1 800 PackRat vs United Van Lines

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Depending on how many things you have to transport, you may not be able to fit your home in a few car trips. Plus, if you're renting alone, moving big items like your mattress, bed frame, appliances, or heavy wood furniture might be impossible without some help.

The price of hiring a moving company depends on several factors, including distance, home size, and what services you want to add on. For short-distance moves (under 100 miles), costs generally range from $800 to $2,500. Long-distance relocations (over 100 miles) can run anywhere from $2,200 to $5,700. Prices also fluctuate based on the time of year, location, and the specific services you choose, so make sure you score the best value for your money.

Moving companies are also not made the same. Some moving companies are brokerages that outsource your requests to other movers that aren't managed by the brokerage you contacted. Other moving companies are carriers who provide their fleet of trucks and employees to complete your move. Carriers often include extra security measures like background checks for employees, to ensure you get the best service each time.

You may also want to keep an eye on what different moving companies specialize in. Depending on their area of specialization and insurance options, moving companies may not offer services for unique items like pianos (in fact, some moving services may refuse to move instruments outright due to liability) or cars. So, if you have something special or an item that may need additional care when moving, make sure that your chosen moving service includes those items.

So, how do you pick the right moving company? With so many options available, it's not always easy to know where to begin. But don't worry - we've got you covered. Here are some key factors to consider when making your decision:

• Price. Are you looking for the least costly moving option? Or maybe you're looking for a service that has all the bells and whistles. Price is a major factor for choosing the right moving company. You want a good balance of features and safety with the overall cost of your move.
• Insurance. Ideally, when you move, you get to your new place with all your items in the same condition as when they left your old home. However, accidents can happen. So, make sure you choose a service that has clear licenses to operate and insurance for your possessions.
• Range of services. The range of services can change where you want to look. If you're moving into an apartment with just your belongings, you'll need a different level of service than if you want packing and storage, too. Everyone's move is different, and not all moving companies will go the distance (literally - some only move in-state while others only move across state lines), so make sure you find all the services you want for your move.
• Reputation. Check out different moving companies and their reputations with third-party review sites and the Better Business Bureau. This way, you can get an idea of how other customers fared while using a particular moving service.

To help you find the best moving company to make your relocation a breeze, Top Consumer Reviews has researched and ranked the most popular moving companies out there today. Now, you can focus on making your new house your home and let the professionals handle the heavy lifting!