{"id":22360,"date":"2023-10-19T00:00:57","date_gmt":"2023-10-19T04:00:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.cubesmart.com\/blog\/?p=22360"},"modified":"2023-11-13T16:31:43","modified_gmt":"2023-11-13T21:31:43","slug":"how-to-pick-the-right-moving-company-in-4-steps","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.cubesmart.com\/blog\/your-life\/how-to-pick-the-right-moving-company-in-4-steps\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Pick the Right Moving Company in 4 Steps"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"Movers
Image purchased with Shutterstock license<\/a>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Whether it\u2019s cross-country or across the\nstreet, moving can be stressful, time-consuming, and costly. But with a bit of\nresearch into how to choose a moving company \u2013\nand how to avoid moving scams \u2013 you can\nlessen all of that worry, work, and price and make the experience as smooth and\npositive as possible. \n\nWe\u2019re not going to mislead you: Finding a reliable moving company will take a minute. Keep\nscrolling to learn our top four tips for hiring a\nmoving company as well as a number of FAQs (and answers!) to your most\npressing questions. \n\n\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Don\u2019t move a muscle \u2013 or a box \u2013 without\nreading all the way through, and definitely do additional research online and\nin-person. The security of your peace of mind is just as important as the\nsecurity of your belongings, so invest the time on the front-end to make sure\nyou\u2019ve made the right choice for you and your family. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Should\nYou Hire a Moving Company?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Image purchased with Shutterstock license<\/a>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The first decision point in the process is whether or not hiring a moving company is the best choice for your move. The key questions to answer at this point are why, when, and how much you can expect to pay for a reliable moving company.  Let\u2019s examine each in detail:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What\u2019s Your Budget?<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Be realistic about how much you can \u2013 and should \u2013 spend on the move. Sure, you can find cheap movers just about anywhere\u2026but will that upfront savings end up evaporating because of damage to your items, delays, lack of proper insurance, or other issues? Also consider all the additional costs, including self storage<\/a>, moving supplies, and even hidden budget-busters like cash tips for the movers. Our best advice? Figure out what you\u2019re working with by creating a realistic moving budget<\/a>, reach out for estimates, and then craft your plan from there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why\nShould You Hire Local?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Hiring\nlocal movers is often a strong option when\nmoving nearby \u2013 or even afar. Local movers\ngenerally have a reputation (good or bad) in the community, meaning you can get\nreferrals (or warnings) from neighbors or friends. They also might cost less\nthan national companies because they have less overhead, though national\ncompanies might offer sales or discounts that local\nmovers can\u2019t match. Again, you\u2019re going to have to do some research to\nfind the best choice for the distance you\u2019re moving and the budget you have.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Should\nYou Use Movers for Long Distance Moves?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Long distance moves can be tough. Hauling your own stuff<\/a> can make it even tougher. Once you add up the costs and stress of renting a truck, packing it yourself, driving it yourself, and then paying for gas, food, and lodging along the way, hiring a moving company often looks like a pretty good deal. Another option for both local and long-distance moves is to pack your own items in a shipping or storage container and have it delivered to your new home. This method has gained in popularity in recent years and is something to consider.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Much Do Movers Cost?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In two words: a lot. Moving is not cheap, especially if you\u2019re looking for same day moving. Reputable movers may cost more, but that is generally because they have better equipment, better technology, more experienced workers, and more insurance than your typical fly-by-night \u201ctwo guys with a rented box truck\u201d setup. Take your time to figure out what you can truly afford and take advantage of any deals you can find (like making use of the free moving truck<\/a> that many CubeSmart locations offer).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hiring a Moving Company\nin Four Steps<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Movers
Image purchased with Shutterstock license<\/a>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

When it comes to hiring\na moving company, there are a lot of factors to weigh. We\u2019ve narrowed\ndown our top advice to four tips, but recommend you check out this article<\/a> from Forbes as well for even more details.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step\n1: Check Reviews<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This may seem like a no-brainer, but the first\nstep in how to choose a moving company is to\nresearch everything you can about them. This includes reading online reviews on\nGoogle, NextDoor, and Facebook, as well as looking up any company on the Better Business Bureau website<\/a> to evaluate how they handle disputes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step\n2: Shop Around<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re not in the market for same day moving, you should hopefully have time to\nshop around to find the best movers<\/a> for your particular needs. Call, research online, ask for discounts,\nand search for coupons or deals to make sure you\u2019re getting the best price \u2013\nand the best service for that price. You can even visit local movers if they\u2019re close by to get a sense of how they\noperate and talk directly with a representative. Make sure to get any quotes in\nwriting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step\n3: Check Insurance and Accreditation<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Don\u2019t sign a contract without ensuring any\nvendor you choose has proof of their licensing and liability insurance. If the\nmoving company is going to cross state lines with your belongings, they also\nmust be registered with the FMCSA<\/a>. Lessen the chance of falling victim to moving scams by asking for these credentials. Any\nreputable company will be happy to give you the information. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step\n4: Verify the Address<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Use online mapping tools (like Google Maps or\nGoogle Earth) to verify that the address the moving company has provided on its\nbusiness cards or website is correct. Scammers will often use a fake address\nand count on unsuspecting customers to take them at their word. Don\u2019t fall\nprey. Research everything!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to Choose a Moving Company FAQs<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Man
Image purchased with Shutterstock license<\/a>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Looking for a quick summary of the information\nabove? Check out the answers to frequently asked questions below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n