How to Compare Moving Van Companies

When you hire a moving van company, you're entrusting the workers with your most valuable possessions. You need to take time to do your homework and make sure the movers are reliable, reputable, and trustworthy. Remember that hiring a moving van company is a major expense whether you're moving up the block or across the country, so be prepared to pay for this valuable service.

Instructions

1. Determine which services you'll need from the moving van company. You might just need to rent the van and some boxes because you're planning to do the moving yourself, or you may need to hire workers to pack up your belongings or drive the truck to your new location.

2. Set a date for the move and decide how many days you will need the van to complete it. Factor in the time of the month and the day of the week in your decision. Vans are easier to reserve and often come at a cheaper rate toward the beginning of the month and during the middle of the work week. This is because people often move at the end of the month because of rent, and during the weekend so as not to miss work.

3. Get quotes from multiple moving van companies in your area. You can call them if you prefer, but it may be easier to use a website such as moving.com, which allows you to get multiple quotes to compare. Once you get these quotes, call the two or three companies that best fit what you need and ask them for more details and possibly a lower rate.

4. Call your local Better Business Bureau, as well as the state attorney general's office. Find out if any complaints have been filed against the moving van companies you're considering. If a complaint makes you uneasy or is serious, eliminate that company from your list.

5. Call your insurance company and ask if your insurance covers you driving a moving van. If not, you may need to purchase insurance through the rental company. If you are planning to pay for your items to be packed and driven, make sure you look into each company's policy dealing with a circumstance in which something gets lost or damaged.

6. Decide on a plan to pack your more fragile items. Most moving van companies offer their own boxes and packing supplies. Factor these items in with the cost of renting the van itself. Inquire about discounts that are available when a certain amount of supplies are purchased.

7. Choose a company before your moving date sneaks up on you. If you wait too long, trucks will become less available and prices may go up. However, before you commit to a company, try negotiating one last time. Many companies will lower their prices to match what another company is offering.

References

• Foremost Insurance Group
• Budget Truck Rental

Resources

• Moving Quotes