Moving from one home to another can be exciting but tedious work. Finding a local moving company to help is much more taxing. This is because when users look for terms like “moving companies in my area” or “moving companies near me,” the search engine churns out more than a hundred results, and this could make picking the right one confusing. But with these eight tips mentioned below, one could find the right movers for their home.

Ask for referrals
One of the easiest ways to find the ideal local moving company for the job is by asking for referrals. One could speak to their family or friends, who may also share their experiences of how the professional carried out the work in the past. Recommendations made through word-of-mouth usually indicate that the moving service is worth hiring.

Check reviews
Apart from speaking to family and friends, one should also read online reviews about the respective moving companies. These are usually published on third-party websites by customers who have availed of their services earlier. It is also important to be mindful of the type of reviews on these platforms. While some might be genuine, there might be others that are too good to be true. So, one should explore these options, but with caution.

Be mindful of the average costs
The exact cost of how much it would take to move items from one home to the next will depend on factors, including the size of the home and where the individual is moving. Today, the average cost to move a three-bedroom home locally is about $2,000. The cost of a long-distance move for a home of that size is about $5,500. Ultimately, knowing the average costs of such services could help one make a more mindful decision when hiring a moving company.

Get multiple quotes
Several individuals pick the first mover they find online because they’re in a rush. However, this could cost them a lot of money compared to what they could have paid after acquiring multiple quotes. If one is in a time crunch, one should get at least three quotes in writing from moving companies. After this, they should check for the best one that suits their budget. One should remember that no company can give an estimate without seeing the items that need to be moved. Therefore, a professional who offers an in-person estimate is likely more reliable than another who does not.

Check for licensing and insurance
Before hiring a moving company, one should ensure the service is licensed and insured. The U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration issues a U.S. DOT number to licensed interstate movers. If the individual is moving out of state, they should verify the moving company’s license through the FMCSA’s Protect Your Move site and ask them for their U.S. DOT number. Doing so could come in handy if one needs to file a claim against the local moving company later. Those living in the state could check with their local consumer affairs agency or find a list of agencies through the FMCSA’s contacts database.

Read the contract thoroughly
When a moving company draws up the estimate and contract, it is important to read the paperwork thoroughly before signing it. During this time, the individual must check for factors including estimate and time to complete the packing and moving. They should also look for additional fees that are usually printed in fine text. These may include costs like moving to high-traffic areas, a narrow street, and taking the stairs. It’s important to never sign a blank contract and ensure all belongings are included in a moving inventory. Remember, a claim cannot be filed for something that is not printed on the paperwork.

Be vigilant of large deposit requirements
Several moving companies ask for a large deposit before starting the job. However, one should know that most professionals shouldn’t require a deposit of more than 20 percent of the estimated cost of the move. Most movers do not require payment until they have delivered the belongings. If a large deposit is requested, one could put it on a credit card, as it allows one to contest the charge if there are any discrepancies.

Verify the address
Verifying the address is a significant step to determine if a moving professional is genuine. One could ask for a business card or pull up the mover’s website. After this, they could look up the listed address online or through the phonebook. Individuals should ensure that the moving company’s address is registered and listed under the exact company name. A mover with their address listed under a residential name might not be a verified professional.