There are a lot of moving companies nowadays. In a busy area like NYC, you can find dozens of different movers online, all of which are seemingly perfect.
The reality is a bit different. Not every company you come across is worth hiring, despite what their marketing copy might say.
In this post, we’re going to guide you on 7 signs that you can look for in a moving company. If you find these 7 signs in a moving company, you can rest assured that you’ve found a group of professionals that you can trust.
Wide Range of Services
The first sign of a group of qualified and professional NYC movers is that they offer a diverse set of services, catering to every type of customer. For example, such a company would offer:
- Labor-only moving and transportation services
- Packing and unpacking services
- Storage services
- Truck rentals and packing supplies rentals
- Full-service packing (a service that covers all the aspects of the moving process)
With services like these, every customer can easily find a solution that fits their needs perfectly.
Per Item and Per-Hour Cost Structures
Some companies offer a per-hour cost structure, i.e., where the customer is charged hourly for the services provided.
Some companies offer a flat rate, i.e., where the customer is charged according to the volume or number of items they’re moving.
An excellent moving company will offer both. This gives flexibility to the customer as they can choose the cost structure that suits them.
Positive Reviews on Third-Party Platforms
Another indicator of quality in a NYC moving company is the number and nature of customer reviews it has on third-party platforms. It is easy enough for any company to publish specific reviews on its own site. However, third-party platforms offer more transparency.
If you find positive reviews for a company on platforms like TrustRadius or Yelp, it shows that they satisfy their customers. It shows that their services are high-quality and likewise worth hiring.
Years of Experience
A professional NYC company worth hiring will usually have years of experience in the industry. More years in the industry mean that the company knows the nuances involved in the moving process and how to take care of them. It also shows that the company has been around long enough to be providing its services and satisfying customers without getting shut down.
With that said, it doesn’t mean that newer companies should be neglected just because they don’t have experience. If a company has all the other qualities mentioned in this list, such as a diverse set of services and good reviews, you can hire it. Every company starts somewhere.
Transparent Quotes and Pricing
An excellent moving company in NYC will offer free and transparent quotes for your move that will clearly show all the included costs. If a company doesn’t offer you a quote or mentions something shady on it, like “Extra Charges” or “Service Charges” without specifying the amount, it’s usually a red flag.
If there is a problem like this, i.e., hidden charges and unclear quotes, it will usually be reported by customers in their testimonials on the third-party sites.
A good moving company will also make sure that the initial quote you get is the total you have to pay once your move is done. They won’t throw in any additional costs, unless you hire additional services (like packing or storage) after obtaining the quote.
Proper Equipment
It’s important for a moving company to have properly functioning moving equipment. This will help ensure that your belongings are safely loaded, unloaded, and transported. You can get an idea of the company’s equipment during your trip to their premises. Here are some things that you can check:
- The moving trucks should be well-maintained. If the trucks are falling apart and in need of repair, they won’t exactly ensure safety for your belongings during the relocation.
- The harnesses/cables used for hoisting heavy furniture and appliances should be well-kept. Damaged harnesses and cables will put the safety of your belongings in jeopardy.
- Equipment such as dollies, hand trucks, and sliders should be 1) available and 2) safely functional. These are used for moving your belongings during loading and unloading. Their structural integrity means the safety of your belongings.
Constant Updates and Follow-Ups
This is another good trait of a moving company.
A professional group of movers will send text messages and emails prior to the move, confirming your moving plan. On the day of the move, they will announce their arrival, and once they’re done relocating everything, they’ll let you know promptly. They may also follow up after the move, making sure that you have everything where you needed and are settling in nicely in your new place.
Wrapping Up
Finding a good moving company can be difficult, but only if you don’t know what you’re supposed to be looking for.
In the post above, we’ve detailed some of the main qualities and traits that reputable and high-end moving companies in NYC possess. If you find a moving company with these qualities, it means you’ve found a group that you can trust for your relocation.
