How to find reliable movers in LA

Moving to or within the bustling city of Los Angeles can be an exciting experience ushering in a new chapter, provided you have the right moving company by your side. With so much going on in LA, having reliable movers to handle the logistics can take a load off your mind.

Let’s go through how to find a moving company in LA that you can trust to get the job done right.

Researching Moving Companies & Creating a Short-list of Candidates

• Do Your Research:

Just as you would research a new smartphone or gadget before investing in a new device or technology, take the time to investigate potential moving companies. A legitimate moving company will have a professional website detailing their services, costs, and contact information. Look for movers who have all the necessary licenses and are transparent about their pricing​.

• Read Reviews:

Customer satisfaction is a big indicator of a company’s reliability. Go beyond the testimonials on a company’s website and check reviews on platforms like Yelp. Look for consistent positive feedback, punctual service, and professionalism​.

• Referrals / Recommendations:

Word of mouth is a powerful, trusted peer-to-peer tool. Ask friends, family, or colleagues who have recently moved about their experiences with LA moving companies. Their firsthand accounts can provide invaluable insights and lead you to reputable movers​.

• Verify Licensing:

Reputable movers in LA should have all the necessary licenses and insurance. Every legitimate moving company should have a US Department of Transportation (DOT) number. The USDOT number is a unique identifier for each moving company and can provide insight into the company’s operations and safety records​. You can check a USDOT number with the FMCSA through the SAFER website.

Reaching out for Quotes & Evaluating Options

• Get Multiple Estimates:

Just like the advice not to jump into the first apartment you view or put in an offer on the first house you’ve seen, don’t settle with the first estimate you receive. Get moving estimates from at least three different companies to compare prices, services, and cost structures. This will also help you gauge the market rate and avoid being overcharged​.

• Evaluate Services:

Different movers offer varying services and/or packages. Whether you need special handling for moving fragile items, packing services, or storage solutions, ensure the moving company caters to your specific needs. A company with a wide range of services is often more equipped to offer tailored moving solutions and handle unique scenarios with expertise and experience​.

• Personal Interaction:

Consider your interactions and experience with all members of the moving company—from how your estimate was calculated to how well the services and cost were explained, to how helpful and responsive they were to any follow-up questions. These interactions and conversations can help you get a feel for their operations and how they would manage your move. It can provide you with a sense of the company’s professionalism and how much they value customer service and customer satisfaction​.

• Consider Awards or Accolades:

An established moving company with a solid track record in LA is often a safer bet compared to an inexpensive but lesser-known mover. Experienced movers have a better understanding of the city’s layout, congested streets to avoid, handling moves with care, and other local specifics that can impact your move and how well it is managed​.

Understanding Your Moving Contract

Once you’ve narrowed down your list of potential moving companies, compared their services, prices, and guarantees, you’re ready to choose your movers. From there, it’s time to get acquainted with the nitty-gritty: the moving contract. This document is your agreement with the moving company, outlining what services they will provide, the cost, and other important terms. It’s crucial to thoroughly understand your moving contract to ensure there are no unpleasant surprises down the line.

In addition to grasping the contract, it’s wise to familiarize yourself with the moving company’s claims process. Although no one wants to anticipate mishaps, they can happen, and it’s beneficial to be prepared. Here’s how you can be prepared when it comes to understanding the moving contract and the claims process:

• Review the Contract:

Look for details on the services, the costs, the moving date and time, and any other terms and conditions. If anything is unclear or if there are services you discussed that are not listed, don’t hesitate to ask the moving company for clarification.

• Claims Process:

Inquire about the claims process in case of lost or damaged items during the move. Understanding how claims are handled, the timeframe for filing a claim, and what evidence is needed can save you a lot of hassle should something go wrong.

• Insurance Coverage:

Check what insurance coverage is provided and consider purchasing additional insurance if the coverage offered is not sufficient for your needs. It’s always better to be over-prepared than under-prepared when it comes to protecting your valuable belongings.

• Keep a Copy:

Ensure you have a copy of the contract and any other relevant documents. It’s advisable to keep these documents in a safe place until your move is completed and any potential claims are resolved.

Your move to LA is an event to celebrate, and having a reliable moving company is crucial for a stress-free experience. By following the outlined steps and doing thorough research, you are well on your way to finding the right moving company to manage your LA relocation with the professionalism and care it deserves. It might feel a little extra or like overkill, but spending time being thorough can pay off to make sure your move goes smoothly with the right pros handling it.

At Piece of Cake Moving and Storage, are expert moving professionals and we welcome any questions you may have to ensure you have a piece of mind when it comes to all the moving parts of your transition to LA. We’re here to take care of the logistics, whether it’s supplying moving materials, packing and unpacking, reassembling your furniture, and so much more, no matter how big or small your move is. And with our flat fee pricing, there are no surprises or hidden costs. We’re just a call away, anytime you need, to discuss how we can make your move a piece of cake.