Your Experienced and Professional Movers

There are several ways to determine whether a moving company is reputable. One way to find trustworthy local and long distance movers is word of mouth. Ask friends, family, and coworkers which company they used, and see if you find any common companies that this group liked working with.

However, getting personal recommendations isn't always possible, and even if you do, you want to do some additional research on the companies just to be sure which one is right for you. That's where online reviews come in. Look for a strong online presence, where you can see that they are an active and engaged company with positive reviews.

You can also check a company's ratings with consumer protection agencies such as the Better Business Bureau and the American Moving and Storage Association. Another important safeguard is to check that the movers have the appropriate certifications and adequate insurance. A reputable moving company should be able to show you all the necessary documents including:

• Department of Transportation (DOT) License
• Licensing by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Association (FMCSA)
• Pro-Mover Certification from the American Moving and Storage Association (AMSA)

DOT licensing proves the movers are insured, among other things. Ideally, the movers should present their licenses and certification to their customers without even being asked.

MoveDay will often partner with trusted, vetted and high-quality partners for long distance moves or local moves they are better suited to service. This is a common practice throughout the moving industry (similar to the airline industry, where local affiliates will operate smaller flights under larger airline brands), so you should ensure you understand who is servicing your move.

While we would only trust your move and information to a trusted and top tier partner, you can’t be sure this is always the case – do your research and make sure you know that the company servicing your move has all of the above qualities.

The first step is to make a list of potential expenses, which should include the following:

• Full-service moving through a local moving company, or, if you’re doing a DIY move, truck rental, fuel, and hired help for loading and unloading
• Boxes, packing materials, and labeling supplies or professional packing services
• Cleaning products and supplies or professional cleaning services
• Real estate or rental expenses on both ends of your move, such as realtor commission, property management fees, down payment, security deposit, etc.
• Deposits on utilities for your new home and possibly early cancellation fees for certain services or memberships at your former address (less common)
• Driver’s license and vehicle registration if moving to a new state
• Special meals or other tokens of appreciation for volunteer helpers, such as family members and friends
• Additional furniture and other items for your new home
• Storage costs if temporary storage is needed

Next, you'll want to estimate the cost of each of the above that apply to your situation, which will involve some online research and maybe a few phone calls. You can use MoveDay's convenient online moving quote tool to get a quote 24/7.

The largest out-of-pocket moving expense is usually transporting your items from point A to point B. A professional moving company will estimate the cost of the actual move for you. Moving quotes are based on factors such as the weight of the items being transported, the distance of the move, items that may need special handling, and how many rooms are in your home.

The last step in estimating the cost of your move is adding up all your projected expenses. Don't forget about specialty services such as packing and unpacking. Storage may also be needed, especially if there is a time gap between your move out date and your move in date. Full-service local moving companies usually offer storage services and can serve as both packers and movers, which saves time. If you only need your items stored for a short time, ask about "storage in transit," which is when the movers keep your belongings on the truck for a few extra days.

Reputation is important: beware of rogue movers and go with a long-established, reputable company. Look for an online presence with positive reviews and ask a lot of questions. Local and long distance moving companies should be transparent about additional moving costs such as mileage and packing materials for unusual items. Ask for a quote in writing to avoid a situation where disreputable movers can later claim that your load is overweight and hold your belongings hostage until you pay more money.

Even though it may seem like an initial inconvenience, it’s important to make sure your moving company performs a survey. Virtual surveys are perfectly acceptable and can even be more helpful when it comes to keeping a digital record of items.

Every reputable mover will perform a home survey. This allows them to verify information and spot any trouble areas that may need to be highlighted for movers. You will guide them virtually through your home while they ask pertinent questions, and make sure there are no surprises on moving day – that way, the move will have the correct amount of crew assigned to it and can be performed on-time.

When it comes to a moving crew, experience matters: only hire movers who are equipped to handle your particular situation. For example, you may be looking for experienced senior movers or apartment movers. Again, ask a lot of questions.

Valuation coverage is vital. Moving companies typically offer standard valuation coverage options for your belongings, and it's important to know what is covered. The standard valuation typically goes by weight and may not make sense for you if you have, for example, an expensive vase or antique that is lightweight, but valuable. There are many options you can choose, but it is important to know that your moving company cannot legally provide you insurance for your items, you would need to go with an outside company for true insurance.

If you choose a MoveDay mover for your upcoming relocation, you'll be assigned a dedicated move coordinator who can go over all these details with you.

The short answer is that you should book your move as soon as you know the date you will be moving, and it’s advisable to begin researching the best local or long distance moving company before you have a confirmed date. The sooner the better, especially during peak season (May through September), but if you're looking for a timeframe, a good rule of thumb is to schedule your movers about four to six weeks before the move.

Please keep in mind that moving companies get booked faster during the peak moving season when school is not in session. Statistics show that about 80 percent of domestic moves take place during summer months. Experienced movers will be able to tell you about any other potentially busy seasons that are specific to your area.

It’s also important to note that flexibility when moving can sometimes be rewarding for your budget. For example, a middle of the week move may cost less than a Saturday morning move. If this is something you’re interested in, discuss options with your moving representative.

Yes! Our moving checklist will give you a recommended timeline that lets you know what to do and when. Following a checklist with a detailed timeline will help ensure that you don't forget anything or put something off until the last minute. Use our checklist and add to it as needed, adapting our suggestions to your exact situation. As with other areas of life, staying organized by prioritizing tasks makes everything easier.

Many moving companies, including MoveDay, offer free quotes over the phone or via an online tool. These quotes are a good jumping off point for a budget, but we always recommend getting an in-home survey for a hard number.

Allowing a representative of the moving company to see your belongings will help prevent surprises due to forgotten items or weight discrepancies. Non-visual quotes can give you a general idea of the cost of a move but are not usually as binding and may be considered preliminary. Whichever kind of moving quote you get, make sure it includes your moving dates or a narrow range of dates since moving costs vary by season.