How to find reliable movers near you

A simple internet search or a chat with a next door neighbor may yield a number of movers in the area. Even if you get a list of local movers, how do you know if they’ll be reliable? Rather than just hire the first mover you come across, it’s good to know what to look out for when deciding on a moving company or service. Doing your homework upfront will increase the likelihood that you’ll be happy with — and a lot less stressed about — your upcoming move.

Keep reading for some tips to help you gather your local moving contacts and decide which one(s) may be the best fit for your needs.

Creating your local list

There are a few ways to get an idea of what movers may be in your city or region. You may try:

• Conducting an online search. A preliminary search for “moving services” and “[insert your location here]” may be a great way to get started. From there, you can start your list and gather contact information. The internet search results may also point you in the direction of mover reviews (including from places like Google, Yelp, or even the Better Business Bureau) where past customers have sounded off about how satisfied they were by the services provided. This may give you some insight into whether a particular mover may be reliable.
• Talk to the locals or your neighbors about recommendations. Chat up your fellow locals, friends, and family for their suggestions. Did they work with movers recently? What was their last experience like and would they recommend the movers they hired? Gathering some perspectives on local moving services from people you trust may also help you make a decision.
• Check with national associations. Your online search may also lead you to reach out to industry associations who help lead the industry to best practices. One such association, the American Moving and Storage Association, may be a great place to get some additional tips on finding a reliable mover and have a list of “ProMovers” that are licensed and insured.

Review the movers on your list

Now it’s time to get better acquainted with the movers in your area to size up the best fit for you, so you’ll want to:

• Visit company websites. Peruse their online presence. Do they have details about what they offer? Do they outline their experience? Do they publish reviews? Are they transparent about how to contact them and how they calculate costs? When you review the available information, take note of how informed you feel and, in turn, how comfortable you’d be trusting them with your belongings.
• Verify their insurance and licensure status. It’s critical to ensure that any moving company has the necessary credentials before deciding to work with them. Ideally, this is listed on their website. This protects you, your belongings, and everyone involved in the process of moving.
• Get in contact. Now that you’ve got their contact info and verified their credentials, reach out to them. Make sure you have a list of questions you want answered about availability, special needs, and share a basic description of the type of move you need assistance with.
• Compare quotes. Don’t stop at just one quote. Make sure you call a few movers in your local list so you can compare. Do they seem to be around the same costs for the desired services? Are there any that are particularly low or high? Those may be red flags. Getting a sense of the average cost around where you live will help you know what to look for, so a few quotes may be necessary to really get an understanding.

After you’ve selected a mover

There are still questions and communication that must take place before you follow through with the service, which will likely mean:

• Confirming your understanding of the moving contract. Make sure to review the document in its entirety. If there are any details that are unclear or surprising, make sure to ask for clarity with the moving company. Pay attention to how they are speaking with you and handling any concerns you have. Are they patient? Do they seem to want to help you understand and feel good about the contract? Are they forthcoming with additional details when asked?
• Trusting your intuition. If it seems too good to be true or something doesn’t feel right, you don’t have to work with the movers. Remember, you have a list of others you checked out and can investigate further. You’ll want to feel confident that the movers you choose will take care of your belongings, your home, and will give you a fair price for the services provided.

It may seem like a lot of extra work, but taking more time upfront to do your research will ensure that your move is handled with care by qualified movers. As seasoned (licenced, and insured) moving professionals, we welcome questions and concerns from all who may be interested in working with us at Piece of Cake Moving and Storage. We don’t hesitate to outline the details of the wide range of services we offer, from providing moving supplies, packing, unpacking, furniture assembly, and so much more, for any move big or small. And, with our flat fee, you won’t have any surprises on your final bill. We happily await your call to find out about what we can offer 24/7/365, so you can make a happy, stress-stress move.