Moving Services – What They Are
A moving company, also called a removalist or van line, is an organization that helps people move their household goods from one place to another. They use trucks or containerized vans to transport items, and often offer added services, such as packing and unpacking and furniture assembly.
They also help with special moving requests, such as shipping a piano or antiques. Most companies offer free quotes, but it’s always a good idea to ask for at least three estimates.
Licensed Movers
A professional moving company needs to be licensed to operate. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulates interstate movers, while state departments of transportation oversee local and intrastate movers.
Licensed movers are required to follow strict rules and regulations, including carrying insurance and operating properly. You can verify a mover’s license by checking with the state’s department of transportation and using the FMCSA database.
The best movers have an excellent reputation for customer service and are known for their high standards of quality and safety. They are also highly regarded for their pricing, as many have flat rates that don’t fluctuate with the weight of your shipment.
Long-Distance Moving Costs
A long-distance move is usually a bigger job than a local movers in buda tx, and a long-distance mover will charge you for the total weight of your shipment, along with any extra services (such as packing materials) that you may need. Some movers will require you to make a deposit in advance of your move, which is typically $100 or $200.
You’ll need to provide the moving company with a complete inventory of your belongings and anything in storage. The moving company will then give you a quote based on your specific needs and the size of your home.
There are two main types of movers: carriers and brokers. Neither is necessarily better than the other.
Carriers have their own vehicles, while brokers work with a network of providers to arrange your move. Brokers often work with smaller, independent movers and can arrange add-on options such as storage and vehicle shipping.
These companies are the most common type of movers for residential moves, but there are others that specialize in commercial relocations or specialty services like packing and relocating pianos or antiques. Whether you need help loading your items onto a truck or have an expensive, delicate piece of furniture that needs special handling, a specialized mover is the best option.
Some movers will disconnect and reconnect appliances and complex home entertainment systems. This is usually done for liability reasons, but it’s a great service to have when you’re getting ready to move.
You can find a variety of reputable moving companies by searching online or through your local Chamber of Commerce or Better Business Bureau. Some of these companies even offer referrals from current or former clients.
Choosing the Right Mover for Your Move
The best way to find a good moving company is to research their reviews. Some websites allow you to post your own review, and other sites will let you read client comments about their experience with the company.