How to Choose a St. Louis Moving Company

Apr 25, 2023

Are you preparing for a big move in or around the St. Louis area?

Moving can be a daunting task, but choosing the right moving company can make all the difference. If you're planning to move in St. Louis, there are several St. Louis moving companies to choose from, each with different services and pricing. 



In this article, we take a look at everything you need to know about how to choose a St. Louis moving company. Keep reading to learn more.

DO YOUR RESEARCH


Start by checking the company's reputation online. You can check reviews on Google, Yelp, and the Better Business Bureau. 

Look for any red flags such as consistent negative reviews, lack of licensing, or failure to provide proof of insurance. 

GET RECOMMENDATIONS


One of the best ways to find a reputable moving company is to ask for recommendations from family and friends who have recently moved. Ask them about their experience with the company, including the quality of service, pricing, and overall satisfaction.

GET AN ESTIMATE


A good moving company will send a representative to your home to assess the size and weight of your belongings. They will then provide you with a written estimate, which should include a breakdown of all the costs involved, such as packing, loading, transportation, unloading, and unpacking.

CHECK FOR LICENSING & INSURANCE


Choose a moving company that is licensed and insured. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulates interstate moving companies, while the Missouri Department of Transportation regulates intrastate moving companies. 

You can check a company's licensing and insurance status on their website or by contacting the regulatory agency. A licensed and insured moving company will provide you with the necessary protection in case of damage or loss of your belongings.

UNDERSTAND THE SERVICES OFFERED


Moving companies offer a variety of services, from packing and loading to unpacking and assembly. Make sure to understand the services offered by each company and whether they fit your needs. 

Some companies offer full-service moves, which means they will handle every aspect of your move, from packing to unpacking. Other companies offer more limited services, such as loading and transportation. 

Make sure to choose a company that can meet your specific needs.


CONSIDER THE REPUTATION OF THE COMPANY


In addition to checking online reviews, it's important to consider the reputation of the moving company. A reputable company will have a good track record of satisfied customers and will be willing to provide you with references. 

You can also check with the Better Business Bureau to see if there have been any complaints filed against the company.

ASK ABOUT THE COMPANY'S EXPERIENCE


Experience matters when it comes to choosing a moving company. Ask how long the company has been in business and whether they have experience moving households similar to yours. 

A company with more experience is likely to have better systems in place for handling your move, which can lead to a smoother and more efficient process.

GET A WRITTEN CONTRACT


Once you've chosen a moving company, make sure to get a written contract that outlines all the details of your move. This should include the services provided, the dates of the move, the price, and any additional fees or charges. 

Read the contract carefully before signing and ask any questions you may have.

ASK ABOUT THE COMPANY'S EQUIPMENT & VEHICLES


Make sure to ask about the company's equipment and vehicles. A reputable moving company will have well-maintained trucks and equipment that can handle your belongings safely and efficiently.

CONSIDER THE COMPANY'S AVAILABILITY


Make sure to choose a company that is available on the dates you need to move. Popular moving dates, such as weekends and holidays, may be booked up in advance, so make sure to plan ahead.

ASK ABOUT THE COMPANY'S PACKING MATERIALS


If you need packing materials for your move, make sure to ask the company what they provide. Some companies offer packing materials for free, while others may charge a fee. Make sure to understand the costs involved and whether they fit within your budget.

CHECK FOR HIDDEN FEES


Ask about any additional fees or charges that may not be included in the estimate. Some moving companies may charge extra for things like stairs, long carry, or elevator access. 

Make sure to understand all the costs involved before signing a contract.

CONSIDER THE COMPANY'S CUSTOMER SERVICE


Make sure to choose a company that has good customer service. A good moving company will be responsive to your questions and concerns and will provide you with clear and honest communication throughout the moving process.

CHOOSE A COMPANY THAT OFFERS INSURANCE OPTIONS


Even with the most careful planning, accidents can happen during a move. Make sure to choose a company that offers insurance options to protect your belongings in case of damage or loss.

TRUST YOUR GUT


Remember to trust your gut when choosing a St. Louis moving company. If something doesn't feel right or if a company's policies or pricing seem unclear, it's best to move on and choose a different company. 

A reputable moving company will make you feel comfortable and confident in their ability to handle your move with care and professionalism.

MISTAKES TO AVOID

There are also some mistakes to avoid when choosing a moving company in St. Louis. These include:

CHOOSING BASED ON PRICE ALONE


While it's important to choose a moving company that fits your budget, don't make the mistake of choosing based on price alone. Cheap prices can often mean poor quality service, lack of experience, or hidden fees. 

Make sure to choose a moving company that offers a fair price for quality service.

NOT CHECKING CREDENTIALS


Another mistake to avoid is not checking the credentials of the moving company. Make sure to choose a moving company that is licensed and insured. 

You can check a company's credentials by visiting the Missouri Department of Transportation website or the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration website.

NOT READING THE CONTRACT


Before signing a contract with a moving company, make sure to read it carefully. Make sure that all the details are correct and that there are no hidden fees or charges. 

If you have any questions, make sure to ask the moving company before signing the contract.

NOT BEING PREPARED


Finally, don't make the mistake of not being prepared for your move. Make sure to have everything packed and ready to go before the moving company arrives. This will help ensure a smooth and efficient move.

A guide to hiring a St. Louis Moving Company

There's no denying that the process of relocating to a new home can be exciting yet overwhelming. The key is to let an experienced St. Louis moving company take care of the heavy lifting for you.

Please contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our moving specialists at BEK Movin Co


FAQ

  • How far in advance should I book a St. Louis moving company?

    It's best to book a moving company as soon as you know your moving date. This will give you enough time to research and compare different companies and ensure that you can secure a spot on your preferred date.

  • Can I pack my own belongings?

    Yes, you can pack your own belongings. However, keep in mind that a moving company may not be liable for any damage to items that you have packed yourself. Make sure to check with the company to see what their policies are regarding self-packing.

  • Can I get a binding estimate?

    Yes, a binding estimate guarantees that the price quoted by the moving company will not change, even if the weight of your belongings is more than originally estimated. Make sure to ask the moving company if they offer binding estimates and what their policy is regarding changes to the estimate.

  • What if I need to cancel my move?

    Make sure to ask the moving company about their cancellation policy before signing a contract. Some companies may require a deposit or fee to hold your reservation, which may not be refundable if you cancel.

  • What should I do if anything gets damaged during the move?

    Make sure to document any damage to your belongings and report it to the moving company as soon as possible. Most moving companies have a claims process that you can follow to receive compensation for any damages.

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