Whether you’re moving across the block or across the country, hiring a professional mover saves time and money. It’s also safer, as amateurs can hurt themselves trying to maneuver a bulky dresser or squeeze a mattress through an apartment doorway. A good moving company will have years of experience and follow the American Moving & Storage Association’s strict standards for safe, efficient moves. It will also be insured and bonded. When choosing movers near me, it’s important to talk to several companies and compare quotes. Look for a free cost estimate and a detailed list of services offered, including any additional charges for packing and unpacking or assembling furniture. You should also ask if they offer a storage facility for your belongings.
If you’re moving within New York City, check the ratings of local movers on Yelp and CityRealty. Often, the best movers are also highly rated and ranked by those who’ve worked with them. Maxi Moving, for example, is a budget-friendly full-service mover that offers virtual consultations and price estimates. It also has a single-day COI turnaround and offers packing, unpacking, furniture assembly, storage and more.
When choosing a long-distance mover, check to see if they’re members of The American Moving & Storage Association (AMSA). AMSA works against generations of shady moving companies by encouraging educated homeowners to use only high-quality, licensed and insured movers. A good mover should also have a DOT number, which is a requirement for interstate moves. If you’re unsure about what to look for, talk to friends who have used the service or read online reviews.
Local movers typically charge an hourly rate, with a minimum of four hours. The more labor-intensive your move, the higher the cost. However, the extra work usually pays off in terms of a faster move and less stress.
Some movers will offer a package deal for a full-service move, which includes everything from packing and unpacking to loading and unloading the truck on moving day. This is the most efficient way to go, but it may be expensive. Other movers will simply provide a truck and let you do all the work yourself for a lower price.
Some movers will help with specialty items such as a pool table or hot tub, and others can move large appliances like refrigerators and washers and dryers. Some will even provide temporary storage for your belongings during your move. It’s best to call ahead and ask if your movers can handle specialty items, or if you’ll need to rent special equipment for the job. A good mover will also keep a list of inventory that gets loaded onto the truck and give you a Bill of Lading upon completion. You can also check your homeowner’s insurance policy for coverage. If not, it’s worth looking for a separate insurance plan.