Choosing which moving company to hire can be difficult, especially with so many firms offering their services. In addition, relocating to a new home can be a stressful experience. Further, selecting a moving company shouldn’t break your budget or cause you more stress. So when you search for a moving company around me, there are crucial factors you need to consider.
Here are some tips to keep in mind when selecting the best moving company:
The Type of Moving Service You Require
Before you search for a moving company near nyc, you need to determine the moving service you need. You can choose from full service, DIY, white-glove service and moving containers. Each option does come with its pros and cons. Select the moving service you need depending on your budget and individual needs:
Full Service: A full-service move is your most convenient option where professional movers do everything for you, from loading your belongings and transporting them to your new home. You reserve pro-level service for each step of the moving process. The only downside is the cost of a full-service move, which can be a bit pricey.
Moving Containers: Moving container companies will transport all your belongings. However, you’re the one who has to load and unload things into and off the truck. These firms offer mid-range prices, which is good for people on a budget. In addition, these companies offer some flexibility since you can load your furniture and possessions over several days. The only downside is that you need to haul everything yourself, which can be challenging for some.
DIY Movers: A DIY mover is simply a truck or van rental company which is your most budget-friendly option. You do all the packing, hauling and transporting yourself. Unfortunately, it’s the least convenient option, and you are liable for any damage to the vehicle if something goes wrong while transporting your goods.
White-Glove Moving Service: This is the moving service required to transport high-value items such as fine art, expensive wine, antiques and other valuables. In addition, moving companies that offer this service also provide comprehensive protection for the shipped items.
Proper Government Licensing
It’s important to hire a licensed moving company so you can rest assured that your property is in good hands. Moving companies must be licensed by the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) or the state’s local department of transportation (DOT). In addition, these companies must also register with the Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC).
When you inquire about furniture moving services, make sure to ask for the firm’s DOT numbers, which will be issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Then, you can run those numbers through the FMCSA website to verify if the moving company is government-approved. In addition, if a moving firm has legit DOT numbers, it is proof that the business complies with all the federal regulations, quality of service and safety requirements.
Adequate Insurance Coverage
Another crucial question to ask professional movers is the insurance coverage they provide. These firms are liable for every item they transport according to law. There are two types of liability coverages you need to be aware of:
- Full Value Protection: This type of insurance coverage makes the mover completely liable according to the replacement value of the items they were supposed to transport. They will have to reimburse you for all damage to your furniture and other household items.
- Released Value Coverage: This is a limited type of coverage, and the moving company will only pay a certain percentage per pound of an item.
You can trust the moving companies that offer full protection for your household items. Always ask for the type of insurance coverage a firm can offer.
Consider the Company’s Reputation
Hiring a top-rated moving company around me assures you that you’re hiring professionals you can trust. You can read customer reviews on Yelp and Google to gain better insight into their quality of service. In addition, you should check if the moving firm is accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and if they have a high rating.
On-Site Inspections and Binding Estimates
You’ll know that you’re hiring an excellent moving company if they ask to schedule an in-home inspection before providing you with a binding estimate. They can provide you with initial estimates, but that won’t cover all the costs. Further, an on-site inspection is the only way for a moving company to know how much to charge.
They need to see what items they need to move and estimate the weight/cubic footage of each item that will be transported. When the service provider gives you a binding estimate, it will include all the necessary fees, so there’s no second-guessing how much you need to pay upfront. Therefore, it is best to ask for binding estimates from at least three moving firms and make a price comparison before signing a contract.
Work With a Trusted Moving Company in NYC
An excellent moving company is duly licensed, BBB rated and accredited, provides full coverage and can provide the moving service you need. At Moishe’s Moving Systems, we are proud to serve the New York and New Jersey area for over 30 years. We also offer full and white-glove moving services for high-value items you need to transport. Call our relocation consultants today at 800-266-8387 or fill out this form to determine how we can best serve you.