Finding qualified moving professionals for your upcoming relocation requires thorough research and planning. It's important to hire a trustworthy, reliable and professional moving company to safely handle and transport your goods to your new home. That's why it's a good idea to get multiple free moving quotes before choosing a company for hire.
It's quick and easy to get free moving quotes
Start your move-planning by getting free online moving quotes. It's a simple and convenient way to get an idea of what your move will cost. Just fill out a fast and easy quote form, and you will receive free, no obligation moving quotes from various companies near you.
Compare prices from at least three moving companies in your area
The best part about receiving free online moving estimates is the ability to compare prices from moving companies in your area. You can shop around and compare companies within your budget. This will give you room for negotiations.
The more companies you receive quotes from, the more options you will have, and the easier it is to find a company suited for your needs.
Compare available services from moving companies near you
Different moving companies offer different services at varying rates. After receiving your online quote, always ask potential movers about the services they offer and the associated fees.
Some movers may not take into consideration additional services and expenses when giving an initial quote, so it's possible for your final bill to be significantly higher than the quoted price.
Avoid moving scams by noticing prices that are too low
Comparing prices from various moving companies gives you an educated idea of what you should expect to pay for typical moving services. Never decide to hire the first company that sends you a quote, because it fits within your budget and sounds like a good price.
A price that's too good to be true is often a sign of rogue movers. Scam companies lure customers with an unbelievably low quote and then hike up the bill with added fees and hidden costs at the end of the move. If you refuse to pay the inflated bill, they will threaten to hold your goods hostage until you pay the amount requested.
Receiving multiple moving quotes and understanding the average price for your move is essential to prevent getting ripped off or scammed by illegal moving operations.
After you get your online moving quotes, get an in-home estimate
While getting an online quote is an easy and convenient way to find a mover, never book a company based on an online or phone estimate alone. You should always receive an in-house estimate from a company before hiring. Ideally, get an in-home estimate from at least three different companies for comparison.
- The moving company should send a surveyor to your home free of charge to accurately assess your belonging's cubic feet and weight, the layout of your home and discuss your moving needs with you directly. You should then be offered a formal, written estimate (binding, non-binding or binding-not-to-exceed), so you know the company is legitimate and will not raise your rate more than what is legally permitted.
- Do a background check on your moving company and read reviews. Verify their USDOT number on the FMCSA website (for interstate movers), or ensure they meet your specific state's licensing requirements for intrastate relocations. Check their profile on the Better Business Bureau site, and make sure they have no outstanding complaints on websites such as MovingScam.
- Never give a deposit. A reliable moving company will not require an upfront deposit from a customer to book their move. Sometimes, they will ask for money down if you plan to move during peak season. However, if your mover asks you for more than 50 percent of the total as a deposit, especially in cash, it should be a red flag for fraudulent practices.