How to Find the Best Moving Company for Your Needs

Written By

Machaela Casey

What is the Best Moving Company for You?

The “best moving company” is a title that many companies would love to own. Indeed, many moving companies claim they offer the best moving services in the country. Or, they boast that their prices are most affordable. But, the title itself is misleading. The best moving company for one person may not be best for another.

What Do Reputable Moving Companies Have in Common?

No matter what type of move you’re planning, your moving partner should be able to provide you with certain information to establish their credibility. It’s essential to know that you’re working with qualified, trustworthy movers. Always make sure your mover is licensed, offers good customer service, and offers the specific support that you need.

Should Moving Companies be Licensed and Insured?

Moving companies should  absolutely be legally licensed and insured to transport goods. No matter what company you choose, always check proof of vehicle registration and insurance. If you’re moving across state lines, you’ll need to search interstate movers. Your company must have a registered US Department of Transportation (USDOT number). Don’t forget to confirm proof of insurance coverage, either. You must be sure your goods will be legally protected for transport.

Is Your Mover ProMover Certified?

Also ask if your mover is ProMover Certified. This certificate is given by the American Moving and Storage Association. It designates select moving companies as qualified, professional businesses that adhere to federal moving rules and regulation.

Make Sure the Company has Excellent Customer Service

Call a customer representative for your chosen company. Make sure that they can answer all of your questions. Pay attention to the service that they provide during your conversation. Are they polite, knowledgeable, and helpful? Remember that the customer service representative is the face of the company. If you have a bad experience simply calling to get more information, the company is probably not for you.

Movers Should Have Significant Experience

Inquire about movers’ experience. Inquire if movers are background checked and drug tested. Also, ask if they have any special certifications or trainings in moving household goods.

Moving isn’t just about lifting heavy objects. It can also mean carrying bulky items up and down flights of stairs. Or packing and loading antiques. Or coordinating elevator times in a busy building. Make sure that your mover has the specific experience necessary to get your job done right.

The Best Moving Companies Know What You Need

Usually, moving cargo isn’t just about renting a truck (although it can be). Moves are often more complicated, and different companies offer varying services to support your move. For example, you may need relocation support, moving supplies, or packing and unpacking, or white glove services. Know what you need, and make sure that the company that you hire has the support that you need.

Narrow Your Search

To find the best moving company for your needs, we recommend that you narrow your search. For example, if you want the best company for your residential move across the street, search for the best local movers. Or, if you’re moving across the country, look for the best interstate moving companies.

However, if you’re planning a corporate relocation to a foreign city, your search should look different. In that case, search for the best movers for corporate relocation and international movers.

What is the Best Moving Company for Long Distance?

A long distance move is generally one that crosses state lines. In order to legally transport goods across state lines, moving vehicles have to be registered with the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). Confirm vehicle registration on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) website.

From there, you can check your moving company’s safety record. One such tool is the Company Snapshot, a free resource that allows you to search any moving company’s safety record, either by USDOT# or by company name.

A Wide Range of Moving Services

To find the best long distance moving services, you’ll want to find a company that offers a complete list of services to support your big move. The most successful companies offer a full range of services to support your every need. Examples of the most popular services include:

Packing and unpacking services: Hire movers to pack and unpack all of your cargo in your entire home, from top to bottom. A team of professional movers will arrive at your place and move room to room, packing up each item with care. Upon arrival at your destination, they’ll unpack all of your items, assemble furniture, and even haul away trash when they’re finished.

Storage and warehousing solutions: Long-distance movers also have a complete network of moving and storage solutions throughout the country. From small storage lockers to huge warehouses for keeping your vehicles safe, big companies will give you options.

Expedited shipments: If you need to get your stuff there fast, long-distance moving companies offer quick shipping for all types of cargo. If you just need furniture shipping or if you have a small shipment, long-distance movers will get it done.

What Do You Need for a Local Move

A local move is considered a move within fifty miles that doesn’t cross state lines. Usually, local moves are less expensive than long distance moves since you are traveling a shorter distance. When people move locally, they often hire a truck and movers to load and unload the truck.

The biggest costs are for renting a truck and for labor. Movers are usually paid an hourly wage, on average $25.00-$50.00 per mover per hour.

How to Find the Best Moving Companies for Local Moves?

Look for established companies with a track record of good customer service. Inquire about the experience of their movers and the type of equipment they have to move you successfully. For example, ask if their trucks have lift gates or air ride suspension for a smooth ride. Also, if you need a climate-controlled vehicle, inquire about that, too. The best local moving companies will be able to provide you with some options.

Who are the Best Moving Companies for Corporate Relocation?

A corporate relocation is a move that often involves many parts. For example, you’re not just moving yourself, you’re moving employees and their families. Also, you’re moving corporate offices to a new location. This means you’re also moving furniture, IT systems, and sensitive documents.

When considering the best moving compaies for corporate relocation, make sure that they offer a comprehensive corporate relocation strategy. Know what you need, and find a company that’s willing to work either with you or with your Relocation Management Company (RMC).

Also, make sure your company is willing to help support your employees’ relocation with additional services, like pre-destination counseling and help at the destination location.

Who are the Best Moving Companies for International Moves?

Two of the biggest challenges of an international move are the logistics and the paperwork. First, an international move is often an intermodal move, one that requires multiple modes of transportation. You’ll need a company that can arrange all of that, plus cargo transfers. In addition, you need proper documentation to clear customs.

Finally, look for a company that’s a certified member of the Federation of International Movers (FIDI). This organization of professional movers and relocation companies has over 600 affiliates in over 100 countries. Each affiliate must adhere to rigorous quality control standards established by FIDI.

Nelson Westerberg: Your Best Moving Company

At Nelson Westerberg, we’re experienced local, long-distance, and international movers. We’re also corporate relocation experts. We’re legally licensed and equipped to transport your cargo across city, state, and even international lines. In addition, we’re ProMover and FIDI-certified. Plus, we have experience. Our movers have been with us, on average, for fifteen years. Finally, we have a support network that spans the globe. Our partnership with Atlas Van Lines allows us to optimize domestic and international moves.

With over 100 years of experience, we’re legit professional movers. And, we have the quality customer service that will answer all of your questions and give you peace of mind. If you’re wondering how much a moving company costs, we can give you some answers. We’re happy to talk details about how quotes are built. And, we’ll be glad to provide you with a free, customizable estimate.