Moving can be an overwhelming experience, whether you’re relocating across town or to a new state. While some people choose to handle every part of the move themselves, others prefer to hire professionals to make the process easier. One option that takes much of the work off your hands is hiring a full-service moving company.
But what exactly do full-service movers do, and how do you decide if they’re the right choice for your move? Let’s break it down.
What Full-Service Movers Do
A full-service mover is exactly what it sounds like: a moving company that takes care of every aspect of your move, from start to finish. Their goal is to make your move as easy and stress-free as possible.
Here’s what you can typically expect when you hire a full-service moving company:
Packing your belongings: Packing is one of the most time-consuming parts of moving. Full-service movers can pack all your items for you, making sure everything is safely wrapped and secured for transport. They bring all the necessary packing materials like boxes, bubble wrap, and tape. They know how to pack delicate items like dishes and electronics, as well as bulky furniture. Packing is typically an add-on service.
Loading the truck: Once everything is packed, the movers will load everything into the truck. They know how to organize items in a way that maximizes space and keeps everything secure during the ride.
Transporting your belongings: Full-service movers handle driving the moving truck to your new home. You won’t have to worry about renting a truck, navigating traffic, or driving long distances.
Unloading the truck: After reaching your new home, the movers will unload everything from the truck and place it in the rooms you want. You won’t have to lift a finger!
Unpacking: Some full-service movers will even help you unpack your items at your new home, setting things up for you if needed. Unpacking is typically an add-on service.
Disposal of packing materials: When they finish unpacking, many movers will also take away any leftover packing materials, so you’re not stuck with a pile of empty boxes and bubble wrap.
Benefits of Hiring a Full-Service Moving Company
There are several great reasons to hire a full-service mover. Here are some of the main benefits:
- Convenience: Moving is hard work, especially when moving out of state by hiring a full-service mover, you save yourself from doing all the heavy lifting—literally! They take care of packing, moving, and unpacking, which saves you time and energy. This can be especially helpful if you have a busy schedule or aren’t physically able to move heavy items.
- Efficiency: Full-service movers are professionals, meaning they know how to do the job quickly and efficiently. What might take you days to pack and move, they can often do in a few hours or a day. They have the experience and tools to make your move go smoothly.
- Stress Reduction: Moving is one of the most stressful life events. By hiring a full-service mover, you can focus on other important aspects of your move, like settling into your new home, rather than worrying about how you’ll get all your belongings from one place to another.
- Safety: Movers are trained to handle heavy or fragile items in a way that prevents damage. They know how to pack delicate items and safely move large furniture. You can feel confident that your belongings are in good hands.
Cost Considerations
While full-service movers offer many advantages, they do come at a cost. The price of hiring a full-service moving company can vary depending on several factors:
- Distance of the move: Moving locally is less expensive than a long-distance move. The farther your move, the more it will cost. Long-distance moves, when crossing state lines, also adhere to different regulations.
- Size of your move: The more items you have, the more time and effort it takes to pack, load, and move everything. This can increase the overall cost. Moving a one-bedroom apartment costs less than moving a four-bedroom home. Local movers will usually calculate cost by hour, depending on the size of your move, while long-distance moving companies calculate by weight.
- Additional services: Some companies charge extra for services like packing, unpacking, and special handling of fragile or oversized items. Be sure to ask what’s included in the base price.
- Timing: The time of year can also affect the cost. Moving in the summer, when demand is high, can be more expensive than moving in the winter or fall.
Choosing the Right Full Service Moving Company
Once you’ve decided to hire a full-service mover, it’s important to choose the right company. Here are some things to keep in mind:
- Do your research: If you’re looking for recommendations on trusted movers, start with the Better Business Bureau (BBB), where you can find ratings, reviews, and complaint histories from other customers. For interstate moves, check the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to ensure the mover is properly licensed and to verify their safety records and insurance status. You can also look for companies certified by the American Trucking Association (ATA)’s ProMover program, which guarantees high standards of service and reliability.
- Get recommendations: Ask friends, family, or coworkers for moving company recommendations. You can also read online reviews to see what other customers have experienced.
- Check for licenses and insurance: Make sure the company is licensed and insured, especially for long-distance moves. This will protect you in case something goes wrong.
- Ask about pricing: Request a detailed estimate from at least three companies before making a decision. Be clear on what services are included in the price and what might cost extra.
- Ask about timing: How long will the move take? Can the company work within your schedule? Make sure you’re clear on the timeline for the move.
- Read the contract carefully: Before signing any agreements, read the contract thoroughly to understand what you’re agreeing to. Ask questions about anything that’s unclear.
Conclusion
Hiring a full-service mover can make the moving process easier, quicker, and less stressful. They handle everything from packing to unpacking, letting you focus on settling into your new home. While they may be more expensive than a DIY move, the convenience and peace of mind they offer are worth considering. Before choosing a mover, take the time to research companies, compare prices, and ask the right questions to ensure you find a mover that meets your needs.
