speaking of reliability, perform a quick background check on your options. Find out as much information as you can and check if they are professionally accredited companies (DOT and Moving Carrier Numbers, BBB ratings etc). If they fail to give you this information, remove them from your options.

Ask more questions

The more information you have, the better. Once you’ve narrowed down your options, ask them about their insurance policies. Analyze every detail on their pricing. Find out about the different charges you may incur. What other possible costs can they charge you with? It’s better to be chatty and thorough, rather than quiet and gullible. The more you know, the lesser your chances of getting cheated.

Make a choice

Although, it’s best to take your time with choosing a local moving company, don’t take too long with the process either. Remember, you have to adhere to a schedule and there’s plenty more that needs to be done. After making a decision, just make sure to always be present once the movers arrive. Monitor them and let them know that you’re watching their every move.