Moving is a big step so it’s really important to choose the best moving company. There are several in Los Angeles, so how to compare moving companies isn’t always obvious. In order to make a good decision, you should consider a number of factors which we will explore in this article.
Welcome to comparing moving companies 101.
CHECK WEIGHT & VOLUME, DISTANCE AND TIME
Weight & Volume
First off, how much do you have to move? How many beds? Couches? How much gym equipment? Weight and volume is a biggie. The fewer bulky, heavy items you have, the less it will cost.
So is it time to get rid of that old furniture? We’ll show you the best way on our blog.
Distance
Moving locally is obviously way easier and cheaper for everyone than moving long distance or internationally.
When comparing moving companies, check out the small print on small distances. Say the truck can’t park right near your new home. Or the movers have to carry your belongings long distances or up stairs. Then it’s reasonable to add a small extra charge for this.
Moving internationally to Canada or Europe? Air1 Moving & Storage offers competitive rates to these places because they’re common routes.
Time
Make sure when you compare moving quotes you know how the time spent on your move is calculated.
For a local move, Air1 Moving & Storage bills you for the time our expert movers are loading, driving and unloading. For long distance and international moves, we’ll use mileage rather than time.
It’s straightforward and fair.
… And Time Of Year
Speaking of time, the seasons also play a part. Most moving companies charge more for summer moves. Why? It gets pretty toasty moving boxes in the California heat, but it’s not that.
It’s simply because there’s more demand. Everyone wants to move while the kids are on vacation and when they can avoid public holidays.
So be sure the moving companies you’re checking out know which month you want your quote for.
DO YOU NEED STORAGE TOO?
This is how to compare moving companies like a pro. Consider everything you need at once. Then compare the quotes. It’s no good if you want storage and the moving company doesn’t offer that.
As you already guessed from our name, Air1 Moving & Storage offers a range of excellent storage solutions in Los Angeles.
HOW ABOUT MOVING INSURANCE?
Another tip on how to compare moving quotes is whether insurance is factored in.
You don’t have to have it. But insurance is a very good idea, especially if you’re moving valuables. And Air1 Moving & Storage offers competitive rates on moving insurance.
OMG I FOUND A SUPER CHEAP DEAL!
Hold your horses.
Any unbelievable bargain is likely to be a very low base rate with a ton of necessary extras that add up. They’re just separating all the costs.
What they also don’t want you to know is that it’s probably terrible.
What does this deal include? Is the estimate for the absolute fewest staff doing the shortest move with the fewest boxes? And do they know what they’re doing?
When you compare moving quotes it’s important to compare like for like. Next, choose a company like Air1 Moving & Storage with over 20 years experience doing moves the right way.
Which leads us to…
CHECK THE GOOGLE REVIEWS ONLINE
Don’t forget to do this. Especially for that unbelievable bargain you found. And then do it for Air1 Moving & Storage.
This is imperative in how to compare moving companies. Because checking Google reviews is really 5 minutes well spent. Moving is something you do have to pay for, so it’s a small investment in your time.
Picture the scene. You’re in your new home but your possessions are nowhere to be seen. You get some vague excuse and it goes on like that for days. Poised to post a scathing review, you don’t want to find out that there are 10 similar stories already up.
MAKE SURE YOU CHOOSE A LICENSED MOVING COMPANY
Sounds boring? Kind of. But if anything were to go wrong with an unlicensed moving company, it may be when they have All. Your. Stuff.
With a licensed mover they know the rules and regs about moving. You also know they’re insured and that the vehicles are safe.
Remember that really cheap deal we mentioned? Ensuring the company has a license will most likely rule out the bargain basement deals anyway.
Air1 Moving & Storage is proud to be fully licensed. That way, you know your belongings are in good hands as we move you into your new home.
ASK FOR EXACTLY WHAT YOU WANT
Fundamentally, you need to make sure you’re comparing exactly the same offer across all the companies you check out.
It’s common that all the moving companies will include slightly different things in their quotes. Focus on what you want for your move and then ask for quotes which only include that.
GET A NUMBER OF ESTIMATES
But make sure they’re like-for-like estimates. Comparing moving companies is futile otherwise. And if the moving companies quoted for different things, just go back and ask for clarification. Great movers like Air1 Moving & Storage don’t mind doing this.
Another thing that no reputable mover will mind doing. Giving quotes in writing. Yes, it’s an extra admin job for us to do. But that’s OK because we want you to have the best, most transparent experience with your move.
READY TO GET YOUR QUOTE?
Now you know how to compare moving quotes, you’re all set to get one from Air 1 Moving and Storage. Our friendly team is waiting to give you a detailed quote with everything you need.
So call us today at (866) 552-2916. Or if you’d rather write us a message, please fill out our form, or email us at [email protected].
