Why is moving so expensive?

A moving company, also known as a removalist, van line or mover, provides all-inclusive relocation services for home and business owners. They offer everything from packing to arranging, transporting and unpacking items to be relocated, as well as storage in their warehouses. National companies often use a fleet of moving vans to haul belongings for customers, while smaller local movers may have a few trucks or even just one truck.

Before hiring a moving company, consumers should check out reviews and ratings on multiple websites. This will give them a well-rounded picture of the company’s good and bad points, as well as its general reputation. It’s also a good idea to get recommendations from friends or family members who have used the service, and if possible, confirm that the company is licensed and certified by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).

Most reputable moving companies offer several perks that can help make the move less stressful and expensive, such as real-time GPS tracking, onsite labor support, free storage and more. Some companies may also provide additional insurance to cover the cost of high-value items.

Consumers should read the fine print of any contract they sign, especially for interstate moves. They should also be aware of the difference between brokers and carriers, as some of them act as middlemen while others own their own trucks. Consumers can look up this information in the FMCSA database or ask a sales agent for more details.

The first step to finding a good moving company is getting an estimate. Most companies have online forms where customers can fill in the number and type of items they’re moving, and the company will then generate a price for the relocation. However, the final price will only be set when an inspector from the company visits the customer’s home to inspect the entire house and take a detailed inventory of all items that are being moved.

When shopping around for the best moving company, customers should be wary of any that require large deposits or payment upfront. A reputable company should not require more than 20 percent of the total estimated cost before beginning work. Customers should also put any deposits or payments on a credit card, which can be used to dispute charges if there are any problems.

If a company doesn’t provide proof of insurance or a USDOT number, consumers should keep looking for another option. The best movers will have both, and their website should clearly state this information. Additionally, consumers should be sure to check the FMCSA website for any complaints filed against a company. If there are any complaints, it’s a good idea to avoid that company.