Alliance Moving & Storage wants you to know that finding the right moving company for your commercial or residential move is essential and it will determine the success of your relocation.
A do-it-yourself move is one option but getting help from a reputable moving company means that you’ll get someone with experience making sure that your move is completed efficiently.
If you want confidence in your choice of movers, you’ll need to know exactly what to look for. Here are some useful tips to help you hire movers without risk.
1) Research Moving Companies Online
It’s easy to get overwhelmed by the amount of moving companies to choose from on the Internet. Different movers should be thoroughly researched, but it doesn’t have to take forever to get this done. Use Google search to find multiple movers in your area.
Study the movers’ websites to see what types of moving services (commercial moving, single-family home moving, apartment/condo moving, etc.) they offer and in what areas (Schaumburg movers, Barrington movers, etc.). This will quickly narrow down your options as some movers might not offer the type of moving and storage services you need.
2) Read Moving Company Reviews
Take the time to dig into online reviews from trusted sources like Yelp, Angie’s List, Expertise.com, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB). These platforms give you a clearer picture of what to expect, and Alliance Moving & Storage proudly boasts an A+ BBB accreditation, reflecting our dedication to exceptional service and customer satisfaction.
Don’t stop at just one review — read multiple to get a balanced view of each company you’re considering. Focus on reviews that detail the exact services you’ll need, like local moves or long-distance relocations. It’s also smart to prioritize recent reviews, as they’ll better reflect the company’s current performance and reliability.
3) Get Recommendations from Family and Friends
One of the most reliable ways to find a great moving company is to ask friends and family who have moved recently. Their firsthand experiences provide honest insights into what you can expect during the process. Be sure to ask detailed questions: How did the movers handle their belongings? Did they stick to the agreed schedule? Were there any unexpected issues, and how were they resolved?
Pay special attention if someone strongly advises against a particular company — bad experiences are often shared for a reason. On the flip side, if multiple people you trust rave about a mover, chances are you’ll be in good hands with them for your next relocation.
4) Get an In-Home Estimate
Ask for a detailed, in-home estimate from your movers. The quote should be based on the inventory the movers took during the walk-through of your home. Make sure the movers check all areas of your home where there are items that will be moved!
An in-home moving estimate, as opposed to an online estimate, will closely reflect the total costs of your move. In-home estimates are often more accurate than quotes that are completed online, but many moving companies offer an online form to fill out on their website, like our free quote, or you can send photos or videos of everything to be moved, so you can receive a moving quote.
If you are unsure about something on your moving estimate, now’s the time to ask. Don’t wait until your move is complete and the costs are not refundable. Your mover should be able to explain any moving terminology on the quote that you don’t understand so you can have a good idea of what each item covers for your move. Estimates should be free. Most moves can be fully paid for once you’ve finished moving.
5) Ask If There Will Be Any Extra Fees
Tell your mover everything about your move beforehand so they can completely fill you in on the details of your moving costs. Ask if there will be any extra fees for your move based on what you’ve told them. Some moving companies may not tell you about any extra fees that will be applied to your move if you don’t ask. You can expect extra fees for transporting items up a flight of stairs, an elevator, or down the street if the movers must park far away. You can also be charged extra if the movers transfer heavy items such as large furniture and if you choose to use the company’s packing supplies.
6) Review Your Moving Paperwork
Carefully read through all contracts and documentation from your movers. Don’t sign anything before you read it! You wouldn’t want to be stuck in a moving contract you can’t get out of. It’s important to inspect every detail of any paperwork you sign. Never sign a blank contract, and make sure you clearly understand the conditions of what you’re agreeing to.
Get all the details of your moving plan and costs in writing so you know exactly what to expect from the moving company on your moving day. Remember, move at your own speed, and don’t submit to any pressure to move faster or do anything else that you do not feel comfortable doing.
7) Verify the Moving Company's License and Insurance
A trustworthy moving company should always be properly licensed and insured. For interstate movers, check their credentials with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Local movers must have the required state licensing. Reliable movers should willingly provide proof of their insurance, including their DOT number for interstate moves, state licenses for local moves, workers’ compensation coverage, and sufficient liability coverage. Don’t hesitate to ask for these details — your peace of mind depends on it.
8) Distinguish Between Moving Companies and Brokers
It’s important to know whether you’re hiring a moving company or a broker. Brokers don’t handle the actual transportation of your belongings; instead, they sell your information to moving companies. By contrast, moving companies that own their trucks and directly employ their team can offer better service control, accountability, and overall reliability. To avoid potential issues, ensure you’re working directly with movers who have full oversight of the process.
9) Visit the Moving Company's Physical Location
Reputable moving companies maintain a legitimate physical address. Taking the time to visit their location can give you invaluable insights into their professionalism. You’ll be able to see their moving trucks, assess the quality of their packing materials, and meet the team in person. This is also a chance to verify their business practices and gauge how they’ll handle your belongings. A quick visit can reveal more than any online review ever could.
10) Watch for Red Flags
Keep an eye out for warning signs that indicate a moving company may not be trustworthy. Avoid movers who refuse to provide in-home estimates or insist on giving quotes without seeing your household goods. Be cautious of companies without a physical address or proper insurance. Other red flags include demanding large deposits upfront, using unmarked trucks, or refusing to provide written estimates.
Also, keep in mind that when moving across state lines, your moving company must give you a booklet called "Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move." This booklet explains your moving contract and helps you handle any problems that may arise. It also tells you about important things like:
- Cost estimates: A written estimate for your moving expenses.
- Filing claims: Instructions on what to do if your belongings are lost or damaged.
- Liability coverage: Information on the company’s responsibility for your goods.
If a moving company doesn’t provide this booklet, take it as a serious warning sign.
Make Your Next Move a Success with Alliance Moving & Storage
Finding reliable movers takes some effort, but the payoff is a smooth, stress-free moving process. At Alliance Moving & Storage, we value your trust and are committed to delivering the best moving experience.
With over 80 professional movers and a fleet of 20+ well-maintained trucks as part of our Chicago moving company and 40+ surrounding suburbs. Our team is licensed, insured, and dedicated to making your move seamless and worry-free.
Contact us today for a detailed estimate and discover the difference of working with movers who prioritize your peace of mind.
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