January 21, 2022
How to Choose a Moving company in 2022
As we move into a New Year, you might be thinking about moving into a new home. If so, how will you choose the company that will be responsible for moving your most precious cargo?
Moving itself is a major feat but choosing the right moving company in 2022 is one of the first, and most important, steps. Although we left 2021 behind, 2022 carries the same challenges into the new year. Shipping delays, COVID concerns, worker shortages, surging gas prices, etc. continue to paralyze many industries. What does this mean for consumers hoping to make their move in 2022?
It means consumers must be more careful than ever to choose a well-established, reputed company who can handle any of the unforeseen challenges that may come along in the process of your move. It all starts with selecting the right company, and
at Century Moving, we want to help consumers make their best possible decision and have a resulting pleasant experience in the process. Here’s our best advice to follow:
1. Start Early and Gather Recommendations
Movers need lots of notice to schedule your move. Start your search early so you have time to compare prices, reviews, and availability. Seek out advice and recommendations from trusted sources and never assume the most recognizable company is the best. They may have a track record of hidden fees or charge more for your destination. Sometimes the local mom and pop movers may be the best kept secret. Seeking out the advice of friends, family, and neighbors is your best bet, or find honest recommendations from services like checkbook.org, an unbiased review service. Other resources include professional state organizations, such as Illinois Movers and Warehousemen’s Association and Illinois Commerce Commission.
2. Get Estimates
Once you have compiled a list of potential moving companies, it is time to assess cost. We suggest at least three in-person estimates before deciding. Beware of companies who provide quick estimates over the phone without asking extensive questions about your household and moving requirements. These companies may easily tack on costs for the “unexpected” or “unknown” at a later date. When getting estimates, consider a quality vs. price approach. A lower estimate won’t guarantee high-quality work but a higher-priced company may not bring a good value for your needs.
3. Verify Licenses and Insurance
Buyer beware! Never choose a moving company that does not have proper credentials, or you may never see your stuff again. Moving companies that are licensed and insured are legally bound to protect your property. If you are moving out of state, the moving company must have a license with the Department of Transportation. Check the license number in the DOT database provided by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Check your state commerce commission for local licensing. There may be other requirements depending on the location of your move. Put on your detective hat and do the research.
4. Experience Matters
Although you want to give the new kid on the block a try, there is something to be said for a business that has stood the test of time. Obviously, there is a reason the company is still in existence. Established companies are likely to have plenty of reviews, and it is typically easier to discern their trustworthiness and business ethics. While the new companies may have something to prove, the mainstay companies have a reputation to uphold. In these tumultuous times, a more experienced mover who has survived the pandemic will have innovative solutions for you if your move hits a snag.
5. Upfront Pricing
When booking a moving company, you will be given a base rate. For local moves, this rate is estimated by the number of movers and hours needed. The calculation for long distance moving includes weight and other factors. It is important to remember that base prices do not include fees for packing, heavy objects, fuel, etc. Be sure to ask about extra fees and unseen costs. If the company refuses to provide information, move on (no pun intended).
6. A Company that Suits Your Needs
Once you have narrowed the list down, focus on your specific needs and which company can best service you. Often you will find the right movers, but they are not available on your preferred moving date. Or they may not be able to move unusual items or have the right equipment needed to get it done. Ask questions! Make sure that the mover provides all the services you want, like packing, supplying boxes, moving large furniture, etc.
7. Trust Your Gut.
Use your better judgement when choosing a moving company. If the movers look disheveled, the drivers look unprofessional or the truck looks unkempt, the service might reflect that. Look for other red flags too, like a request for a large deposit (more than 20 percent of the moving cost) or if the company has no valid physical address and/or service records. If you do your due diligence in researching moving companies, finding the right one will be much easier.
Choosing a moving company is stressful, but if you follow our tips and do your research, the process will be easy. Here at Century Moving, we’ve seen it all during our four decades in business. At the end of the day, all you really need and want is a company that will care for your belongings as much as you do and get them safely to your new home. We are a locally owned, family run business, whose longevity and reputation speaks for itself. Let’s talk about your 2022 move today! Give Century Moving a call at (630)889-2700 or visit our website.
January 21, 2022
How to Choose a Moving company in 2022
As we move into a New Year, you might be thinking about moving into a new home. If so, how will you choose the company that will be responsible for moving your most precious cargo?
Moving itself is a major feat but choosing the right moving company in 2022 is one of the first, and most important, steps. Although we left 2021 behind, 2022 carries the same challenges into the new year. Shipping delays, COVID concerns, worker shortages, surging gas prices, etc. continue to paralyze many industries. What does this mean for consumers hoping to make their move in 2022?
It means consumers must be more careful than ever to choose a well-established, reputed company who can handle any of the unforeseen challenges that may come along in the process of your move. It all starts with selecting the right company, and
at Century Moving, we want to help consumers make their best possible decision and have a resulting pleasant experience in the process. Here’s our best advice to follow:
1. Start Early and Gather Recommendations
Movers need lots of notice to schedule your move. Start your search early so you have time to compare prices, reviews, and availability. Seek out advice and recommendations from trusted sources and never assume the most recognizable company is the best. They may have a track record of hidden fees or charge more for your destination. Sometimes the local mom and pop movers may be the best kept secret. Seeking out the advice of friends, family, and neighbors is your best bet, or find honest recommendations from services like checkbook.org, an unbiased review service. Other resources include professional state organizations, such as Illinois Movers and Warehousemen’s Association and Illinois Commerce Commission.
2. Get Estimates
Once you have compiled a list of potential moving companies, it is time to assess cost. We suggest at least three in-person estimates before deciding. Beware of companies who provide quick estimates over the phone without asking extensive questions about your household and moving requirements. These companies may easily tack on costs for the “unexpected” or “unknown” at a later date. When getting estimates, consider a quality vs. price approach. A lower estimate won’t guarantee high-quality work but a higher-priced company may not bring a good value for your needs.
3. Verify Licenses and Insurance
Buyer beware! Never choose a moving company that does not have proper credentials, or you may never see your stuff again. Moving companies that are licensed and insured are legally bound to protect your property. If you are moving out of state, the moving company must have a license with the Department of Transportation. Check the license number in the DOT database provided by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Check your state commerce commission for local licensing. There may be other requirements depending on the location of your move. Put on your detective hat and do the research.
4. Experience Matters
Although you want to give the new kid on the block a try, there is something to be said for a business that has stood the test of time. Obviously, there is a reason the company is still in existence. Established companies are likely to have plenty of reviews, and it is typically easier to discern their trustworthiness and business ethics. While the new companies may have something to prove, the mainstay companies have a reputation to uphold. In these tumultuous times, a more experienced mover who has survived the pandemic will have innovative solutions for you if your move hits a snag.
5. Upfront Pricing
When booking a moving company, you will be given a base rate. For local moves, this rate is estimated by the number of movers and hours needed. The calculation for long distance moving includes weight and other factors. It is important to remember that base prices do not include fees for packing, heavy objects, fuel, etc. Be sure to ask about extra fees and unseen costs. If the company refuses to provide information, move on (no pun intended).
6. A Company that Suits Your Needs
Once you have narrowed the list down, focus on your specific needs and which company can best service you. Often you will find the right movers, but they are not available on your preferred moving date. Or they may not be able to move unusual items or have the right equipment needed to get it done. Ask questions! Make sure that the mover provides all the services you want, like packing, supplying boxes, moving large furniture, etc.
7. Trust Your Gut.
Use your better judgement when choosing a moving company. If the movers look disheveled, the drivers look unprofessional or the truck looks unkempt, the service might reflect that. Look for other red flags too, like a request for a large deposit (more than 20 percent of the moving cost) or if the company has no valid physical address and/or service records. If you do your due diligence in researching moving companies, finding the right one will be much easier.
Choosing a moving company is stressful, but if you follow our tips and do your research, the process will be easy. Here at Century Moving, we’ve seen it all during our four decades in business. At the end of the day, all you really need and want is a company that will care for your belongings as much as you do and get them safely to your new home. We are a locally owned, family run business, whose longevity and reputation speaks for itself. Let’s talk about your 2022 move today! Give Century Moving a call at (630)889-2700 or visit our website.
