Everyone moves at least once in their life. Ask those who have relocated about their experience, and they’ll probably tell you it was one of the most stressful events of their life. If you want peace of mind during your moving process, it’s advisable to hire a mover. Working with a full-service moving company offers storage solutions. Here are some tips, costs, and a list of the best moving companies.

Tips for selecting the right moving and storage company

Here are some helpful tips for choosing the right company for your move:

Determine the type of mover you need
Almost every moving company specializes in a particular type of move, such as local or interstate moves or transporting delicate objects like pianos or pool tables. Besides, not every mover offers storage, so you might want to consider that too.

Check credentials
If you’re moving between states, it’s vital that your mover has the Department of Transportation (DOT) licensing and insurance information on their website. Furthermore, it’s advisable to hire a mover certified by the American Moving & Storage Association’s (AMSA) ProMover. This will mean their background has been checked, and they follow certain standards.

See whether they take a moving inventory
A good moving company will take an inventory of all items you’re moving and make a rough calculation of the weight and space. This typically forms the basis of their cost estimate, so it’s important that their inventory is detailed and accurate.

Beware of large deposits
No professional moving company will demand cash or a large deposit before completing the job. Note that the deposit amount shouldn’t be more than 20% of the estimated cost of the move. Also, it’s highly recommended that you use a credit card to pay, so you can dispute the charge if something goes wrong.

How much does it cost?
Many variables come into play when calculating the price you’ll pay for relocating. Nevertheless, it’s worth knowing that the current national average cost for moving locally (within 100 miles) is about $1,400, with most people spending between $800 and $2,500. The average cost for moving long-distance is more than double (about $4,000), with most people shelling out anywhere between $2,200 to $5,700. Some factors that affect moving costs include the size and weight of items, liability, and valuation coverage, packing services, and moving date.

If you want the moving company to store your belongings during and after your move, you’ll have to pay extra for that service. Storage rates vary from one company to another, so it’s important to discuss them before booking a mover. One of the key factors that impact the cost is the length of storage time. However, many full-service moving companies include the price for 30 days of storage in their estimates.

The best moving and storage companies in 2022
Here are the top moving and storage companies to consider:

PODS
PODS is one of the most popular moving and storage companies. It specializes in local and long-distance moves and is available in almost every state. The company’s flexible storage options make it suitable for those with storage needs.

Allied Van Lines
Allied Van Lines has over 85 years of experience in the moving industry. It provides a full-service moving solution to both homeowners and businesses for short and long-distance relocations. The company offers virtual in-home estimates, making the process quick and easy.

U-Pack
U-Pack offers only long-distance moving nationwide. They provide flexible service options like door-to-door delivery and storage. With U-Pack, you can take up to three days to load and only pay for the space your stuff uses in their container.

Mayflower
Mayflower has been in the moving business for over 90 years. They boast ISO and AMSA’s ProMover certifications, making them highly reliable. Mayflower is a full-service moving and storage company, offering short-term and long-term storage options for local and long-distance moves.

1-800-PACK-RAT
1-800-PACK-RAT has been around for about two decades, simplifying moving and storage needs for a variety of customers. They have all-steel, portable storage and moving containers designed to keep your belongings safe and secure during local or long-distance moves.