Choosing the right moving company is an important step in your move. You want to make sure you hire a company that has a good reputation, will be available when needed, and offers a pricing model that fits your budget. The best way to choose a moving company is to shop around and get quotes from several companies. This can be done over the phone or via video chat, but you may want to have them come out and see your home for a more detailed estimate.

In addition to comparing prices, look at what services each company offers. For example, some full-service movers can provide storage options and auto shipping in addition to their standard moving offerings. Others offer a variety of additional add-on services such as junk removal or staging your home. Finally, you’ll want to make sure the moving company you select is licensed and insured.

To find out if a moving company is legitimate, check out its website and read customer reviews. You can also ask friends and family about their experiences with different companies. While one or two bad experiences shouldn’t necessarily sway your decision, a pattern of negative feedback should be a red flag.

You’ll also want to look into a moving company’s cancellation policy. You’ll probably need to give a deposit to reserve a date, but you should know how close you can cancel before you lose any money. Additionally, you’ll want to understand the difference between a binding and nonbinding estimate. A binding estimate locks in your price once services have been completed, while a nonbinding estimate can change depending on factors such as shipment weight and volume.

Some full-service movers are national brands with locations across the country. For example, College Hunks offers local and long-distance moving services in addition to junk removal and hauling. It also offers home staging and cleaning services and can provide a portable storage container for your move. Other nationally known movers include United Van Lines, Allied Van Lines and North American Van Lines. These movers offer local and long-distance moves, auto transport and storage services in addition to packing and unpacking.

For those looking for a less expensive option, there are several independent moving companies that offer moving services. For example, you can hire a team from College Hunks for as little as $299 to pack and load your belongings into a truck and drive them to your new home. You can also use a company like U-Haul to rent a box truck and pack and transport your belongings yourself.

Many independent movers are small, locally owned businesses. These companies often focus on providing personalized service and attention to detail. Some of them even have online tools that allow you to see how much your move will cost before you sign a contract. Some of these companies also have a reputation for reliability and honesty. However, you should always be wary of companies that seem to have only positive online reviews — especially if the comments don’t contain corroborating details.