When you’re relocating, you need to find a moving company that is licensed, insured and reputable. These companies can make the difference between a smooth move and a stressful one.
Before you choose a company, do your research online and talk to trusted friends and family members who have moved recently. Look for companies with a track record that dates back several years and plenty of positive reviews.
Allied Van Lines
Allied Van Lines is one of the largest moving companies in the world. Founded in 1928, the company is owned by Sirva, Inc. It has 400 North American agents and services 45 countries.
Its fleet includes over 3,500 vehicles operated by trained drivers. Allied also offers a range of relocation services for local, long-distance and international moves. Its website provides instant quotes for interstate moves.
Costs for Allied Van Lines vary based on the size and weight of your belongings, the distance of the move and other factors. The average cost for a cross-country move with packing services is $3,500 (based on an average weight of 7,000 pounds and a traveling distance of 1,000 miles).
This price could be higher if you have a lot of heavy items. Allied offers full-service packing, which includes a crew of movers to box your items for you. If you prefer to pack your own items, Allied offers supplies and free online self-packing tips.
Storage is another service that Allied offers. If you need to store items for a while, Allied has several options, including metal containers. The company has its own container brand, called Allied Express, as well as third-party providers like PODS and U-Pack.
If you’re not moving to your new home immediately, you can rent a container and keep your belongings for up to 90 days. Afterward, you can transfer them to a permanent storage facility.
The company’s Allied Express containers are more expensive than the metal containers offered by companies like PODS and 1-800-PACK-RAT, but they come with the added benefit of full-service moving support. Its Allied Express container rental program features two to four-member crews of professional movers to help you load and unload your belongings, as well as online shipment tracking.
Allied also has its own storage facilities, which offer climate-controlled and secure storage for short or long terms. Its facilities can hold a variety of belongings, from small electronics to heavy furniture.
Allied offers a wide array of services, and its quality-award winning movers make the company stand out from other moving companies. Allied’s Quality Mover Award program requires that its agents meet certain criteria, such as high standards of professionalism and customer satisfaction. Allied’s movers are also required to have a good understanding of the moving process and safety practices.
American Van Lines
American Van Lines is a family-owned and operated company that has been in business for decades. Its extensive network of agents and seasoned movers help make it one of the most trusted and widely available moving companies.
The company offers a wide range of services, including long-distance moves and military relocations. It also provides short- and long-term storage, packing and unpacking assistance, and furniture assembly and disassembly services.
Its pricing varies based on several factors, including the distance of the move and the amount of items you need to be transported. Generally, the less items you need to be moved, the lower your overall cost will be.
In addition, the company provides discounts for senior citizens and members of the military. They also offer a variety of special services, including packing and storage for high-value objects and furniture.
Another reason you should choose a full-service Flyttefirma København is because they will help keep your belongings safe and secure during the moving process. They offer a number of safety features, such as air-ride suspension on trucks, which helps ensure that your delicate and valuable goods don’t get scratched or damaged while in transit.
AVL also provides a wide selection of moving supplies and materials, including boxes, tape and shrink wrap. Its employees are also trained to safely handle fragile and valuable possessions, such as antiques, pianos and fine art.
It also offers a mobile app, which can make it easier for you to track your shipment. The company’s customer service team is available to answer questions and resolve issues between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. EST, Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday (closed Sunday).
A good thing about AVL is that its prices are transparent, meaning you can get an up-front, flat-rate price for the move. You can use this price as a binding estimate, so you won’t have to worry about adding additional charges on the day of the move.
The company charges a deposit of 10% to 50% of the total cost of the move, according to its website. This deposit is refundable if you cancel at least seven days before the move date. Compared to other major moving companies, this is a fairly stringent cancellation policy. It’s also a good idea to check whether AVL has an online quote system or contact a representative in person for an official estimate.
Long-Distance Movers
Long-distance movers are professional moving companies that specialize in moving households to a destination far away from their original location. These services are more extensive than local moves and require more planning, as they involve more paperwork, transferring utilities to new companies, and finding schools and doctors’ offices.
A good long-distance mover can help you make the most of your relocation, ensuring your belongings arrive safely. They can also provide insurance coverage for your belongings, which can be a cost-effective option in the long run.
AVL’s long-distance movers are top-notch professionals who have been vetted and trained to ensure they’re safe and efficient. They’re also supervised by an expert who will monitor their progress and keep them on track.
This company offers both residential and commercial services, and they have a user portal to help customers plan their moves. The site includes checklists, contracts, and tracking.
The company charges per hour for its movers, and it sends up to two people to your home. It will charge extra for heavy items or multiple rooms.
In addition to moving your goods, a long-distance mover will handle packing and unpacking. The movers will use specialized boxes to transport your belongings efficiently and safely.
They’ll also pack your furniture, rugs, and other household items. This can be time-consuming and costly for you, so it’s always best to hire a professional for your move.
You should also be aware that long-distance movers typically charge more for their services than local movers, as they may have to pay more for fuel, food, and other supplies. This makes a big difference in the cost of a move, especially if you’re moving across country or internationally.
Depending on the size of your home, it can take up to five days for your movers to complete your move. This timeline can vary greatly, though, depending on your location and the weather conditions along the route.
It’s important to ask for pricing estimates from several long-distance moving companies before hiring one to ensure you don’t end up with more fees than you need. Many moving companies add extra services or fees to their quotes without telling you, such as access fees for homes with multiple sets of stairs.
Local Movers
Moving is a stressful event that can be made a whole lot easier with the right help. Local movers can provide the labor, trucks and equipment you need to make your move a success. They can also provide storage and packaging supplies.
While there are many companies that offer all of these services, it’s best to find one that offers only what you need. This way, you can get all of the help you need at a price that works for your budget.
Another option is to hire a labor-only team to pack your belongings and load the truck. They’ll take care of everything from packing to driving and unloading, making the process as quick as possible.
Depending on the size of your shipment, a mover may charge you hourly for their services. This will include their time and travel costs as well as gas.
If you’re not sure how much a move will cost, ask for an estimate. This will give you a better idea of how much you’ll need to pay and help you determine whether or not the services offered by the company are worth it.
You should also factor in the day you’re moving into the equation. Saturdays and Sundays are typically in higher demand for a move, so it’s best to schedule your relocation on a weekday.
In addition, consider whether or not you’ll need the help of an elevator or stairwell. If you do, a company with a specialized elevator is likely to have the most experience with these types of moves.
Finally, be sure to check if the company you’re hiring is licensed. This will help you avoid fraudulent movers that are trying to scam you out of your money.
There are many great local movers out there, but you should only hire those that are licensed and insured. This will ensure that your items are protected during the entire move. Additionally, make sure that the company you choose is a member of your local chamber of commerce or Better Business Bureau. This will give you peace of mind that the company is reputable and has been around for a while.
