Before hiring a moving company, do a little research to make sure they have the best reputation in your area. Check out customer reviews, Better Business Bureau reports, and government actions against the company. Additionally, you can find complaints and government actions against moving companies through the Department of Transportation’s tool for consumers. In addition to these resources, it is also important to research a company’s insurance. If you’re going to have valuable items moved during the move, you need to be sure to protect your assets.
Costs of hiring a professional moving company
While there are no hard and fast rules when it comes movers to estimating the costs of moving, it is helpful to have an idea of the approximate cost of hiring a moving company. A local move will cost between $400 and $750, while a long-distance move can cost more than $1,300. The costs of moving can be further increased if there are additional challenges, such as stair-climbing or moving oversized furniture. Additional charges may also occur if the new apartment is outside the five boroughs. In addition, one-bedroom apartments tend to contain more furniture, which can increase the costs by as much as $600-$1,200 or more.
Finding a reputable moving company
When it comes to finding a reputable moving company, you have several options. There are a wide variety of moving companies ranging from huge corporations to small independent “mom and pop” operations. In the U.S., there are more than 7,000 companies in operation. While you can’t possibly research every one of them, you can find out what other people are saying about them. Here are some tips to find a reliable moving company.
Getting a quote from a moving company
The first step in hiring a moving company is to get a quote. Moving companies will usually give you a non-binding quote, based on the details you provide. The final costs, however, can vary dramatically depending on the weight of your shipment and the services required. If the move takes longer than estimated, you may be billed double the original quote. Luckily, there are many ways to get a moving quote before hiring a company.
Getting insurance for a moving company
Getting insurance for a moving company is a legal requirement for commercial vehicles, including trucks. The insurance must be sufficient to cover the full value of the moving truck if an accident occurs. Box trucks, semis, and other large moving vehicles are more expensive to replace than smaller cars or sedans. Commercial auto insurance can be purchased separately, or as part of a package policy. You may need other types of coverage as well.
Building a brand for a moving company
Besides advertising your services, building a brand for your moving company also includes establishing a professional image. Many companies brand their trucks to stand out from the competition. This helps you gain the trust of your community. After all, neighbors will judge you by the way your trucks look. A clean truck reflects a well-run business. But what if you’re not yet a big moving company? Then you should consider starting a blog and using social media to get exposure.