When you need to move, your options range from D.I.Y to a full-service mover, with some variations in between. If you have the time and the labor, renting a truck may be your most inexpensive alternative, provided nothing goes wrong. Loading your furnishings onto a POD or container involves (possibly) heavy lifting but no driving. Truck rental or container loading costs less but requires more work from you.
A full-service mover provides convenience and peace of mind, so long as it is from a reliable provider.
Some providers are completely turnkey; others allow customers to select a la carte from these standard services:
- Packing services
- Packing supplies
- Loading
- Unloading
- Standard furniture placement
- Assembly services
- Debris removal
- Dedicated move coordinator
- Technology installation
- Additional moving protection options such as extended insurance
- Climate-controlled storage
Additional services include moving large or expensive objects, such as art, pianos or cars. Specialized services might require incremental insurance coverage as well.
Here is a checklist to go through to gauge if a provider is reliable:
- Binding estimates
- Years of experience
- Positive customer reviews
- Owned, specialized equipment
- Proper and legitimate industry credentials – avoid scams
- Check the FMCSA database
- Reasonable deposit
- Definitive move window
Companies with a longer record of accomplishment are likely to be more consistent. Proper employee screening is the hallmark of well-run companies. Experienced full-service movers become efficient at packing various sized boxes expertly to protect your belongings. Thoughtful companies anticipate or react better to problems.
At McAvey Moving, we perform in-home estimates to provide more accurate quotes. We are carriers and not brokers. Carriers own and operate their own fleet while brokers are intermediaries that connect you with carriers.
Doing Prep Work Before Moving
Some moves are prompted by an emergency, but most are planned. When downsizing as an empty nester, relocating for a job or your lease has expired, give yourself at least 8 weeks to prepare for a move. A comprehensive, time-based laundry list of moving tasks is worth reading. Even if you have opted for a full-service mover, be sure to:
- Declutter by throwing away or donating items no longer needed
- Take a home inventory, ideally by room for unpacking and potential insurance claims
- Set up utilities and phone connections
- Prepare your change of address notification to concerned parties
- Take pictures
- Pack personal belongings such as jewelry
- Get rid of or make alternative plans for hazardous or flammable items
- Review the moving plan with your moving coordinator
Part of being prepared includes contingency planning. Items to keep accessible include your phone, keys, change of clothes and essential toiletries. Review this 15 step moving day checklist to gauge which items are most relevant for your situation. Certain items, such as matches, batteries, propane tanks or nail polish are prohibited from transportation as a safety precaution.
How do I choose the best full service moving company near me for my move?
Restrict your option to top rated movers in your area with a track record. When reading reviews, look for the answer to logical questions such as:
- Does the company show up on time?
- Is the job quote accurate?
- What are people saying about their movers?
- Does the moving company offer insurance?
- Does the company provide specific moving services, like packing or storage?
- How does the moving company react to problems such as weather or damage?
Here are three reviews from McAvey Movers’ Google Business Listing:
Moving is stressful. And it didn’t help when I picked a moving day with monsoon like rain and wind conditions. As I saw how they moved items and carefully wrapped everything so nothing would get wet, my stress levels diminished quickly and completely. And their fees were very reasonable. They are the best movers for the simple reason that from beginning to end, including dealing with the very friendly people in the office, there was nothing I saw that they could improve upon. I highly recommend McAvey. – John Rubin
I had an excellent recent experience with McAvey Moving. I moved from White Plains to Manhattan. Their office staff is professional, courteous, and responds promptly to questions. The moving team that packed my apartment had years of experience and stored my items for several months. When it was time to move them to my new apartment, no items were missing or damaged. My new building has strict move-in hours, which McAvey Moving respected. Their move-in team quickly reassembled my apartment. I could not be happier with McAvey Moving and highly recommend them! – Joe Givern
These guys are pros! Brian and his crew are the best! Their price was very competitive and the work, impeccable. The whole crew were very patient with my elderly parents who had been in their home for over 45 years. They were very courteous and helpful throughout the whole process and by the end of the week, they felt like part of the family. They even came back after the move and loaded up all of the junk being discard and hauled it away! Moving is a very unsettling experience to go through and partnering with McAvey Moving gave us great comfort and peace of mind! THANK YOU! – Michael Seymour
Looking for full-service movers near you? Call us at (914) 747-1533 or fill out our form for a free quote.