The Best Moving Companies

Moving to a new home can be an exciting yet stressful experience. Choosing the right moving company to help with your relocation is key to ensuring a smooth move. With so many options to pick from, it can be challenging to determine which movers are truly the best. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through everything you need to know to find and hire the best moving company for your needs.

How to Choose a Reputable Moving Company

When researching moving companies, there are several key factors to consider to ensure you choose a reliable, high-quality mover:

Licenses and Certifications

• Only consider companies that are licensed and insured in your state. Interstate movers need to be registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
• Look for movers certified by organizations like the American Moving and Storage Association or state associations. This indicates they adhere to high standards.

Online Reviews

• Check sites like Yelp and Google to read customer reviews. Look for movers with consistently positive feedback over several years. A few bad reviews are normal, but patterns of complaints indicate issues.

Experience

• Choose a company that has been in business for a long time. New startups may not have as much training and experience. Look for 5+ years in business.

Safety Record

• Movers with a poor safety record may mishandle your belongings. Check the FMCSA site for accidents, violations, or complaints.

In-Home Estimates

• Beware of movers who give you a quote without doing an in-home walkthrough. Reputable companies provide free, on-site estimates.

Responsiveness

• Observe how quickly the company returns calls/emails. Good communication is essential throughout the moving process.

Moving Trucks and Crews

• Make sure the company owns its own trucks rather than brokering out to third parties. Visit their facility if possible to see their equipment.

Storage and Auto Transport

• If needed, select a mover that also handles auto transport and storage. This simplifies logistics.

Warning Signs of Rogue Movers

While most moving companies are ethical, some predatory “rogue movers” use deceptive tactics. Be vigilant for these red flags:

• Demanding large deposits or full payment upfront
• Vague quotes or refusal to do in-home estimates
• Lack of company-owned trucks and warehouses
• High number of consumer complaints
• Missing or invalid licensing and insurance info
• Aggressive sales tactics pushing unnecessary services
• Bad online reviews mentioning damaged property or pricing scams

Avoid movers engaging in these behaviors. Only hire transparent, professional companies. Don’t rush the vetting process or ignore warning signs.

Top National Moving Companies

For long-distance or interstate moves, national movers with locations across the U.S. tend to provide the best service and reliability. Here are some of the top national movers to consider:

Mayflower

With 90 years of experience, Mayflower is one of the most established national movers. They have a strong reputation for polished customer service and handling long-distance moves efficiently. As an agent-based model, quality may vary between locations.

United Van Lines

United Van Lines coordinates a network of movers across the U.S. While service levels depend on local agents, they have rigorous standards and training requirements. Known for large inventory of well-maintained moving trucks.

Atlas Van Lines

Atlas Van Lines operates one of the largest fleets in the country. They are a household name in moving and known for comprehensive, flexible service. As an agent-based moving co-op, service quality varies between local providers.

North American Van Lines

North American Van Lines has built trust since 1933 thanks to their extensive experience with cross-country moves. They use thoroughly vetted local agents to provide last-mile service. Reliable for complex long-distance relocations.

Bekins

Bekins is one of the oldest national movers, operating since 1891. Their experience shows in orchestrating detailed moves across states. Maintains own equipment and trained crews, rather than third-party agents. Has reputation for top-notch customer service.

Finding the Best Local Movers

For local and regional relocations, local movers are often a better fit. Here are tips for choosing the best mover in your area:

Get Estimates from Multiple Companies

Don’t commit to the first mover you call. Contact 3-4 local companies to compare cost estimates and services. Ask lots of questions.

Check Online Reviews Extensively

Online reviews reveal local movers’ track records better than anything else. Look for companies with consistent 4-5 star ratings on multiple sites.

Look for Specialized Experience

If you have specialty items like pianos or art, find movers experienced in that area. Interview them about expertise moving delicate valuables.

Confirm Licenses and Insurance

Don’t assume movers are properly licensed in your city or state. Verify they have necessary FMCSA authority to operate. Require certificate of insurance.

Consider Size of Company

Use a large local company with high capacity for complex jobs. But small movers provide more personalized service for simpler small moves.

Get List of References

Get at least three references from past customers. Call them to get candid reviews of the company’s service, responsiveness, and care handling belongings.

Confirm Storage Options

Some local movers provide short-term storage options if needed between closings. Clarify rates and insurance coverage for stored possessions.

Costs and Pricing for Moving Companies

Moving quotes depend on many factors, including:

• Distance – Longer moves add costs for gas, mileage, and travel time.
• Weight – Movers bill based on total weight of items being shipped. More stuff means higher cost.
• Services – Packing, unpacking, disassembly/reassembly, storage fees all increase price.
• Date – Peak season moves in summer cost more. Off-season moves can save money.
• Supplemental fees – Stairs, elevator use, parking permits, etc may incur small fees.

Get guaranteed binding estimates in writing. Beware extremely lowball quotes, which signal underqualified movers. Expect to pay:

• Local move – $100-$150 per hour or $800-$1500 total
• Long-distance – $5,000-$10,000+ depending on distance and weight
• Packing services – $100-$300 per room

Ways to lower costs include:

• Ask about off-peak season savings
• Provide your own packing materials
• Get quotes from multiple companies
• Decline extras like full packing/unpacking services
• Travel on weekends to avoid weekday work rates

Questions to Ask Moving Companies

Don’t be afraid to probe moving companies with lots of questions:

• How long have you been in business?
• Are you licensed and insured?
• Do you have your own equipment or contract with third parties?
• What training do staff and crews receive?
• How are customer complaints resolved?
• Do you provide binding estimates?
• How do you charge for storage?
• What are your peak/off-peak season rates?
• What are your overtime fees?
• How do you secure items on the truck?
• How are valuable items protected?
• What happens if my items are damaged?

A quality mover will answer thoroughly and truthfully. Any hesitation is a red flag.

Crucial Steps for a Seamless Move

To ensure a smooth, stress-free moving experience:

Reserve Early

Book movers 4-8 weeks in advance for best selection. Last-minute moves limit your options.

Purge Unneeded Items

Reduce clutter and moving costs by holding a garage sale beforehand. Donate or recycle anything you don’t use.

Organize Essentials Box

Pack a separate box of essentials you’ll need on move-in day like toiletries, chargers, and change of clothes.

Photograph Valuables

Take photos of expensive items before packing. Useful proof if anything becomes damaged.

Label Boxes Clearly

Use a numbering or color-coding system to designate boxes for each room. Helps movers know where to place them.

Keep Contact Info Handy

Save phone numbers for the moving company and real estate agents so they’re accessible during the move.

Snapshot Inventory Beforehand

Do a walkthrough while the truck is loaded to agree the inventory matches. Prevent disputes about missing items.

Tip Movers

Remember to tip moving crews for good service – up to 10% of total cost is appropriate. Cash tips are customary.

Unpack Right Away

Don’t leave boxes sitting for weeks. Unpacking quickly lets you confirm everything arrived safely. Report any damage immediately.

Why You Should Hire Professionals

While do-it-yourself moves may seem cheaper upfront, hiring professional movers has many advantages:

• Efficiency – Experienced movers work far faster than novices. A 4-5 person crew can load a 3 bedroom house in 2-3 hours.
• Special Equipment – Professional movers use techniques like piano skates, ramps, and lift gates to safely move tricky items.
• Insurance – Movers assume liability for your items. If anything is lost or damaged, you are reimbursed.
• No Injuries – Moving heavy furniture and appliances has a high injury risk. Leave it to crews with proper lifting training.
• Inventory Management – Reputable movers bring tools to disassemble and reassemble furniture so it fits easily.
• No Rental Truck – You avoid having to pick up, load, and return a rental truck yourself when you hire movers with their own equipment.
• Reduced Stress – Sit back and relax on moving day. The crew handles all the heavy lifting and logistics for you.

The time and injury risks of moving yourself often outweigh small savings from DIY. Protect your belongings and sanity by hiring professionals.

Types of Services Movers Provide

Beyond basic loading and driving, good movers offer a full spectrum of services:

Packing and Unpacking

Many people hire movers to pack all their belongings into boxes, then unpack upon arrival. This avoids having to do the tedious packing yourself.

Storage

If closing dates don’t align, movers can store your items in climate-controlled long-term storage. Look for companies with secure storage facilities.

Single Item Moving

For moving just one large item like a piano or pool table, many movers offer stand-alone pricing. No need to pay for a full truck.

Vehicle Shipping

Long-distance movers often provide car transport services using special auto carriers. This conveniently moves your vehicles along with household items.

Temporary Storage Units

Ask if your mover has partnerships with portable container companies like PODS. These units can be stored on-site securely during a move.

International Moves

Select global moving companies specialize in cross-border moves. They handle customs paperwork and overseas shipping logistics.

Specialty Moving

High-value items like art, antiques, wine collections, or safes require specialized care. Seek movers experienced in that niche.

Protecting Valuables During a Move

To safeguard expensive or sentimental items:

• Carry jewelry, cash, and important files yourself vs. putting them on the truck.
• Back up irreplaceable photos or videos online in case moving boxes are lost.
• Wrap fine china, crystal, artwork, and mirrors in paper then blanket-wrap for cushioning.
• Use mattress covers and lift handles to move large mattresses. Don’t bend or crease them.
• Ensure electronics are unplugged with any cords secured. Pack in original boxes when possible.
• Use shoulder straps and handle bars to move heavy appliances like refrigerators and stoves safely.
• Disassemble platforms beds and large furniture to move more easily through hallways and doorways.
• Affix locking straps to safe or large gun cabinets so only you can access contents.
• Clearly label and number boxes containing high-value collectibles like sports memorabilia.

Important Moving Day Tips

To stay on track on moving day:

• Confirm arrival time in advance and be ready when movers get there. Delayed pickups cut into work time.
• Remove bedding and drain excess water from water beds ahead of time. Makes them lighter to carry.
• Discard flammable items like paints, propane, and gasoline which most movers are not allowed to transport.
• Supervise movers and speak up about special care needed for delicate items. Don’t assume things will be handled properly.
• Do a final walkthrough of the empty property to check for any belongings left behind.
• Review the movers’ inventory list before signing. Make sure it accurately represents all your possessions.
• Note any shifting or damage during unloading. Inspect carefully and take pictures.
• Have utilities turned on before unloading so movers can power up appliances and electronics. Test them before movers leave.
• Tip movers for good service – up to 10% of total fee is standard.

Staying organized and attentive ensures your valuables get handled properly during loading and unloading.

How to File Insurance Claims for Lost or Damaged Goods

If belongings become lost or damaged during moving:

• Take photos upon noticing any loss or damage. Photograph boxes and furniture from all angles.
• Note details like labels on boxes or product serial numbers. Match to the movers’ inventory list.
• Report issues immediately to the movers. Submit a claim form with them detailing missing/damaged items and their value.
• Call your insurance agent to ask about filing a claim if the mover’s insurance does not fully cover costs.
• Keep all receipts and appraisals to prove original value. Consulting an appraiser may help justify amounts.
• Be specific when describing sentimental value for items like heirlooms. Back it up with documentation.
• Negotiate firmly but calmly with insurers. Compromise may recover some but not all losses.
• Request a copy of the bill of lading and freight bill from the movers as evidence.
• Be prepared for a lengthy process. Insurance claims investigations can take 45 days or longer.

Document everything and persistently follow up to recoup the maximum reimbursement if possessions are harmed or destroyed during a move.

Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Mover

Smart pre-hire questioning protects you from choosing the wrong moving company:

1. How many years have you been in business?

This reveals experience level. Newer movers are riskier.

2. Are you licensed and insured?

Only hire if properly certified and insured. Ask for copies.

3. What training do your employees receive?

Look for robust training in safe lifting, driving, packing, etc.

4. Do you have your own equipment?

Skip companies that outsource trucks and crews. Quality control suffers.

5. How do you resolve customer complaints?

The process should be transparent and responsive.

6. Can I get copies of your contract and insurance information beforehand?

Review policies thoroughly before signing or paying deposits.

7. How do you prevent and handle damages?

Look for clear protocols to secure items and pay for repairs/losses.

8. What steps will you take to protect my belongings?

Ask specifically about specialized handling for valuables.

9. How do you determine move dates?

Make sure they are flexible based on your schedule and availability.

10. Do I have direct contact info for the foreman on moving day?

Having a direct supervisor contact ensures issues get rapidly resolved.

Insist on clear, thorough answers from movers to find the best fit.

Red Flags to Avoid in a Moving Company

Watch for these hazardous practices that spell trouble:

• Only vague quotes given over the phone without on-site estimate
• Refusal to provide copy of insurance paperwork and DOT registration
• Vehicles and crews that don’t match company branding
• Lack of secure, climate-controlled warehouse space for storage
• Complaints about lost, stolen or damaged goods
• No focus on properly protecting valuables or specialty items
• Unwillingness to do a final walk-through before unloading truck
• Difficulty getting copy of contract with specific fees and timeline
• Pressuring unnecessary packing supplies/services
• Minimizing concerns or questions during conversations

One or two flags are yellow alerts. Multiple red flags indicate a risky, dishonest company to avoid.

Choosing the Best Moving Company for You

Determining the best mover requires weighing your specific needs:

• Long-distance – Choose established national brands like Mayflower or United.
• Local move – Read reviews thoroughly to find 5 star rated local movers.
• Overseas – Hire only accredited international moving companies.
• Concierge service – If full-service treatment is important, seek high-end movers used to luxury moves.
• Budget conscious – Get quotes from midsize local companies if cost is critical.
• Short notice – Larger companies have better ability to accommodate last-minute moves.
• Green practices – Look for eco-conscious movers like Shleppers Moving if sustainability matters.
• Reputation – Well-known movers like Two Men and A Truck inspire confidence.

The best mover depends on your priorities for cost, service, and types of items being shipped. Evaluate options match your unique preferences.

Key Takeaways for Moving Success

• Start planning 4-8 weeks early.
• Check licenses, reviews, experience when comparing.
• Beware red flags like vague quotes or lack of insurance.
• Ask questions and