Probably the most common question that we get from the thousands of consumers that we hear from each month is how they can determine which moving company is right for them. We are quick to remind people that choosing a moving company is purchasing a service and it requires the same level of research and care that you would make with other large purchasing decisions, such as your Realtor, your mortgage broker or insurance agent. Remember, in choosing a moving company, you are choosing who you are going to allow to do your packing, transporting, unpacking and potentially storing of your personal possessions. This is not a decision that should be made without some careful consideration and research.
As with any service business, there is a wide range of quality, service, experience and price that each moving company can bring to your particular move. You will find that no two moving companies are exactly alike and each household will be a bit different from the next. As you would expect, moving services follow the pattern of other service purchases and, in the end, you will most likely in the end get what you pay for. Companies that can command higher rates do so because their ability to deliver a higher level of service, their reputation and the demand for their services allows them to be paid a premium for their work. Those companies that charge substantially less than the competition are probably pricing their services at this level for a reason.
A quick note on how moving services are priced. It is important to understand that the pricing of your move will depend on whether you are moving within your current state (intrastate) or across state lines (interstate). Intrastate moves will be priced on either an intrastate tariff or an hourly rate that would include a certain number of employees handling your move multiplied by the number of hours that they are on the drive. In most states, there is an intrastate tariff that covers weight and distance for movers in excess of 50 miles. For moves within 50 miles, an hourly rate will apply. This time will normally include driving time. You will also pay for packing supplies, packing and unpacking and any special services that you need for your move. For interstate moves, you will transit charges based on the size of your move, which will be defined either in terms of the gross weight of your items or the cubic feet that these items consume. You will also be charged for packing services and supplies and depending on your move, storage in transit charges.
With that background, here are some of the things that we would recommend you do to determine which moving company is right for you.
Plan ahead - the moving business is highly cyclical with the majority of consumer moves taking place between April and September each year. This highly seasonal demand creates significant stress on moving company owners as they balance their staff, trucks and other resources to support a high volume of moves over a short period. A good analogy would be to imagine a toy store getting ready for the holiday rush - this is the moving business in the summer. The further ahead you plan your move and start your conversations with potential service providers, the better chance you will have to gain access to your first choice among your options. If you wait until the last minute, you may find yourself without a choice at all.
Interview multiple moving companies - each moving company will have different advantages and disadvantages and without really finding out about them, you will not be able to choose the company that is best for your particular move. We highly recommend that you speak with at least 3 or 4 moving companies before you make any decisions. Get actual estimates from each company and understand the specific services that are included in each moving quote. If you get pricing that is significantly higher or lower than other estimates, it should generate a whole new set of questions for you. If different companies are estimating significant differences in the size of your move, you should strongly push for an on-site consultation, in which a trained moving company professional will do a full walk through of your current residence and create a binding estimate from this physical inspection.
Research your moving company - you would not select a contractor to make a major renovation to your house without knowing their qualifications and experience. You should expect the same from your moving company. You should ask and get answers satisfactory to you on the moving companies' experience, testimonials, the type of equipment that they will be using, how they screen and train their employees. Inquire if the moving company is a member of national associations like the American Moving & Storage Association (AMSA) or state associations. This participation indicates an adherence to certain operating principles and training that can provide comfort to you that you are working with a quality, reputable company.
Make apple to apple comparisons on the services you are paying for - you would not buy a house if you did not know which appliances are included in the sale or a new car without knowing the options package. You should not buy moving services unless you know exactly what you are paying for. Moving services are covered by contracts, meaning you are probably going to see lots of fine print and lots of technical terms. Asking the right questions to your potential moving company options will allow you to create a level playing field to really compare the services. In order to create this apple to apple comparison you first need to provide each company with the same information. Don't leave out important facts such as the number of stairs the movers will need to climb when moving your items or that you have numerous items in the basement or attic that will need to be moved. Be honest with you moving companies just as you want them to be honest with you. If they have good information, they can provide you with the best possible estimate of their costs and the best description of how their company and their services can meet your needs.
Negotiate on price - Moving companies are expecting that they are going to have to win your business. In most situations there will be some negotiating room. At worst, you asked and they refused. Most likely, your request will result in some discounts or additional services being provided to help the moving company finalize the deal.
Follow your gut and make your choice - In the end, most decisions like choosing a moving company come down to your gut instinct. Think about your interactions with the company from the beginning. Was the company responsive and professional? If they weren't during the sales process, it is unlikely that they will be during or after your move. Were the staff knowledgeable and helpful and would they be available if something happened and you needed to speak to them? The actual move tends to have a lot of unknown circumstances and challenges and you will want to know that the company that you choose is going to be there to support you along the way.
Tell them how they did - Moving companies rise and fall based on building a base of satisfied customers. Most quality companies will ask you for specific feedback on how they did and the quality of services that they provided to you. If you made a good choice and were happy with your moving experience, by all means write a quick thank you note and provide this positive feedback to the moving company. By spending this few minutes to tell the moving company that you were happy with their service, you are helping them to win their next moving job and provide the same level of good service to their next customer.
