What to Look for in a Professional Moving Service
Whether you’re moving across town or across the country – hiring a professional moving service can make the process far less stressful. However, not all movers are created equal! The right moving company can save you time, protect your belongings, and give you peace of mind during a a stressful and hectic period in your life. No one wants to move to a new property just to find their boxes missing or precious family heirlooms damaged. So, how do you choose the best moving service for your needs?
Here’s our recommendations for what every customer should do when trying to determine the most credible and professional moving services in their area. Be sure to read this before you sign a contract or hand over a deposit!
Proper Licensing and Insurance
The first and most important thing to verify is that the moving company is fully licensed and insured. For residents in Illinois, it is recommended that you check the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) website and locate your service provider.
Insurance is just as critical. Reputable movers offer multiple levels of coverage, from basic liability to full-value protection. Accidents can happen, even with the most careful professionals—make sure you’re covered. Ask about their coverage to make sure you’re in good hands.
Transparent Pricing
A trustworthy moving company will provide a detailed, written estimate that outlines all potential charges. Be wary of vague quotes or too-good-to-be-true offers. Reputable movers usually offer one of three types of estimates:
- Non-binding estimate: An initial guess based on weight or volume. The final cost may change.
- Binding estimate: A fixed price for the move, regardless of final weight.
- Binding-not-to-exceed estimate: You won’t pay more than the estimate, but could pay less if your belongings weigh less than expected.
Always ask about potential add-ons, such as fees for stairs, long carries, or packing materials, to avoid surprises on moving day and make sure you are as accurate as possible when describing what you need moved and the final destination. Often times a customer underestimates the volume of goods they are moving and get surprised when the move takes longer than expected and the cost increases.
Affiliations and Accreditations
Professional organizations, such as the Illinois Mover and Warehouse Association or Better Business Bureau (BBB) are usually great ways to determine if a mover is credible and in good standing with other industry professionals and past customers. These affiliations often require members to meet ethical and operational standards and being a part of those organizations is usually a sign the business is high quality.
Reviews and Recommendations
Word of mouth remains one of the most powerful tools in evaluating a moving service. Ask friends, family, or coworkers if they have any movers they’d recommend—or ones to avoid.
Online reviews on platforms like Google, Yelp, or even Next Door can offer insights into past work and general reception of the business. With the roll out of tools like ChatGPT and Google AI Mode, potential customers can even get sentiment analysis to see what customers say on average about a business. Always Look for consistent patterns in feedback. A few negative reviews aren’t unusual, but repeated complaints about damaged goods, surprise fees, or rude service are red flags.
Professionalism and Communication
You can usually tell when talking over the phone if someone is credible or if they lack experience or professionalism. The mover should answer your questions thoroughly, return calls promptly, and offer a clear point of contact throughout the process. Now some movers are busy so it may take a day or two for them to respond but the conversation should leave you with answers and not more questions.
Some good signs of professionalism include:
- Uniformed staff
- Branded trucks and equipment
- Clear documentation
- Written contracts
- On-time arrivals
Good communication and customer service make a big difference when you’re navigating the chaos of moving day and a professional moving service can make that day much less chaotic.
Clear Policies on Liability and Claims
Ask how the company handles lost or damaged items. A reliable mover will have a clear process for filing claims and resolving disputes. They should explain your options for valuation coverage and give you documentation outlining your rights and responsibilities. Additionally, most movers will be able to provide you a written document outlining their policies and help you navigate any questions you may have.
Choosing the Right Professional Moving Service
Choosing a moving company is more than just comparing prices and finding a flashy website. It’s about trusting someone with your most personal possessions. Taking the time to research and vet potential movers can save you headaches and heartache in the long run, as well as money, time, and frustration.
A professional mover should bring peace of mind, not stress. With the right choice, you can focus on settling into your new home instead of worrying about how your things will get there. If you are in need of professional moving services, fill out our contact form and our team will reach out to you shortly.
