A moving service is an arrangement that allows customers to have their household goods transported to a new location. The services provided by a mover can vary, depending on the type of items being moved and the customer’s needs. In general, these services include packing, transporting, unpacking and storing.
Full service movers are a good choice for long-distance moves, since they’ll handle the entire process from start to finish. They’ll also provide you with a detailed timetable and a free in-home consultation so they can fully understand your needs.
They’ll also provide all the packing materials and supplies you need to get the job done. This saves you the hassle of making multiple trips to the store to buy paper, tape and bubble wrap.
Some movers offer additional services, such as furniture assembly and packing for storage. These services can add a few extra dollars to the overall price of your move, but they’re well worth it.
Depending on the amount of belongings you have, it can take up to three days for your movers to pack all of your stuff into their truck. They may also need to dismantle some of your furniture and reassemble it once it’s in their truck.
When hiring a moving service, make sure they are licensed and insured by the federal Department of Transportation. This ensures that your goods will be safe and secure. The company should also display its DOT number on its website and advertising, says Kurt Larson, a spokesperson for the FMCSA.
Another important consideration is the company’s reputation. Look for references from previous clients. You should be able to find these on the company’s website or through the Better Business Bureau.
In addition to ensuring that your items are handled with care, it’s important to choose a company with good reviews and a strong track record. This can help you avoid scams and fraudulent movers, as shady individuals often create fake pages with seemingly legitimate credentials.
If you’re planning on hiring a moving company, check their license status and review any complaints they have. If they have a bad reputation or have been involved in any issues, you should consider filing a complaint with the FMCSA and the BBB. These agencies can act on your behalf to enforce regulations and protect consumers.
For example, the BBB reports that about 13,000 people file complaints about movers each year. These cases can involve anything from inflated prices to holding belongings hostage, so it’s vital to know if your company has any past problems before handing over your possessions.
It’s also a good idea to read movers’ reviews on websites like Yelp and Google to get an idea of what other customers think about the company. This will give you an idea of whether the movers were reliable and did their job properly.
Then, ask for a written estimate of the services you’ll be receiving, so you can compare prices and choose the best deal. It’s usually a good idea to get quotes from at least three companies before making a decision.