Moving to a new place can be stressful for a variety of reasons. You’re leaving a familiar place, and you don’t know what to expect. You have emotional ties to your home and the area in which you live, and the moving process often requires a lot of time, deadlines, and physical exertion.
Anything you can do to ensure the experience goes smoothly gives you peace of mind and decreases the stress felt in what is universally considered a nerve-wracking experience.
Thankfully, you can simplify the process by hiring professionals to do all the heavy lifting so you can focus on managing other things. Keep reading to learn more about how to choose a reliable moving company, the pros and cons of doing it all yourself, how to get moving estimates for your upcoming move to Ocala, and more.
Use these tips to make the moving process as easy as possible, so all you need to do on moving day is enjoy your new home with those you love the most.
How Do You Evaluate a Moving Company?
One of the most important tips from this guide on how to choose a reliable moving company is how to properly evaluate a moving company because that can make or break the entire moving experience. The best way to defend yourself against moving fraud and those with ill intentions is to arm yourself with as much knowledge as possible and know your options.
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), there are five things you can do to choose a reliable and reputable moving company:
- Always get a written estimate from various moving companies and see which works best for your situation. Always get an estimate based on an in-person inspection of your household.
- Make sure the mover is authorized to move your items. A U.S. DOT number is required for any state-to-state moves. For moves within Florida, a mover must register with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS).
- Once you narrow it down to a few moving companies, check out their reviews and complaint history on the local Better Business Bureau website or search the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) database.
- Consider your budget and priorities. If you try to save some money, you may also miss out on efficiency and care for your belongings. This is why reading the reviews (especially negative reviews) before settling on any company is essential.
- If you are moving from one state to another, a mover must give you your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move booklet from the government. Keep this safe because it has information on what to do if your goods are damaged or lost during a move.
Another important tip is to start this process early. When we put things off until the last minute, we’re more likely to miss details and can be taken advantage of because of stress and being more distracted.
You’ll also want documentation that the company is licensed and insured. Avoid moving companies that are not upfront about their license and insurance, which is a red flag.
If you’re moving to FL from another state, check to see if your state requires any additional forms or if you’re afforded any additional rights.
Also, according to the DOT, movers must give an accurate estimate. By law, they must deliver your goods for no more than 10% above the price of a nonbinding estimate, known as the 110 percent rule.
Should I Hire Movers or Do It Myself?
If you are thinking about using a reputable mover or doing it yourself, this might help you decide.
Many people choose to get the help of family and friends and DIY their move, especially if they’re local. However, this is not always the best move for everyone, and everyone’s circumstances and priorities differ.
According to State Farm, a full-service cross-country move will average $2,200 to $5,700, whereas a local move will be closer to $600 to $1,650.
Here are three more things to consider when determining if it’s within your budget to hire movers:
- When a moving company packs items from one home and unpacks them in another (including loading and unloading), the average total is around $1,000
- Labor on top of the above cost will run anywhere from $25 to $50 per hour per worker
- If you opt to do the packing yourself, that can save you money. But there are transportation fees to consider. Most movers charge $0.50 per pound and $0.75 per mile, with the rates going up or down depending on how far you’re going.
If you decide to DIY your move, consider the additional costs of gas, your time, your friends and family members' time for assisting you in your move, and renting or borrowing a vehicle.
If you decide to hire movers, you can do some of the work to save on costs. Don’t forget to capture multiple quotes from moving companies as well. The reviews you find online can also be a valuable source of information when choosing a reliable moving company.
How Far in Advance Should I Hire a Moving Company for My Move to Ocala?
We mentioned earlier that one of the best things to do when choosing a reliable moving company is to schedule a moving service in advance. But how early should you do it?
A good rule of thumb is to get moving estimates and choose a company 3 months in advance. This can also help you lock in the best availability and price and inquire about payment methods accepted, like check, credit card, or payment apps.
Hiring a moving company 3 months before your move to Ocala can also help ensure nothing goes wrong at the last minute. This is especially important and gives you more peace of mind if you take on other tasks like preparing for a new job, coordinating other items on your moving checklist, and helping relocate other family members.
How to Choose the Best Moving Company for Your Needs
Now that you know more about how to choose a reliable moving company and what it will take to relocate to Ocala, we also have a team of professional relocation specialists who can conduct relocation assessments, help find the best moving companies for moving to Florida, connect you with the best agent for your needs, help you find an ideal home and more.
A real estate relocation company works to help movers relocate by assisting them to find a new home while also working to sell the old house, managing the sales of both properties so the mover can concentrate solely on the move and other related tasks. Contact us today to learn more and see if you qualify.
Ocala offers something for all ages and opportunities. Suppose you prefer a more private home with resort-style amenities at your fingertips. In that case, the Golden Ocala Golf & Equestrian Club features three restaurants inside the gates, a clubhouse, a championship 27-hole golf course, and more. There are also activities and events year-round for residents to meet and get to know their neighbors.
Choosing a Reliable Moving Company for Your Next Golden Ocala Home
Look no further if you’re still searching for the perfect Ocala home. We can work hard for you and help you find your dream home. Choose from Golden Ocala’s 10 exclusive neighborhoods and enjoy the community's quintessential amenities.
We hope you enjoy the area, its flawless scenery, and lush, rolling green hills as much as we do. Consider a hike in the Ocala National Forest, horseback riding, a horse show, and more when settling in. We can’t wait to introduce you to paradise.