Finding a moving company can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re getting ready to move your home or office. It’s important to choose a company you can trust to make your move easy and stress-free. But with so many movers out there, picking the right one can be tricky.

To start, think about what kind of move you’re planning. Are you moving locally or long distance? Will you need help packing and unpacking your things? Once you’re clear on your needs, look for a moving company that handles that kind of move.

It’s also very important to check the company’s reputation. You want to go with movers who are known for doing a great job. Take some time to read customer reviews and check their rating with the Better Business Bureau. Make sure the company is fully licensed and insured — this helps protect your stuff in case anything goes wrong during the move.

Researching Moving Companies

Looking into moving companies before hiring one is a key part of making sure your move goes well. Here are a few simple ways to check out moving companies:

Online Reviews

An easy way to learn about moving companies is by reading reviews online. Many websites let people share their experiences with movers. Some popular sites for this are Yelp, Google Reviews and Angie’s List. While reading, pay attention to common complaints. If a lot of people mention the same issue—like broken items or rude staff—it could be a warning sign.

Also, remember that not all reviews are real. Some might be fake or unfair. The most helpful reviews usually include clear details about what actually happened. If a review sounds too perfect or too angry without giving reasons, it might not be trustworthy.

Recommendations from Friends & Family

Another good way to check out moving companies is by talking to your friends or family. If someone you know had a good experience with a mover, there’s a good chance you might too. Ask them for details about their move — like how much it cost, how the service was and if they faced any problems. It’s smart to talk to a few different people so you can get more options.

But remember, just because a company worked well for someone else doesn’t mean it will be perfect for you. Every move is different. Use these suggestions as a starting point but make sure to do your own research before choosing a mover.

Licensing & Insurance

When you’re picking a moving company, make sure they have the right license and insurance. This helps keep you and your things safe if anything goes wrong during the move. Here are a few things to remember:

Checking for Proper Licensing

To find out if a moving company is licensed, look for their DOT number. If they’re properly licensed, they should show this number on their website and in their ads. You can also use the Licensing & Insurance Carrier Search tool from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to look up their DOT number and other details.

Keep in mind that each state has different rules, so it’s a good idea to check with your state’s Department of Transportation to make sure the company is allowed to work in your state.

Verifying Insurance Coverage

Another key thing to check when picking a moving company is their insurance. You want to be sure your stuff is covered if anything gets damaged or something goes wrong during the move.

If you’re moving to another state, you can check the mover’s insurance details on the FMCSA’s protectyourmove.gov website. You should also ask them for their U.S. DOT number. If you’re moving within your state, contact your local consumer affairs office to make sure the company has proper insurance.

Also, keep in mind that movers may offer different types of insurance. The most common ones are full value protection and released value protection. Be sure to ask about their insurance plans and pick the one that works best for you.

Estimates & Quotes

A big part of choosing the right moving company is knowing how they give estimates and quotes. This part explains two important things: In-Home Estimates and the difference between Binding and Non-Binding Quotes.

In-Home Estimates

Many trusted moving companies offer in-home estimates. This means someone from the company comes to your home to see what needs to be moved. It helps them give you a more accurate quote based on your actual move.

During the visit, they’ll look at everything you want to move, especially big or delicate items. They might also ask if you need anything special, like packing supplies or a certain type of moving truck.

In-home estimates are usually more accurate than quotes given over the phone or online since they’re based on what the movers actually see.

Binding vs. Non-Binding Quotes

When you’re getting quotes from moving companies, it’s important to know the difference between binding and non-binding quotes.

A binding quote is a set price that won’t change, even if your stuff ends up weighing more or taking up more space than expected. This way, you know exactly how much your move will cost, no surprises later.

A non-binding quote is just an estimate. The final price can go up or down depending on how much your belongings actually weigh or how much space they take.

Keep in mind, non-binding quotes aren’t always as accurate since they’re based on guesses, not actual measurements. Some companies only give non-binding quotes, so be sure to ask what kind they’re offering when you get one.

Additional Services

When picking a moving company, it’s a good idea to look at the extra services they provide. These add-ons can help make your move smoother and less stressful. Below are some common extra services you might want to think about:

Packing & Unpacking Services

A lot of moving companies offer packing and unpacking services. This is a great option if you don’t have the time or energy to pack everything yourself. The movers will come to your home and carefully pack all your things using good-quality packing supplies to keep everything safe. They can also unpack your stuff at your new place, which makes settling in much easier.

Keep in mind that these services usually come with extra charges. Still, many people find the added convenience and less stress worth the extra cost.

Storage Options

If you can’t move everything into your new home right away, you might need a place to store your things for a while. Many moving companies offer storage services, where they keep your items safe in a secure facility until you’re ready for them. This is really helpful if you’re moving into a smaller space or your new home isn’t ready yet.

When picking a storage option, think about how much it costs, where it’s located and how secure it is. Always go with a trusted company that will take good care of your belongings.

Loading & Unloading Services

Some moving companies also offer loading and unloading services. This means they will lift and move all your heavy items into the truck and then place them in your new home. It’s a big help, especially if you can’t do the heavy lifting yourself. These services can save you a lot of time and effort during the move.

Green Box Solution

The Green Box solution is an eco-friendly moving option offered by some companies. Instead of using cardboard boxes, they give you reusable plastic bins to pack your things. These boxes are sturdy, easy to carry and better for the environment. If you’re looking to reduce waste during your move, this is a great option to consider.

Finalizing the Contract

Once you’ve chosen a moving company, the next step is to sign the contract. This is a key part of the process because it makes sure that you and the moving company both understand the details of the move and agree on everything clearly.

Reviewing the Contract

Before you sign the contract, take time to read it carefully. Go through all the terms and conditions, as well as any extra documents that come with it.

Make sure the estimated cost of the move is clearly written in the contract. It should also list any possible extra charges. Also, check the payment details — like how much deposit is needed and when the full payment is due.

Another thing to check is the kind of protection the company offers for your belongings. Most movers give you two options: full-value protection or released-value protection. Be sure you understand the difference between the two and choose the one that works best for you.

Asking Questions

If there’s anything in the contract that you don’t understand or have doubts about, don’t hesitate to ask the moving company. Getting clear answers can help avoid problems or confusion later on.

Some good questions to ask include:

  • What’s your policy if I need to cancel or change my moving date?
  • Are there any items you won’t move?
  • What happens if something gets lost or damaged during the move?
  • How long will the move take?

By asking these kinds of questions and reviewing the contract carefully, you’ll be better prepared and more confident about your move — with no unexpected surprises.

Why Choose STI Moving & Storage for Your Next Move?

STI Moving Company stands out because of our strong network of movers and over 20+ years of experience in the moving business. Whether you’re moving across the country or just nearby, we aim to make your move easy and stress-free with reliable service.

As a full-service moving company, we take care of everything — packing, loading, transporting and unpacking. Our team works hard to give you affordable moving services you can trust.

At STI, Moving Company in Chicago we’re proud of our long history of great customer service. We’re here to help you plan and get ready for your move and we also offer instant quotes to get started. No matter where you’re moving, you can count on us to get you there.