Choosing a Reliable Moving Company: A Quick and Easy Guide 

 Finding a trustworthy moving company can be challenging. The bulk of the complaints filed against the moving company concerned the reported loss or destruction of possessions, but other issues included invoicing for hours not done, coming late, and failing to fulfill estimates. Moving day is stressful enough without having to worry about your stuff getting damaged or receiving an unexpected expense. Therefore, we've outlined the major steps you should take to ensure a smooth and successful moving experience.

Decide on the Type of Movers

The first thing you should do is figure out how far your belongings will have to go. If you are relocating across the country, you will undoubtedly need the services of long-distance movers. If you are just moving to a new neighborhood within the same city, hiring local movers is the best option.

That seems like a simple decision. Keep in mind, however, that anything in the grey region between local and long-distance, such as migrating to a different city within the same state, might be classified as either. Although there are no commonly recognized criteria, any trip of fifty miles or more is likely to qualify as long-distance travel.

Having said that, you should check with each company you are considering to see how it differs between long-distance and local moves.

Determine Items to Move

Make a list of the furniture and other important items you want to move. Consider whether you will need the services of a garbage collector for the unwanted items. Do you foresee needing extra services, such as storage?

You will be able to conduct a good comparison of various moving firms' offerings if you have a detailed accounting of what stays, what goes, and what services you need.

Check Reviews Carefully

When you leave a new restaurant, salivating over your magnificent roast pig and gushing over your server's nice attitude, the first thing you probably want to do is tell your friends about it.

Similarly, if you ate somewhere and felt the food was bland and the service was poor, you're likely to tell your friends about it.

The process is the same when searching for a moving company. They scream their praises for the good ones, but they don't hold back when it comes to the bad ones. When it comes to your move, you should opt for a moving company with the highest industry reputation.

Compare Quotes

Prices for moving estimates may vary greatly based on several factors. As per craigvanlines.com, “the great majority of trustworthy movers in Northern VA will provide you with a free quote if you request one. Calling the firm's phone number, visiting their website, commenting on their social media page, or going there in person are all common ways to contact them.”

Consider both hourly and flat-rate pricing for the job that has to be done. In most circumstances, the extent of the task and the distance you will travel will determine this. As a result, it is in your best interest to shop around, take notes, and weigh a variety of moving estimations in light of the limits set by your budget. Also, before agreeing on a final price, have the movers do a home inspection, either physically or digitally, if at all possible.

Ensure They're Licensed

In the majority of states, movers must get licensure before providing residential local moving services.

If you are moving your household over state lines, the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) requires that the moving company you choose have a valid license.

Check Customer Service

Customers should carefully evaluate a variety of factors before hiring a moving company, including the quality of customer service. Accidents are generally unavoidable while moving goods from one location to another. If any of these items happen, you'll want the moving company to accept full responsibility for them. Furthermore, professional movers have prepared a privacy policy that demonstrates the company's steadfast commitment to the safety of your personal information.

Avoid Huge Deposits

It is inappropriate for a moving company to want a deposit equal to or more than 20% of the entire expected cost of the move. Many of them will not want payment until your things are delivered. If you use a credit card to make a deposit or other payment, you will have the option to dispute the charge if there is an issue.

If a mover is keeping your possessions hostage to force you to pay more money, you should call the police, as they may be willing to aid you in this scenario.