How To Hire Movers in 2024

Written by Shane Sentelle Updated 11/12/2024

Moving can be stressful, but hiring professional movers can significantly ease the burden. Whether you’re relocating across town or embarking on a long-distance move, the best moving company can simplify the process. This guide will walk you through finding, vetting, and working with movers to ensure a smooth transition to your new home.

Understanding When To Hire Professional Movers

Before starting the hiring process, determine whether professional movers are necessary for your situation. Several factors can influence this decision, and weighing the benefits against potential costs will help you make an informed choice.

Factors To Consider Before Hiring

When deciding whether to hire movers, consider the following:

Complexity of the move: Overseas or interstate moves may require specialized knowledge and resources.
Moving distance: Local moves under 50 miles may be manageable without professionals, but long-dista n ce moves often benefit from expert assistance.
Physical limitations: If you have health concerns or can’t lift heavy objects, professional movers can prevent potential injuries.
Time constraints: Professional movers can significantly reduce the time and stress involved in relocating.
Volume of belongings: The more items you have, the more challenging a DIY move becomes.

Benefits of Professional Moving Services

Hiring movers offers several advantages:

Efficient moving truck loading and unloading processes
Expertise in packing and handling delicate items
Insurance options for your belongings
Proper equipment for moving heavy furniture and appliances
Reduced risk of personal injury
Time savings that allow you to focus on other aspects of your move

Researching and Vetting Moving Companies

Once you’ve decided to hire professionals, thorough research is key to avoiding scams and ensuring a positive experience. Discover how to find reputable movers and what to watch out for during this process.

How To Find Reputable Moving Companies

Start your search by asking friends and family for recommendations. Also, check online review platforms such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and Trustpilot. You can verify company credentials with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Before making a decision, compare services and quotes from multiple providers.

Questions To Ask Potential Movers

Ensure you cover essential aspects by asking moving companies these questions:

Are you licensed and insured?
Can you provide references from recent customers?
Do you offer binding or non-binding estimates?
What services do you offer (packing, storage, etc.)?
What is your claims process for damaged or lost items?

Moving Company Red Flags To Watch Out For

Be wary of companies that do any or all of the following:

Have no physical address or local presence
Provide estimates without conducting an in-home survey
Lack proper licensing or moving insurance
Require large deposits upfront
Use rented trucks instead of company-owned vehicles

Types of Moving Services Available

Moving companies offer various service levels to meet different needs and budgets. Here, we outline the primary types of services available for your convenience.

Full-Service Movers

Full-service movers handle every aspect of your relocation, including the following:

Packing all your belongings
Disassembling and reassembling furniture
Loading and unloading the truck
Unpacking at your new home
Disposing of packing materials

This comprehensive option is ideal for those with busy schedules or complex moves.

Partial-Service Movers

Partial-service movers offer a middle ground, allowing you to choose which tasks you’d like assistance with. Common services include the following:

Loading and unloading the truck
Transporting your packed boxes and furniture
Providing packing materials

This option can be more cost-effective while still providing professional help for the most challenging aspects of moving.

Self-Service Moving Options

Self-service options, such as rental trucks or portable storage containers, are available for those who prefer a more hands-on approach. These services typically include the following:

Delivery of a container or truck to your home
Transportation to your new location
Pickup of the container or return of the rental truck

This option is often the most budget-friendly but requires more effort on your part.

Getting and Comparing Moving Quotes

Requesting and comparing quotes helps you find the best value for your move.

Steps To Obtain Accurate Moving Estimates

To get precise quotes, follow the steps below:

Create a detailed inventory of your belongings.
Schedule in-home or virtual surveys with multiple companies.
Provide accurate information about your move, including special items or services needed.
Ask about any potential additional fees or charges.

Understanding Binding vs. Non-Binding Moving Quotes

Movers typically offer two types of estimates. Understanding the difference can help you avoid unexpected costs on moving day.

Binding estimates guarantee the quoted price as long as your inventory remains unchanged.
Non-binding estimates are subject to change based on the actual weight of your belongings and services provided.

Negotiating Your Moving Quote

Don’t be afraid to negotiate. For example, ask if there are any current promotions or discounts and about price matching if you have a lower quote from a competitor. Discuss ways to reduce costs, such as flexible moving dates or DIY packing.

Determine exactly what you’re moving and where you’re going before looking for a moving company to ensure any estimates you obtain are accurate. The more services you add, the higher the cost of your move.

Preparing for Your Move

Proper preparation can make your move smoother and potentially less expensive.

Creating a moving inventory: A comprehensive inventory helps you keep track of your belongings and ensure nothing is lost or left behind. It also allows you to provide accurate information for insurance purposes and streamline the unpacking process.
Packing strategies and tips: Efficient packing can save time and protect your items. Start early and pack room by room. Label boxes clearly with contents and destination room. Pack a separate box of essentials for your first night in the new home.
Protecting valuable and fragile items: For high-value or delicate items, use specialized packing materials such as bubble wrap or custom crating. Consider transporting them yourself if possible, or inform movers about any items requiring special care. Document the condition of valuable items before the move.

What To Expect on Moving Day

Preparing for moving day helps the process go smoothly. Here are some tips to ensure everything goes as planned.

Preparing your home for the movers: Before the movers arrive, clear pathways and remove any obstacles. Secure pets and children in a safe area. Have cash on hand for tipping (if you choose to do so).
Supervising the moving process: During the move, be available to answer questions and provide direction. Keep important documents and valuables with you. After items have been loaded, conduct a final walkthrough of your old home.
Tipping etiquette for movers: While not required, tipping is a common way to show appreciation for good service. Consider factors such as your move’s complexity and service quality when deciding on an appropriate tip amount.

Understanding Moving Insurance and Liability

Protecting your belongings during a move is crucial. Most moving companies offer different levels of protection, each with specific coverage details.

Basic liability coverage: This is the minimum coverage required by law, typically offering $0. 60 per pound per item. While cost-effective, it may not provide adequate protection for valuable items.
Full value protection: This comprehensive option holds the mover accountable for the replacement value of lost or damaged items. It costs more but offers greater peace of mind.
Third-party moving insurance options: Consider purchasing supplemental insurance from a third-party provider, especially for high-value items, for additional protection.

Cost-Saving Tips When Hiring Movers

There are several ways to reduce the cost of your move without compromising on quality. Consider these smart strategies to stick to your moving budget.

Choosing the right moving date: Moving costs can vary based on the time of year, month, and even day of the week. Typically, weekdays and off-peak seasons offer lower rates.
Decluttering before your move: Reducing the volume of items you’re moving can significantly lower costs. Consider selling, donating, or discarding items you no longer need.
DIY packing to reduce costs: Packing your belongings yourself can save money on labor costs. However, weigh this against the time investment and potential risk of damage to your items.

Ensure a Smooth Moving Process

Ensuring every aspect of your move goes smoothly depends on careful planning, the right partnerships, and smart decisions. Read these additional tips to make the move even more efficient.

Coordinating with your movers: Clear communication with your moving team can prevent misunderstandings and delays. Confirm dates, times, and any specific requests well before the moving day.
Keeping essentials accessible: Pack a personal essentials bag with items you will need immediately upon reaching your new home. This will make the first day and night more comfortable and less stressful.
Managing post-move tasks: Once you arrive, prioritize setting up essential services like electricity, water, and internet in your new home. Getting settled quickly is key to a successful transition.

Our Conclusion

Hiring movers can greatly simplify the relocation process, providing expertise and resources to ensure a smooth transition to your new home. You can minimize stress and potential issues by carefully researching companies, understanding service options, and preparing in advance.

Remember that the cheapest option isn’t always the best. Consider the value of your time, the safety of your belongings, and the peace of mind that comes with professional assistance. With the right preparation and a reputable moving company, you can look forward to starting your new chapter with confidence.

FAQ About Hiring Movers

What is the cheapest day to hire movers?

According to several moving companies, including Allied Van Lines, the cheapest days to hire movers are early weekdays—Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday. Most moves are scheduled on weekends, so plan your move during the week for cheaper rates.

What steps should I take when hiring a moving company?

The steps to hiring a moving company include finding at least three companies that provide the services you need, requesting estimates from all of them, and comparing the services they provide versus the cost. You should also check for online reviews and recommendations from friends and family.

How can I find a reputable moving company?

You can find a reputable moving company by checking customer reviews and ratings on sites such as the BBB and Trustpilot or asking friends and family for their recommendations. You should also ensure any company you find is registered with the FMCSA.

What should I do to protect my furniture when hiring movers?

When hiring movers, ensure the moving company uses special packing supplies, such as cellophane and moving blankets, to protect your furniture. You should also ensure movers disassemble large furniture to prevent it from scratching or breaking.

Our Rating Methodology

We back up our moving company ratings and recommendations with a detailed rating methodology to objectively score each company. We conduct research by reading through the company websites, analyzing customer reviews, conducting consumer surveys, requesting quotes, and speaking with customer representatives. We then score each moving company against our review standards for services, contents coverage, scheduling, trailer and container options, additional benefits, and reputation to arrive at a final score out of 100.

To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.