Looking for the top local storage and moving companies? This guide covers 6 key factors to identify the best movers and storage facilities in your area.
Moving to a new home or needing extra storage space can be stressful. Choosing the right local storage and moving company near me makes all the difference.
This guide will help you know what to look for when picking movers and storage facilities in your area.
What is a Local Moving and Storage Company?
A local moving and storage company offers services to help people and businesses relocate and store belongings within a city or region.
They provide movers, trucks, packing supplies, portable container storage, and warehouse storage options.
Hiring one of these companies eliminates the need to rent vehicles or do the heavy lifting yourself. It also gives you access to secure self-storage if you have more stuff than space.
6 Tips to Identify the Best Movers and Storage Near You
Follow these tips when researching moving and storage firms in your region:
- Check their Reputation
An excellent place to start is with the company’s reputation. Have they built a solid name for themselves over many years of pleasing customers?
Search online to see testimonials and reviews from people who used their moving and storage services previously. It speaks volumes if past clients were satisfied.
- Understand the Services They Offer
You want to choose a company that provides exactly what you need – whether it’s local or long distance moving, packing help, temporary storage, or warehouse storage.
Compare the services each facility in your area offers. Going with one company for everything streamlines the process.
- Request In-Home Estimates
Never select moving companies sight unseen. Reputable firms will insist on an in-home walkthrough first to see your current space and possessions.
An estimate tour allows them to assess your needs accurately and provide a binding quote. It also builds trust and familiarity.
- Compare Pricing and Fees
The estimate should break down all costs clearly, including:
- Hourly labor charges
- Packing materials
- Distance related fees
- Fuel surcharges
- Storage rental rates
Get estimates from 3-5 companies before deciding. Avoid firms with prices that seem too good to be true.
- Verify Licenses and Registrations
Interstate movers must be licensed and registered with the FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration). Local and intrastate movers should still carry state licenses.
Cross check the company’s licenses on databases like ProtectYourMove.gov before hiring them. This protects you from rogue operators.
- Read Online Reviews
Don’t underestimate the power of reviews and ratings. Look beyond the overall star rating and read through first-hand experiences from past clients.
Search for reviews on both public platforms and third-party industry sites specific to moving and storage companies. This provides more insights than a basic Google search.
Review Site | URL |
Yelp | www.yelp.com |
www.facebook.com | |
Better Business Bureau | www.bbb.org |
MyMovingReviews | www.mymovingreviews.com |
TransportReviews | www.transportreviews.com |
Key Takeaways on Finding the Best Movers and Storage
Picking the top local moving and storage companies requires checking reputation, services, pricing, licenses, insurance coverage, and online reviews.
Conduct in-home estimates so movers can assess your needs accurately. Plus, it builds rapport.
Doing the legwork to find an excellent firm for your relocation or storage needs gives priceless peace of mind. You want to place your trust and valuables only in capable hands.