Professional local movers can be the difference between a stressful move and a stress-free move. They have experience with packing and hauling furniture, boxes, and other large items. They know how to handle the heaviest and most awkward of items without damaging them or themselves in the process. They also have a vehicle that is large enough to fit your belongings, and they have the knowledge and skills to load the truck properly. Using a moving company saves you the time and expense of renting a truck and enlisting friends or family members to help you move.
When choosing a mover, research is key to getting the best service for your money. Look for a BBB Accredited business and read reviews of companies in your area. It’s also important to choose a full-service mover, rather than one that just provides a truck. Many movers will offer additional services for an extra cost, such as packing and unpacking, disassembly and assembly of furniture, packing and unpacking for you, and short or long-term storage.
If you’re moving long distance, consider a national moving movers near me company such as American Van Lines. They provide top-tier customer service and won’t surprise you with hidden costs. They also have a virtual home survey that gives you a detailed, binding estimate, as well as add-on options such as vehicle shipping and specialty handling of high-value or fragile items.
Some movers will charge by the hour, while others are flat-rate movers. It’s important to find out what services each provider offers, and if they charge by the job or per item. You should also ask about their insurance coverage, how much advance notice they need and whether they use subcontractors.
Depending on your circumstances, you may want to look for a company that offers add-on services such as cleaning or pet-sitting. Other services that movers often offer include storage and junk removal.
Make sure the movers you hire are licensed, insured, and bonded. This will protect you from unauthorized individuals entering your home and damageing or losing your belongings. The most common types of movers include local, long-distance, and international. Local movers usually work within the same state or up to 100 miles away. Long-distance movers are able to move across state lines, while international movers are able to handle the complexities of moving overseas.
Peak moving season is the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day. This means movers are in high demand and rates are higher. If you can, try to move in the fall or winter when demand is lower and rates are cheaper. It’s also easier to book a mover with advance notice. You can even sign up to receive rate alerts for your location so you’re aware of any special deals.