Finding a list of local moving companies is relatively easy in this digital age. However, choosing the best local moving company in your area can still be a challenge! With so much information available to you, selecting the best team to help with your relocation might seem like a daunting task.
Not to worry. Your search will seem much easier if you break it down into sections. Here are a few steps to follow:
- Start big! Begin with online searches and look at realty and mortgage companies for any advice they might have.
- Make sure that the moving companies you’re looking at are licensed, bonded, and insured.
- Check out your moving company’s online presence and customer reviews.
- Interact with your moving company to make sure they’re attentive, helpful, and proactive.
Choosing the right moving company is a big decision. And the better informed you are, the more smoothly your move will go.
Where to start when searching for a local moving company
The best professional moving services are easy to find. They have strong social media presences and helpful websites that list their services, plus a multitude of positive reviews across several online platforms. Many realty websites also have helpful tips on selecting the best moving company. In your search for local movers, though, perhaps the best way to find the right moving company is the simplest: word of mouth.
Just about everyone has moved at least once in their lives. So tap into your friends, family, and coworkers. What positive and negative experiences have they had? What companies do they recommend to help with your move? Personal referrals are often the most reliable sources of information.
Your local moving company must be licensed, bonded, and insured
All moving companies are required by law to be licensed and insured. If you’re moving within the state of Illinois, the Illinois Movers’ and Warehousemen’s Association (IMAWA) is a good resource to help you find a fully certified moving company.
These certifications allow you to rest assured that you’re working with a legitimate and professional local mover. This information will likely be displayed on the moving company’s website. If you don’t see a note about being licensed, bonded, and insured, just call them and request their credentials.
The best professional movers have a strong online presence
People tend to conduct a lot of their research and purchases online. This applies to searching for a new home, buying clothes, and selecting a moving company. Businesses across all industries must have a strong online presence in order to stay afloat nowadays.
Your moving company’s website must be helpful and informative. It should include tips and planning aids to help set you up for a successful move day, as well as an interactive, easy-to-use estimating tool that lets you input your information and home’s inventory, which the movers will use to provide a custom estimate for your move. A company’s website is often its first impression to its customers, so a subpar or difficult site should be a red flag.
Another resource to check out when you’re searching for a local moving company is to check their online reviews. Although this is far from the only resource that you should use in selecting a partner to help on your move day go smoothly, it can be helpful to read other customers’ experiences.
Professional movers should offer more than just moving services
Professional movers are experts in their field. They have compassionate Customer Service Representatives who will lay the groundwork for a smooth move day. And they have talented movers who will take great care while handling your possessions. Keep in mind that in addition to the actual moving help, there are other services that you might need as you prepare for relocating to your new home.
The best moving companies will be a one-stop shop for all of your moving-related needs. In order to reduce your stress and make life easier, find out if your moving company can help with the following:
- Packing. It’s no fun gathering all of your belongings and figuring out how to safely box them up. Every plate and coffee mug needs to be wrapped carefully to avoid breakage, and every piece of clothing and bedding must be folded and packed. And what the heck do you do with all of the clothes and coats hanging in your closet? Many moving companies offer packing service to take this burden off your shoulders.
- Eco-friendly moving supplies. Some local movers offer rental plastic moving crates that make your move easier and are much more eco-friendly than traditional supplies like cardboard boxes taped together. Many of these services even offer delivery and pickup services, so you don’t have to spend time driving across the city for your moving and packing supplies.
- Storage. It’s very common for consumers to need to store their materials offsite. Sometimes it’s just for a night or two, but sometimes it’s for several weeks or months. Find out if your moving company offers onsite storage at their facility. Knowing that your items are safely stored with a company you trust provides peace of mind.
Remember: you have to be comfortable with the local moving company you select. Do your research, spend a little time talking to their customer service team, and have the confidence that you’re choosing the right service to help you move into your new home.
Tips for choosing the best local moving company
So, you’ve done your research. You’ve confirmed that your local moving company is licensed, bonded, and insured. You have looked through their website, social media, and online reviews. And you know what moving-related services they offer such as packing and storage. But what’s next? How do you actually select the best moving company in Chicago to help with your relocation?
The next step is to carefully scrutinize the information they’ve provided to you. Does their estimate look accurate compared to the list of inventory items that you submitted to them? Moving companies should be transparent about all of their costs. Make sure that their estimate includes moving supplies such as blankets, moving dollies, and shrink wrap. Additionally, make sure that their travel time is itemized so you can avoid any surprises on your final bill.
Finally, call and speak with the customer service team before accepting any estimates. They should be happy and helpful. If their front office isn’t willing to go above and beyond to make you comfortable in the days or weeks leading up to your move day, chances are the crew that arrives to perform the move will fall below your expectations.
You deserve the best moving company in Chicago
There are a lot of moving companies in Chicago, and you want to make sure that you get the best service from Chicago’s favorite moving company. Contact us today to learn how we can help reduce your stress and actually make your move a fun experience!