To make sure your move goes smoothly, you’ll want to make sure you choose the right Phoenix moving company. Some of the services they can provide include packing and unpacking, loading and unloading, and storing your belongings while you wait to move into your new place. But with so many different companies out there, how do you know which one to choose? Read on to learn how to select the right Phoenix moving company, including some tips to help get the most out of your move.
1: Know what you need from your moving company
Are you looking for a place to store your items, or do you want an affordable option that allows you to handle everything on your own? Does price matter more than quality? When it comes time to move day, does a quick turnaround time matter more than anything else? These are all questions you’ll need answered before hiring a moving company. The best way is to get multiple quotes from companies in Phoenix, but if price is important, consider checking out our price estimator tool (left), which can help give you an idea of what size move will fit within your budget. You may also want to try contacting companies directly and asking them how they calculate their rates so that you can make sure their quote is accurate. Additionally, be wary of any moving company that doesn’t have a rate calculator on its website; this means they don’t want to be transparent about pricing—and transparency is extremely important when it comes to comparing moving companies.
2: Put together a list of potential movers
When you’re looking for a local moving company, ask your friends and family for recommendations. We’ve all had bad (or great) experiences with our local movers, so chances are you’ll be able to get some suggestions. Use Yelp or any other review site as a resource as well. Make sure you ask what kind of experience they had; price is one thing, but if they were frustrated by their move, that will likely affect your own attitude towards it. Once you have a few names on hand, call each company and figure out exactly what services they offer and how much they charge for those services. Some companies in the same area might offer slightly different prices for very similar services because there isn’t really an industry standard rate.
Asking about these differences can give you more information about which companies might be better at certain aspects of moving, like packing up your high-tech electronics or dealing with heavy furniture without damaging anything. Even more importantly: make sure to ask about customer service. A strong rep can mean everything when working with a professional mover—you want someone who will work efficiently and handle fragile items with care.
3: Compare estimates from multiple moving companies
Getting estimates from several moving companies will help you determine which one is best for your budget. Make sure you get quotes from at least three reputable companies. You should also request information about insurance coverage and ask about any potential hidden fees or additional charges. Make sure you find out whether insurance is optional and, if so, whether it’s worth purchasing. If a company refuses to provide an estimate without first obtaining your credit card number, make sure that you obtain a detailed quote in writing before agreeing to use their services—and get it in writing that they won’t change your card until after they show up at your door with a moving truck.
4: Think outside the box when finding moving resources
Instead of asking your friends and family for recommendations, turn to Google. If you have a pressing question (like, What’s a good moving company in Phoenix?), type it into Google and see what pops up. What results does your search bring? Do they seem legitimate? In general, you should be wary of results from directories like Yelp, because those platforms are subject to review tampering—meaning that some people could be paid for positive reviews or penalized for negative ones. (That said, sometimes it makes sense to use online reviews as resources.) But in general if a business has glowing endorsements from local publications and big-name news outlets such as The New York Times or USA Today, chances are it’s reputable.
