By Ryan Cox
Director, Allied Consumer Moving
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How to Hire Movers: Insider Tips from Professionals

Moving day is fast approaching — or maybe it's already here. So you need to make sure everything is packed and ready, you've got the truck booked and you have a plan in place for your new home. But do you want to deal with all the heavy lifting yourself?

Whether you're moving across town or the country, hiring movers can save you time, money, and backaches. But how do you find the right moving company for your needs? Here are the top tips from professionals on hiring movers.

Tips for Hiring Movers

As with anything in life, not all moving companies are created equal, and some are better than others at providing this service. Here's what you need to know before hiring a mover:

Read Reviews

When hiring movers, the first thing you should do is check their reviews online. If they have a lot of negative reviews, steer clear. A good moving company will have plenty of satisfied customers that are happy to share their experiences online. If a company is local and doesn't have any online reviews, ask them if you can speak with some past clients in person. If they don’t have any references of past clients that they’re willing to share with you, this is a red flag that they may not be trustworthy!

Get Multiple Estimates

It's essential to get multiple estimates from different moving companies before deciding on one. When requesting estimates from moving companies, make sure that the estimate is based on an in-home visit.

Don't forget to ask about hidden costs such as packing materials, fuel charges, or insurance. Some movers will try to sneak in an extra charge here or there, so make sure you read the fine print on your contract before signing anything.

Get Referrals

You probably know someone who's used professional movers before — or at least knows someone who has. So ask around for referrals from people in your life that you trust. You can check online reviews too, of course, but asking your friends and family will give you more insight into how specific companies treat their customers during the moving process.

Experience

Movers are rated by the type of moves they can handle — not all companies do everything! Some only handle local moves while others focus on long-distance jobs only; some specialize in residential moves while others are commercial or corporate movers exclusively. The easiest way to find out what kind of experience they have is by scheduling an in-home estimate with them so that they can see exactly what needs to be moved.

Check insurance coverage

A reputable mover will carry insurance to cover any damage that might occur during your move. However, there are different types of coverage: Full value protection, which is standard for most professional movers and covers the full cost of anything damaged or lost, and released value protection, which has lower costs but provides less protection. Be sure to ask about this before signing a contract.

License

The first thing you should know is whether or not your movers are licensed or not. A license will ensure that your belongings are transported with the utmost safety and care. All professional moving companies must be licensed by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).

Get an In-home Survey

Request an in-home survey from the movers so they can give you an accurate quote. Before setting up an appointment with the moving company, have an idea of what you need them for. You can even print out or take photos of furniture you want to be moved and estimated weight to get an accurate quote. Also, inform them of when you need the services, and at what address so they will have enough time to plan their schedule accordingly.

Learn About Your Rights as a Consumer

There are many laws in place to protect consumers from unethical businesses. Before hiring movers, you should speak with your local Better Business Bureau to see if there have been any complaints filed against them or if there are any open investigations against them. This can give you an idea of how satisfied other customers were with their services and whether or not they have had any legal issues in the past. You can also check with your state's attorney general office to see if they have received any complaints in your area.

Type and Quality of Trucks

You want a mover that uses well-maintained trucks for their moves. You can tell by looking at their trucks if they are in good condition, and if so, likely, their other equipment is also in good shape.

Depending on how many items you have, several different-sized trucks and vans may be used for your move. Some smaller vehicles can hold fewer items than larger ones, but both types can still drop off and pick up items from your home. Ensure that the company has the right-sized vehicle for your move so that everything fits perfectly.

Get Everything in Writing

Before hiring a mover, ask for a written estimate or binding quote from the company. This document should include:

The company’s name and address (make sure it’s the same as shown on their website)
The names of everyone involved in the transaction (e.g., estimator or dispatcher)
The type of move (local or long distance)
The total estimated weight of your belongings
A detailed list of the services they will provide (full pack/unpack, disassembling/assembling furniture, etc.) and what services cost extra (such as packing materials).

Get a Binding Estimate

The estimate should be based on the final weight of your shipment and not just on the volume (cubic feet) or weight of your belongings as they appear on the truck before loading. A binding estimate guarantees that the price you are quoted will not exceed a certain amount by more than 10 percent. This is an excellent idea if you are moving long-distance because it gives you some protection against unexpected charges when your shipment arrives at its destination.

Prioritize Your Needs and Budget

A key question you will have is, "How much will it cost to hire movers?" For example, hiring movers may be more cost-effective than renting a truck and driving it yourself if you are moving across the country. On the other hand, if you have a lot of valuable antiques and fragile furniture that would be hard to replace, a full-service move might be worth the cost. If you are going to pack your belongings but simply need help with heavy lifting and loading/unloading, labor-only movers might be the best choice.

What Are the Benefits of Using Professional Movers?

When it comes to moving, the prospect of packing up all your belongings and hauling them across town can be daunting. Not only do you have to worry about making sure everything arrives safely at your new home or office, but you also have to consider the potential for strained backs, broken items, and logistical nightmares during your journey.

One of the best ways to avoid these problems is to hire a professional moving company. The benefits of hiring professional movers include:

Saves You Time and Energy

The most obvious is that you don't have to lift a finger. Professional movers handle all the heavy lifting, so you don't have to worry about packing up your belongings or loading them onto a truck. You also won't have to worry about driving a large vehicle or navigating through unfamiliar areas.

Your Property Will Be Insured Against Damage or Loss

A key benefit of using professional movers is that your belongings will be insured against damage or loss during the move. If you're moving and something breaks, it will be your responsibility to cover the replacement cost. But if you hire professional movers and something gets damaged during the move, you'll be able to file a claim to have the damage repaired or be reimbursed for replacing the item.

Safety

Professional movers also ensure the safe transport of your possessions. When you hire professionals, you don't have to worry about driving a large truck or navigating unfamiliar roads in a huge moving van. Instead, your belongings will arrive safely and securely at your new place.

Do You Need Help With Your Move?

No matter what your reason for moving — whether it's a new job, expanding family, or simply wanting a change of scenery — hiring professional movers like Allied Van Lines can make the process exponentially easier. We are a full-service mover, which means we offer much more than simply carrying furniture from point A to point B.

Our knowledgeable and experienced agents are also available to answer questions and alleviate any concerns you may have regarding the process of packing, transporting, and unpacking your move.