Hiring a quality moving company for your local (read: short-distance) move saves you time, energy and stress. But hiring an unprofessional and unreliable company will do just the opposite. To find a reputable local moving company, be thorough in your search. There are several things to consider before hiring a local moving company, plus a few red flags to look out for.
What Local Moving Companies Do
Local moving companies can assist with small moves within a single area. In general, a move is considered local when it’s less than 50 miles or within the same city. While you can save money by tackling your local move yourself, however, hiring a local moving company will make the process much more convenient. Experienced professionals will do the hard work for you, offering services that may include:
Packing and unpacking
Furniture disassembly and reassembly
Moving things up and down stairs
Insurance for your belongings
Storage
Appliance hookup
Not every local moving company offers all of these services. Before hiring a mover, ask what services they offer to determine if they’re right for your move.
Cost to Hire a Local Moving Company
The cost of a local move depends on the size of your current home, the amount of items that need to be moved and the number of movers needed. On average, the cost to hire a local moving company ranges from $800 to $2,150.
If you want to save money, ask your mover about discounts for DIY packing or partial moves. You may have the option to do a portion of the prep work yourself to cut down on labor costs.
What Makes a Good Local Moving Company?
Qualifications
Professional movers should have training and experience. If a moving company has been in business for a decade or more, you can expect them to hire and properly train the right people for the job.
Ratings and Reviews
Online research can tell you a lot about a company. As you’re searching for a local moving company, check their reviews online. Choose a company with a plethora of positive reviews and read them to learn about previous customers’ experiences.
Once you have a mover in mind, check with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to see if they are accredited and have a good rating. Reliable companies will be listed with the BBB.
Before you sign a contract, understand the terms and make sure there are no hidden costs for things like parking or gas.
Red Flags to Look For
Most moving companies are legitimate, but there are scammers out there looking to take your hard-earned cash. Here are a few red flags that may indicate a moving company is illegitimate:
The company has no online presence
Movers refuse to sign a contract
The company does not have insurance or offer protection against loss or damage of goods
There are no customer reviews or testimonials
The company gives you a low-ball estimate
How to Hire a Local Moving Company
Because you’re looking for a local mover who can handle short-distance moves, you’ll likely have more affordable options than you would if you were moving across the country. But don’t just choose the cheapest option available to you. Do your research before settling on a local moving company to ensure you have a trustworthy and reliable one.
Word-of-mouth is a powerful tool. Ask your friends, family members and neighbours for recommendations. They may be able to point you in the right direction. A personal recommendation from someone you trust can save you a lot of time researching.
