What Are the Different Types of Moving Companies
Here’s a quick overview of the various types of moving companies. It’s important to consider your personal needs and budget before making a decision.
1. A Full-Service Mover
Essentially, a full-service mover does everything for you including packing your belongings. They can help you estimate what you need to move and plan how long it will take. They’ll come in and pack up your entire home or just certain items, get all the required boxes and supplies, load them onto the truck, drive them to their new location, unload them upon arrival, and even unpack your items. Some moving firms even go the extra mile of furniture assembly and disassembly.
The crew packing your belongings will be experienced professionals who use the best top-quality materials and methods. You won’t have to worry about property destruction as most moving companies that offer this service usually also provide insurance on any damages during the move. If you have a tight schedule and look to save time during your move, you should consider a full-service mover.
Full-service movers tend to charge by the hour and the number of movers needed. If you’re making a local move, it could be more cost-effective than renting a truck yourself and paying for gas—especially if there’s no one around to help with loading and unloading!
2. A Self-Moving Service
If you’re an experienced mover and want to save some money on your relocation expenses, you may want to consider self-moving. Self-moving services deliver a moving truck to your house or apartment that facilitates ample space to pack your belongings into the vehicle, and then drive it to your new residence. Then, you unload the car and unpack the items yourself.
Self-moving is typically less expensive than hiring complete movers because you do most of the work yourself. This can be a substantial advantage if you don’t have a lot of valuables and are not moving far away from home. However, self-movers mainly service local moves; if you plan on driving more than three hours for your relocation, then self-moving is probably not for you.
3. Independent Movers
Independent movers are the ideal solution if you’re looking for an affordable way to move. These individuals work without paying a commission to a moving company and operate their moving business out of their own homes. They typically do not have central offices or maintain large warehouses, which helps them keep costs down. Try a quick Google search or check Craigslist for professionals who have made listings there to get in touch with one.
Independent movers are often less expensive than big-name companies because they don’t need to cover any costs associated with running a business: no advertising, no uniforms, no vehicle maintenance, etc. As you might expect with this less expensive service, they can be good and bad—though many single movers are great at what they do.
It’s important to note that independent movers may not be insured like other companies, so you’ll want to consider their workers’ compensation coverage before choosing one as your mover. Another thing to consider is the mover’s experience in business; check to see if they have been in the business long enough before deciding whether they’re suitable for you!
4. Vehicle Transportation Service
A vehicle transportation service is one of the many options you have to move your car, truck, or motorcycle. This method involves hiring a company specializing in transporting vehicles instead of relocating whole households. This can be an option for people who don’t want to drive long distances and don’t mind leaving their car behind.
Some benefits of this option are:
- Your vehicle will not accrue any additional mileage during the move; a great benefit for those looking to preserve mileage on a new car or classic ride
- You can save money by having multiple cars shipped at once; some companies offer discounts if you ship more than one vehicle
Drawbacks of this option include:
- The cost of shipping your vehicle might be higher than driving it yourself, especially if you’re moving multiple cars; read up on standard pricing models so you know what to expect
- While there are ways to track vehicles during transit, no one will be able to see where your car is until it arrives at its destination; this means if there are any issues or delays along the way, they may not be discovered until much later
5. Portable Storage Units (PODS)
PODS are portable storage containers. With PODS, you can pack your belongings at your own pace and then have PODS deliver the container to your new home. It’s an excellent option for those who require more time than a traditional moving truck offers.
You’ll want to compare the price of a PODS container with other types of moving companies before making your decision. There are many options for moving companies, and it’s essential to choose the right one for your situation.
If you’re planning on moving into a small one-bedroom apartment with few possessions, find someone with a pickup truck you can pay hourly, like a friend. If you’re moving an entire house’s worth of stuff, a company with trucks and employees will be more helpful. This option would include loading your belongings into their vehicle, driving them to your new home, unloading them, and providing the muscle to get everything where it needs to be.
What to Consider When Selecting a Professional Moving Firm
Picking the best company depends on your unique set of needs. Once you understand your needs, it is advisable to contact the various moving companies on your list to counter-check the terms and conditions. Alternatively, requesting quotes from the different companies and comparing their services to each other is also a wise move to help you make a suitable decision.
The following are important factors to look out for when you choose a professional moving company to work with.
1. Price and Modes of Payment
As expected, budgeting is the most important step when making a decision that involves finances. Whereas the cost of the move depends on aspects like service quality and distance, you should prioritize the most cost-effective way.
Most companies charge fees according to total hours worked, the volume of your household items, and the number of movers involved. Other services like assembly and disassembly may also require digging deeper into your pocket.
2. Full-Service vs. Self-Service
The service model offered by the company provides you with a platform to choose what you want. For example, self-service moving companies are the best pick for people who prefer the DIY approach to move to a new house.
On the other hand, full-service companies will provide you with a hassle-free moving experience if you want to save time. Their services include furniture disassembly and assembly, loading and unloading, and packing and unpacking. You should also ask if the companies offer storage solutions.
3. Licenses and Insurance
A licensed and insured company is most likely reputable and experienced. Be sure to verify your mover’s insurance with legal companies like Better Business Bureau (BBB). Checking your company’s license is the easiest and most certain way to determine a company’s legitimacy in service provision. The new building requires you to show proof of the licensed company for corporate and commercial moving. Insured companies provide a cover for your items in case of damage or theft of your items during moving.
4. Customer Reviews and Ratings
Reviews found on the company’s website are tell-tale signs of a successful track record. You will also get to know their details in operations like punctuality, customer relations, rates, and handling style of fragile items.
Moreover, basing your choice on other customers’ experiences is only an exercise to build trust with your target company. Make a choice on a company based on what suits your tailored personal needs.
5. Mover Qualifications
Professional companies with experience can save you time and mistakes while moving. A company with a reputable mover qualification will provide services with breathtaking professionalism and courtesy. Most reputable companies are gauged by their years of experience, as the workers will know how to handle different unique situations when they come up.
Reputable companies are a go-to for people who have pianos and other priceless items like jewelry.
