Whether you’re moving across the country or just down the street, a reputable mover can make your relocation much less stressful and more affordable. But with so many scammers out there, it’s important to find a dependable, experienced company that will treat your belongings with care. This guide will help you find the best movers near you, give you tips to avoid getting scammed and help you understand all the work that goes into packing up your belongings and transporting them safely.

The first step to finding a good moving company is to ask for recommendations from family, friends and neighbors. You can also get an idea of what to expect from a company by reading online reviews. Focus on comments that mention the quality of service, professionalism and pricing transparency. Also pay attention to how a company handles refunds, payouts and damages.

While it may be tempting to hire a company with the highest rating on a website, this can be misleading. Many people only review their bad experiences with moving companies near me, so look for positive feedback as well.

It’s also a good idea to check a moving company’s licensing and credentials. All professional movers must be licensed and insured, so you can rest assured that your belongings are in safe hands. Also, a good moving company should have a website with a form where you can request a free, custom quote.

Before hiring a moving company, it’s crucial to create a budget for the move. This will help you avoid being overcharged on the day of the move. Additionally, it will give you an idea of how much time and materials your move will take. This will help you determine which services you need from a moving company and what additional costs you might incur, such as extra boxes, mileage charges or an overtime rate.

Another way to keep your move within budget is to reduce the amount of stuff you’re transporting. This will save you money on labor and packing supplies. Consider selling or giving away items you no longer need before the move. It’s also helpful to label all boxes, stack them neatly and arrange fragile items toward the front of the box.

Before you hire a moving company, read customer reviews on BBB’s site and other independent sites. Look for companies that are accredited by the BBB and have a lot of positive reviews. It’s also a good idea to contact a few different companies and compare prices.