Best Advice to Opt for the Best Moving Company in the United States

Do you own a Piano? Wondering how it can be relocated to a new place?

Choosing a moving company can be challenging. It's important to research your options to avoid potential issues such as damaged property, unexpected charges, or late arrivals. To help with this, here are six proven approaches to picking the best moving company in the United States for your needs.

1. Get LOTS of Quotes, Estimates and Referrals

Most relocation companies are eager to offer you an instant and free moving quote, so take advantage of their eagerness to make you a client. Connect with them directly through phone or online mode.

Remember to keep going. Because nearly everyone has experienced moving at some point in their lives, don't hesitate to inquire with friends, family, and coworkers for recommendations on a reliable moving company. You'd be surprised by the valuable information people share in person that doesn't appear in online reviews. Also, if you're working with a real estate agent, don't forget to ask for a recommendation.

Proactive customers also request a couple of referrals from a potential moving company. Don't hesitate to do so. Make a note of the names and contact details of a few customers who can provide you with insight into the company's operations.

Remember to gather multiple face-to-face estimates from different moving companies to compare their prices. Avoid accepting the first estimate you receive, and be cautious of unusually low offers. Professional movers need to physically inspect your belongings to provide an accurate estimate, so it's important to meet with company representatives in person to assess the numbers they provide. Additionally, request a written estimate to help resolve any potential conflicts with the moving company in the future. For more information on different types of moving quotes and estimates, click here.

When meeting with company representatives, make sure to show them all the items you intend to move so they can accurately calculate the weight and volume. If there are items you won't be moving, be sure to inform them.

Be wary of additional charges that may be added. Some moving companies might include unforeseen fees that were not discussed beforehand and were not part of the original estimate. They may add fees for reasons such as dealing with "excessive stairs and elevators" or navigating through high-traffic areas and narrow streets that are challenging for their moving trucks. While these charges are not an issue if they are discussed upfront, movers may conceal them to make the estimate appear more appealing. Be sure to inquire directly about pricing and fees.

2. Always keep Potential Red Flags in Concern

Keep your eyes peeled for any signs of trouble from any direction when it comes to hiring movers. Unfortunately, moving scams are on the rise. If a mover is pushing for a significant upfront payment, that's a major red flag. It's crucial to be cautious and ask plenty of questions. If a mover requires a sizable deposit, and all other aspects check out, there's likely no cause for alarm. Nonetheless, maintaining vigilance is crucial.

During the estimate, observe the movers' professionalism. If they're late for the meeting, seem uncertain, or struggle to answer important questions, it's time to consider a different company.

It may seem obvious, but if the movers show up for the estimate in a rented moving truck, it's best to politely decline. Professional movers rely on their equipment and resources, so it's essential to hire a company that does the same.

When you have the time, thoroughly read the "Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move" booklet. This resource is packed with valuable information about moving, and it's worth your while.

3. Confirm that the Moving Company Is Fully-Licensed and Insured

Every reputable and licensed interstate moving company in the United States is issued a DOT number by the US Department of Transportation Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Also, record the mover’s number on your phone or a piece of paper. You’ll likely need it later if—worst-case scenario—you have to file a claim against the moving company. If you’re not moving out of state, and you’re relying on a local mover, your local consumer affairs agency is likely to have information on both well-reviewed and poorly-reviewed movers working at the local level. Also, give the FMCSA search tool database a try.

4. Do Check Moving Company’s Professional

Trade associations are usually careful about the companies they grant membership to, so when it comes to researching moving companies, always be on the lookout for those that feature a prominently displayed logo of the reputed Trucking Associations (ATA). It may seem like a small thing, but this sort of research—which only takes a couple of minutes—pays off in the end.

5. Trust but Verify

It may sound silly, but following this bit of advice is extremely wise. It’s an unfortunate reality that professional moving companies in all sorts of shenanigans make a habit of taking payment for long-distance moves that they never complete. Instead, they contract unqualified third-party movers to handle the move, but at a far lower price, after which they pocket the difference between what they charge the customer and what they charge the other moving company. And, of course, they do all this without ever informing the person or persons who booked the move to begin with.

Always confirm the address of the moving company that shows up at your door to collect your household and office possessions. Be vigilant of the residential address or anything that suggests one or more individuals operating independently without the resources and infrastructure that professional moving companies in United States rely upon.