How to Choose a Moving Company Near You
You’ve signed the deal, and you’re ready to move. Congratulations!
Now, it’s time to look for a moving company near you. As you do so, it’s important to take the following steps and keep several factors in mind.
- Verify that the moving company is licensed and insured.
- Look for a moving company near you with a history of serving the Olympia and Greater Puget Sound region.
- Read the online reviews.
- Ensure that they have adequate equipment and tools for your specific needs.
- Obtain free cost estimates.
1. Verify that the moving company is licensed and insured.
A moving company should be licensed and insured. You can obtain more information about licenses and credentials through the appropriate Washington transportation regulator/permit verification resource, such as the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries.
If your belongings are lost or damaged during the move, their insurance can cover the cost of repair or replacement — depending on factors such as valuation coverage, released-value protection, full-value protection, exclusions, claims procedures, and the nature of the move. Insurance also protects you and the moving company if movers are injured on your property.
It’s also important to verify that the movers are licensed, which will give you peace of mind regarding their expertise. Red flags that may indicate a mover is not licensed include unprofessional behavior; an unprofessional website or lack of an online presence; and requests for full payments upfront.
2. Look for a moving company near you with a history of serving the Olympia and Greater Puget Sound region.
The best moving company near you would be a staple in the Olympia and Greater Puget Sound region. A history of serving the community is important, as they will be better suited to navigate the roads quickly and easily. The company would also be aware of any nuanced local laws and regulations. Lack of expertise in these areas could pose logistical challenges regarding schedules and routes.
3. Read the online reviews.
Read the online reviews, and take them seriously.
Many people are proud to share positive experiences online to help their fellow community members choose a moving company near them that they can rely on.
As you are reading the online reviews, don’t be fooled by the stars: it’s all about the numbers.
A 4.2-star rating with 1,700 reviews may paint a better picture than a 5-star rating with 17 reviews.
Additionally, pay attention to how the moving company’s leaders respond to the online reviews. Are they professional, or are they argumentative? Are they grateful, or are they boastful? Are they responding at all? How they respond to online reviews may possibly — but not always — be indicative of how they treat their customers in person.
4. Ensure that they have adequate tools and equipment for your specific needs.
As you are trying to choose a moving company near you, the most important factors are based on which services and solutions you need:
- Are you moving internationally? If so, you may wish to look for logistical support.
- Do you need packing services? Ensure they provide that service and that they have the proper packing equipment for your household or commercial goods.
- Will you need to store furniture or other items in a warehouse before or after your move? Look for a company with a warehouse for you to use.
These are only a few of the many issues that might arise. You may wish to make note of every service you need so that you can survey each moving company about every item ahead of time.
5. Obtain free cost estimates.
Many of the moving companies near you will likely provide similar services, so your choice may boil down to cost. Obtain free cost estimates from each of the moving companies.
As you do, beware of quotes that are far less than other estimates, as they may be trying to blindside you with added fees. Be sure to read the fine print to identify such costs ahead of time.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do movers cost?
Movers can cost anywhere from $300 to $15,000.
The cost for movers depends on many factors, including the distance, whether it’s a commercial or residential move, which items must be moved, and whether or not you choose packing services. A small, local move can cost about $1,000, give or take a few hundred, but an international move can cost 15 times more than that.
That’s why it’s important to obtain cost estimates from a variety of moving companies near you and then compare their quotes before making your decision.
How far in advance should I book a moving company?
Book movers about 4–8 weeks in advance, especially for summer, weekends, month-end dates, or long-distance moves. During slower periods, you may find availability with less notice. Booking early gives you more choices and time to confirm services, schedules, paperwork, and moving-day requirements.
People say I should look for a moving company near me, but why is choosing a local mover so important?
Great question! Choosing a moving company near you is important because the movers would know the area well. Because they know how to navigate the Olympia and Puget Sound region, the movers can avoid traffic backups or delays, helping your move proceed as scheduled.
Choosing a local moving company can also help build the economy in your community, allow you to support your friends and neighbors, and make communication easier.
What is a moving broker vs. a moving company?
A moving company transports your belongings, but a broker owns no trucks and has no crew but arranges your move with a carrier.
Does A&E Relation Services work with a van line?
Yes! We are proud to be an agent for Mayflower® Transit. We are also in the Preferred Movers Network®, Washington Movers Conference, and the American Trucking Association’s Moving & Storage Conference.
Contact an A&E Relocations team member to learn more about our moving services in Olympia and the Greater Puget Sound region. Call us at (360) 491-2370 or email us at info@aerelocations.com.
