When you hire a local moving company, it’s important to do your research. Find out what kind of service they offer and whether they’re licensed, bonded, insured, and certified in your state. Asking the right questions will help you avoid scams. For example, you should find out if they have a customer satisfaction guarantee and how they handle claim disputes. If you’re unsure, don’t be afraid to contact the Better Business Bureau for additional information about the company.
Full-service local movers typically come to your home, pack everything, load it onto their truck, and transport it to your new house. This type of move is ideal if you need to get everything done on the same day, don’t have any storage needs, and want someone else to do all the heavy lifting. However, full-service local movers tend to have the highest moving costs.
You should also consider additional fees when hiring a local mover, such as travel fees and parking charges. Travel fees are tracked by the number of miles traveled and cover labor and fuel costs. Most movers include a travel fee in their quotes, but you should check to see if this is the case with yours. Additionally, parking charges are typically charged per hour for the time the truck is parked at your old and new houses.
Many local movers also offer packing services to ease the stress of your move. Some companies may even provide trash pickup and cleaning services at your old and new homes. If you are a senior citizen, ask your local movers if they offer special assistance for seniors and their families during the move.
If you’re looking for a more DIY approach to your local move, you can rent a truck from one of the many moving and storage companies across the country. The most well-known option is U-Haul, which has a reputation for being reliable and affordable. They have five box-truck sizes and four vans to meet your needs, and they also offer extra options like flatbed trucks for large loads.
Another option is Penske, which has a large fleet of trucks and offers excellent gas mileage. Their twelve- and sixteen-foot trucks are a good choice for local moves, and they’re available on weekends.
Lastly, you can also purchase moving supplies online at discount prices. Instead of purchasing expensive moving boxes, you can use towels or blankets to wrap dishes and glasses. You should also look for coupons or discounts online before making a purchase. Additionally, try to move in the middle of the week when rates are lower than on weekends and holidays.
Tip your movers if you’re satisfied with their work. But before you do, double-check your contract to make sure they’re including gratuity in the total cost of your move. If they are, you should not need to tip them unless you have a particularly memorable moving experience. If they aren’t, you should consider asking them to do some extra work or offering a bonus if they meet your expectations.