Six Tips for Finding an Affordable and Reliable Moving Company in New York City

Brenda’s excitement was ready, but her wallet was not.

She got the call for a new job in a neighboring state. It’s final. She had thought this through. It was time for her to move out of New York. However, there was one problem. Brenda’s limited budget was blocking the path to her new career. Top-rated movers in New York would only work for higher rates − prices that she couldn’t afford at the moment. She’s tempted to hire a cheap mover, but she’s also afraid that things might go south. And a DIY move? Forget about it! Not only are NYC streets nearly impossible to navigate with a U-Haul, but carrying all her stuff downstairs would be impossible by herself.

If you find yourself in a situation relative to Brenda’s, looking for an affordable but reliable moving company is your best option.

Here are six tips on how you can do it.

1. Determine Your Needs

Movers can’t be of much help if you don’t know what you want to happen in the first place. For this to work, try to answer relevant questions like:

• Do I have the time to pack by myself, or am I in a rush?
• Can I move the piano on my own? How can I transport unique furniture?
• How far is my new home? Will everything fit inside a van, or do I really need a truck?

When you have a concrete idea of what you want, it’s easier for you to only avail of the exact services needed to get it done − no unnecessary expenses or extra utilities that barely benefit you.

2. Use the Rule of 3

You don’t have to settle for the first company that offers you an estimate. Make sure to expand your options. People say that two is better than one, but guess what? Three is better than two! More options provide you the comfort of being able to choose the best one that meets your needs. Compare quotes from at least three different companies. The more, the better. Evaluate their offers and weigh their services against your budget.

3. Check Online Reviews

Nothing is more valuable than the words of a previous customer. If they ever had an awful experience with a company, there’s a high chance that they’ve shared their complaints online to warn others. You can find lots of reviews on Yelp, Movers.com, and Google. Try to look for complaints about your potential company. If you find one, that’s already a massive danger sign standing in front of you.

4. Watch Out for Red Flags

Humans are cunning and devious by nature. It’s not a surprise that the moving business is filled with scams and rogue movers. You should familiarize yourself with common red flags, such as:

• The moving company asks for a large amount of deposit.
• They charge for doing an estimate.
• They have complaints lined up with the Better Business Bureau
• They can’t provide you with references (unless they’re a new business)

These are just some of the things to look out for. Also, try to observe their behavior when they come over to your home. Do they show up on time? Are they professional in treating customers? And if they ever show up in a rented van, it’s probably best to look for another company. Real movers own trucks.

5. Check the Company’s Credentials

Please don’t bother with movers who can’t provide proof of their legality. If they don’t show you concrete evidence, chances are they’re not authorized to run a business.

Here’s how you can check if a company is legit or not:

• See if it’s registered with the FMCSA by running the USDOT number on the mover search tool.
• Ask for certification from either the American Moving and Storage Association or Better Business Bureau.
• Make sure the mover is registered with the NY State Department of Transportation

In today’s age, the forgery of legal documents is quite rampant. Don’t hesitate to contact federal hotlines when you’re in doubt.

6. Years of Experience and Accolades

The ultimate key to a successful move is to hire movers with a proven track record. If they’ve managed to satisfy hundreds of customers for years, then there’s no reason why they won’t do the same for you. Although there are many renowned movers in New York, it’ll be best to employ those who have been voted best NYC moving company. This gives you peace of mind knowing that trusted professionals will handle your move.

Conclusion

Just because you’re clinging to a tight budget doesn’t mean you have to settle for less. Be resourceful and make the most out of your money’s worth. Do your research to make sure you choose an exceptional service at an affordable cost. Happy moving!