According to the U.S. Census Bureau, about 16.7 million households move each year. Some move out of necessity and others move out of personal desire, but despite the motive, I believe that very few people enjoy the process of moving. Sure, having a new place is nice, but wrapping, boxing, sorting, tossing, donating, lifting, breaking – a lot goes into moving from one home to another.
Besides the whole packing and unpacking ordeal, you may have to hire professional movers if you don’t have the manpower or means to move on your own. But with so many moving companies out there, it can be hard to know which ones are reliable and worthy of trust. So since we know that moving in and of itself is already stressful, we’ve compiled this list on how to choose a moving company in 2018 so that you can start enjoying your new apartment or home sooner.
Ensure that the company is licensed and insured.
The last thing you want is a gang of rogue movers hauling your stuff around. To ensure that you don’t end up trapped in a moving scam, check that the company is licensed and insured. All professional moving companies have a license number issued by the Department of Transportation. With that license number, you can go to the DOT’s website and see the company’s complaint history.
Insurance is also essential since accidents can happen even with the most seasoned movers. Insured interstate movers must offer customers two options: full value protection and released value.
Look for moving companies that use moving inventories.
Reputable moving companies use moving inventories. The Household Goods Descriptive Inventory allows moving companies to document the articles they are packing and transporting as well as the condition of the items when taken into the care of the company. This inventory protects buyers from theft and damage, but it also keeps moving companies from scammers trying to make a quick dollar.
Know what your moving company considers “local.”
According to the American Moving and Storage Association, intrastate moves cost about $2,300 for four movers at $200 per hour. The cost of a move within the same state is generally based on a flat dollar amount. However, in some states, if the move is more than 50 miles away, the cost will be based on the weight of the shipment instead of the flat rate, so find out what applies to your moving company.
For a cross-country move totaling about 1,225 miles, the American Moving and Storage Association states that the average cost is about $4,300.
Review your moving estimate.
If you’re not moving locally and paying a flat rate, a “non-binding estimate” is the most common type of interstate moving estimate. The mover estimates this cost based on the overall weight of your goods combined with labor costs (packing, loading, unloading, etc.). However, because these estimates are non-binding, you will end up paying the actual weight of your belongings plus any other add-ons not included in the estimate. A “non-binding not-to-exceed estimate” is better because it ensures that the customer won’t have to pay more than the original estimate.
You can also receive a “binding estimate” which means that you will pay the amount of the estimate – no more, no less. However, if you are moving cross country, it is unlikely that you will receive a binding estimate since interstate movers will have to weigh your belongings at weigh stations.
Do as much of the packing and moving as you can yourself.
Many moving companies offer services where their professional movers come into your home and pack up all your belongings. While this may seem like a sweet deal, remember movers get paid by the hour. When you hire movers to pack your belongings, you are paying for gas, labor, the weight of the shipment, time, and inflated costs for packing materials. Save some money and pack up everything yourself. That way, you don’t have to worry about forgetting where you put what, stuff being broken, missing, or whatever else, and you can save that money for something else.
Moving is already stressful enough without having to worry about a shoddy crew of movers. Hiring the right moving company is essential for a smooth transition into your new home. When searching for moving companies, ask around and read reviews. Also remember that reliable companies will be licensed and insured, provide accurate moving estimates, and use moving inventories.
Read next: Smart Packing Tips For Your Next Move
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