Did you know that approximately 13% of Americans move each year? That’s over 40 million people dealing with a life event often considered more stressful than planning a wedding or having a child! Such a big undertaking has many hidden challenges but finding a reputable moving company shouldn’t be one of them. 

Here we share some tips on how your search for the right movers can give you peace of mind during your relocation adventure.

When searching for a professional crew to safely handle your most precious belongings, proximity and price are definitely important. But those two requirements will only help you out if you can confirm some other trustworthy qualities about the company.

Years of Experience. They say practice makes perfect and the same goes for professional moving services. A moving company that has been in business for a significant amount of time is likely to have perfected their moving process, making your move as smooth as possible. On the other hand, a moving company that is new to the scene may not have the experience necessary to ensure a flawless moving experience. Ask about their experience: How long have they been in business? What kind of moves do they specialize in? Can they provide references from past clients? The answers to these questions will give you a good sense of whether or not a particular moving company is right for you.

Licensed and Certified.  This is a phrase you often see but what does it mean? And how important is it to hire a moving company that offers this benefit? A moving company that is licensed and certified has undergone a screening process conducted by the state they operate in. This means that they have been investigated to make sure they are legitimate and their practices are up to par. Furthermore, these companies are also held accountable to specific standards and guidelines set by the government. This protects you, the consumer, from being taken advantage of or scammed by a moving company. Hiring a moving company that is licensed and certified provides you with an added layer of protection, knowing that your belongings are in good hands.

Free Quotes. Moving is an expensive undertaking so it’s critical to create a budget you can handle. When planning out the cost of hiring professional movers, getting a free quote is a great place to start. Be sure to give the company all the relevant information about your move, such as the date, the amount of belongings you have, and your destination. With this information, they'll be able to give you an accurate quote. Once you've got a few different quotes, you can start comparing and choosing the best company for your needs.

Branded Vehicles and Uniformed Employees. While you can’t judge a book by its cover, do you want your heirloom china and grand piano transported in a rented truck? A moving company with their own vehicles and appropriately-dressed crew is a level of professionalism that can be expected in their services, too. The extra expense put onto the face of their brand shows care for their reputation and the satisfaction of their customers. 

Positive Reviews and Testimonials. With Google, Yelp and social media, it’s very easy to read what other customers think of a moving company’s services. Be sure to read a good selection as not everyone will be honest with their feedback. If you can’t find any reviews - good, bad or otherwise - about the company you are considering hiring, that should be a red flag. Even more appealing is a moving company who links to all of their reviews right on their website. 

User-Friendly Website. If you're going to trust a company to safely handle and transport all of your valuables, you should be able to spend time on their website learning all there is to know about them. From the history of the company to their most frequently asked questions, a reputable moving company will provide the most valuable information you need to make your hiring decision. You should be able to virtually interview the moving company right on their website.

At Colonial Moving & Storage, we recommend the above tips when searching for the right moving company because we honestly believe each one is valid and essential. We also fit the bill for all of them! With over ​​​​50 years of experience in the moving and storage industry, our professional, uniformed movers are held to the highest standards. With hundreds of positive reviews, we handle your belongings as if they were our own. We service all of Connecticut, New England and many states on the East Coast.  Contact us for your free estimate and get a move on!