Whether you’re moving across the state or out of town, a professional moving company can help you take care of all the details. They offer packing, loading, transporting, unloading and storing services. They can even help you find a new home or apartment.
Choosing the right mover is important for many reasons. You want a company with good reviews, a solid reputation and one that will do the job well and on time. Also, you should compare estimates to ensure that you’re getting a fair deal.
The first step in finding a good mover is to research them online and ask for references. You can also ask for recommendations from friends and family. In addition, check for licensing, certifications and accreditations.
If you are moving out of state, make sure that the company has both a Department of Transportation (DOT) and a Motor Carrier (MC) license. This will give you peace of mind knowing that they are licensed to move your items safely and legally.
You can look up the DOT and MC numbers for any mover on the FMCSA website to confirm that they are current. This will also tell you if they have any complaints on file.
It’s also a good idea to check out their ratings on sites like the Better Business Bureau and if they’re members of any associations, such as the American Moving & Storage Association (AMSA). Both organizations can be useful resources in determining which movers are trustworthy and reliable.
Once you have a short list of reputable companies, request free quotes and estimates from them to determine which one is the best fit for your needs. These quotes will include pricing, scheduling and the services they offer.
A good moving company will give you a detailed quote that outlines all the costs and services associated with the move. The quote should be based on the weight of your goods and any services you purchase, such as packing or storage.
If you have special items that require extra care, a moving company will charge extra to move them. For example, pianos or pool tables might require special crating or dismantling before reassembling at your new place.
Some movers, like Mayflower, also offer full value protection. This guarantees that you’ll be reimbursed for any damage to your belongings, if the movers break them while in transit.
Another option is to use a containerized moving service, which can be cheaper and more convenient than using a traditional moving truck. However, be aware that these companies are not allowed to store the containers on New York City streets.
Lastly, you should read your bill of lading carefully before signing it. Some moves are billed by weight or by hourly rate, while others are billed on a fixed-in-advance basis. You should know your rights and responsibilities with each type of estimate, so that you can avoid surprises when it comes time to pay the mover.
It is always a good idea to get a free quote from several movers before hiring them. This will allow you to comparison shop and find the most cost-effective moving option for your needs.