It’s no secret; most people hate moving. From organizing to packing to labeling to unpacking, you quickly realize how much stuff you truly own. Moving can be exhausting and stressful for even the most experienced mover, but finding the right moving company can make the process (and your life) much easier.
In this guide, we’ve compiled a list of the 5 best moving companies to consider to help your moving day go a little bit smoother.
Factors To Consider Before Picking A Moving Company
Before deciding to move, here are a few factors to consider when it comes to choosing the best moving company for you and your family.
Experience and Reputation
Research the company’s experience in the industry and its reputation. Read through customer reviews, ratings, and testimonials from previous clients to get more insight into their service quality.
Licensing and Insurance
You will also want to make sure the company is properly licensed and insured. You can look online or call and ask. The last thing you want to do is book a moving company that isn’t covered and have to deal with the aftermath if anything is lost or damaged.
Service Offerings
Consider what services you are looking for in a move, such as packing, loading, unloading, unpacking services, furniture disassembly, reassembly, and storage.
Pricing and Estimates
Make sure to get pricing estimates from a few companies. Compare their pricing structure, including any additional charges or fees. Make sure to ask about any additional service offerings you are looking for to be included so there is no surprise.
It is normal for the estimate to be low, so bank on it being higher in the long run and factor in tipping the movers.
Transparent Policies
Review the moving company’s cancellation, insurance claims, and any guarantee policies they provide. Make sure you understand their terms and conditions before signing any contracts.
Professionalism and Customer Service
Interact with the company’s representatives to assess their professionalism and level of customer service. A responsive and helpful team can make the moving process smoother and more enjoyable, especially if you run into any issues or delays!
Accreditation and Memberships
Check if the moving company is affiliated with reputable industry associations or has any certifications. This can indicate their commitment to upholding high standards and following best practices. It isn’t a bad idea to look at their Better Business Bureau rating for a quick and easy snapshot isn’t a bad idea.
Availability and Scheduling
Confirm the moving company’s availability for your desired moving dates. It’s essential to coordinate the timing of your move with their schedule to avoid any delays or conflicts. You usually want to call and schedule as soon as you know you plan to move. If you are looking for an end-of-month or summertime move, there might be more limited availability since those are the busiest times for moving companies.
Referrals and Recommendations
Seek referrals and recommendations from friends, family, or real estate agents who have had positive experiences with moving companies. Personal recommendations can provide valuable insights that you might not be able to find online and help you make an informed decision.
Considering these factors, you can make an informed choice when selecting a moving company that best suits your needs and ensures a smooth and stress-free moving experience.
The 5 Best Moving Companies
Now that we have covered factors to consider before selecting a moving company, here are the best companies to help make your move efficient and stress-free.
1. International Van Lines: Best Overall Mover
International Van Lines (IVL) is our top pick overall for a full-service moving company. They handle over 20,000 moves annually, both nationally and internationally. With over 20 years of experience, IVL offers various types of moves.
Here are a few of their offerings:
- Local moving
- Auto transport
- Office moves
- International moves
- International car shipping
- Corporate relocation
You can also add on packing and unpacking, specialty services for large items or antiques, and storage solutions. IVL also provides storage-in-transit for temporary storage needs.
2. American Van Lines: Most Experienced Moving Labor
American Van Lines has been around for almost 50 years; if you are looking for a moving company with experience, look no further. They also offer a strong discount for veterans. American Van Lines service offerings include local, interstate and international moving options and storage. Their climate-controlled storage facilities have security cameras to ensure your belongings are safe. They also offer high-value and fireproof units if you want to upgrade your storage unit.
One thing to note about American Van Lines is that they do not do moves in Alaska or Hawaii. The average cost for a move with American Van Lines is around $6,000 for a two-bedroom house and $2,500 for a one-bedroom home.
3. JK Moving Services: Most Customizable Full-Service Mover
JK Moving Services is known for its customizable moving solutions with over 30 specialty service add-ons. They specialize in corporate moves from cubicle disassembly to reconfiguration to complete office teardowns and setup. They are well-known for their extra background checks on their employees, ensuring that corporate files or information are safe and secure.
They have an A+ BBB rating and are known for their flexibility, allowing customers to tailor their moving experience to their specific needs. While they specialize in office moves, they can do cross-country, international, or local moves, depending on your location. If you live in Maryland, Virginia or Washington D.C., you can hire their local movers. Residential moves will be most costly with JK Moving Services, but you will know your belongings are in good hands.
4. Allied Van Lines: Best for Vehicle Relocation
If you need to relocate a vehicle, Allied Van Lines is a top choice. The company has an A+ on the Better Business Bureau and has been offering relocation services since 1928. They provide interstate moving and international options and operate in more than 45 countries.
They also offer residential and commercial moves and work with the Salvation Army; if you have any pick-ups or donations you’ve collected while packing, they will facilitate getting them to the donation center.
This company also offers vehicle relocation services for a wide variety of vehicles, but you will need to call to get a personal quote, as they do not have self-servicing pricing quotes like other moving companies.
5. North American Van Lines: Best for Claims
Also boasting an A+ BBB rating, North American Van Lines is recognized for its efficient claims process. While no one actually wants to create a claim, the reality is it happens.
North American Van Lines is available in all 50 states and has over 500 agents to help customers with any questions or concerns during the moving process.
Customers praise the company for its responsiveness and professionalism when handling claims, questions, quote estimates and more.
Moving Company FAQS
Here are a few commonly asked questions about moving companies. It is important to note these are general questions. It is always best to check with the moving provider you are looking into if you have specific questions, especially regarding any add-ons, moving quotes or last-minute information.
What different services do moving companies offer?
General services can range from local and long-distance moving, packing and unpacking, loading and unloading, furniture disassembly and reassembly, and sometimes storage services.
Where do I get a quote or estimate for my move?
Most moving companies offer free quotes or estimates online or over the phone. Details that will impact the price are the move date, origin and destination, number of items being moved, and any additional services you might be looking for to help make your move easier. Online quotes can vary, especially if they are running a particular promotion, so it is best to call to get an exact quote based on your needs.
Are moving companies insured and licensed?
Yes, most reputable moving companies are both insured and licensed. You can always ask the company directly or check online.
How far in advance should I book a moving company?
Typically you will want to book your moving company a month to six weeks in advance. If you know you will be moving in the summer or at the end of the month, the earlier, the better, as those are the busiest times.
Do I need to use the moving company’s packing services?
Whether you want to pack your belongings or use the moving company’s packing services is up to you. Packing services are typically an add-on and will drive up the price of the movers. If you are using their packing services, make sure to understand if they are providing all of the packing supplies and the average cost for their supplies so you can make a cost comparison.
Are there any items that moving companies won’t transport?
Most moving companies will not transport hazardous materials, perishable items or valuable items. Even if the movers you select have the best customer reviews, it is always smart to pack your own valuables (jewelry, documents, cash, etc.) in your vehicle to make sure it is safe.
Do moving companies offer storage services?
Some do offer storage services and storage facilities. Look online or call them to learn more about their short or long-term storage options.
How long will my move take?
The total move duration will depend on many factors. From how far the moving truck has to drive to how long it takes to move containers on and off the truck to any additional services required. Some companies offer a flat rate price and have a minimum of two hours, even if you are only moving down the block. They will offer an estimate based on the size of the space you are moving out of, what floor you are on, how close you are to the exit and how many boxes you have packed.
What is the best way to prepare for moving day?
Making a moving checklist will help prepare you for moving day. Decluttering and packing belongings, labeling boxes, and creating a clear pathway for the movers to navigate will also create a much easier transition and save you money on the moving process!
What is the moving company’s cancellation policy?
Every moving company has a different cancellation policy. Make sure to check with your professional moving company about their specific policy and any fees associated with a cancellation.
What additional fees or charges should I be aware of?
Here are a few common additional fees:
- Packing materials
- Long-distance movers (across state lines)
- Corporate moves
- Stairs
- Elevator use
- Shuttle services
- Furniture assembly
Customers should ask the moving company for a detailed breakdown of any additional charges.
Can the moving company handle fragile items?
This depends on the moving company. Some moving companies actually specialize in fragile items, antiques, artwork or big-ticket items like pianos.
What happens if something is damaged or lost during the move?
Moving companies typically offer valuation coverage options to protect customers’ belongings. You can choose from basic coverage and full value protection. Basic coverage is what it sounds like and offers minimal protection based on the weight of the items, while full value protection covers more comprehensive coverage based on the replacement value of the items. No matter what coverage you have, you will need to submit a claim with the moving company.
In conclusion, opting for a moving company can make your life less stressful and much more efficient. Whether you’re in need of a local moving company or professional movers experienced in international moves, there is something for everyone to help them get settled in their new home.
Make sure to calculate the full moving cost, and get a few different quotes before making a final decision on the best movers for you and your family. Happy moving!
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