Are you planning a move soon? Finding a trustworthy and reputable moving company should be one of the first things on your to-do list. Putting off your search until later may leave you in a sticky situation where you and your stuff are all ready to go, but the only reliable mover in town is unavailable.
While many people may reason that there are plenty of moving companies out there, we all know that not everyone you come across online is honest. The last thing you want to do is be desperate enough is to work with a moving company that you haven’t done a thorough background check on yet.
Finding the right local mover doesn’t have to be exhausting and time-consuming, especially if you’re prepared with all the right questions and know what you’re looking for. Here are some important factors to consider when deciding amongst moving companies:
Price
Local moving companies charge anywhere between $25 – $50 per hour per mover. A 2-bedroom apartment could require three movers. If it takes them 7 hours, you’re looking at $525 minimum.
However, it’s important to note that price could be labor alone, and the moving company may charge you additional fees for everything from packing materials to fuel charge to tolls. It may surprise you that some movers even charge extra if you live on a high floor or if assembling and disassembling is required. If you’re looking for honest local movers, look for ones who are transparent about their rates by displaying them on their website and are clear about what those prices involve.
License and Insurance
It’s simple; they either have it, or they don’t. The Department of Transportation (DOT) requires every mover to be licensed and insured. Hiring a moving company that doesn’t have both is incredibly risky. Sure, they probably charge cheap, but chances are, you get what you pay for. Or worse, you never see your valuables again.
Reviews
People love to rant and rave on the Internet which is great for consumers who want to know the truth about products and services. The best way to determine how reliable a moving company is by hearing what others who have worked with them before have to say. Here are some business directory review sites to check out:
– Yelp
– Trustpilot
– Angie’s List
– Home Advisor
– Houzz
– Thumbtack
Alternatively, you could have a look at their Facebook Business Page. Facebook rules state that businesses cannot delete negative reviews only because they make them look bad.
You should also visit Better Business Bureau where you can search more than 20,000 moving-related companies. BBB assigns businesses a letter grade based on different factors. You’ll also find reviews and complaints, if any.
How Long Will a Move Take?
There are variables in how long a move will take such as how much stuff you have and how far you are moving. But what you are looking for in an honest moving company is someone who will give you a realistic price range. If you’re looking for a reliable mover and packer in Boston, give us a call, and we’ll be happy to discuss with you about what to expect during your move.
