Among countless moving and packing companies, determining which one is legitimate feels like being stuck in limbo!
Even after learning about their services or communicating with a few agents over the phone, you may still need clarity on other aspects of the moving process.
One of the most important aspects is how a moving company meets all your specific moving needs with professionalism and transparency.
Relocating in the heat of Phoenix while following local regulations and street permits poses challenges and is certainly not a one-person job. This is where professional movers come to the rescue!
When selecting the right moving company in Phoenix, there’s much to consider: the moving cost, whether the mover provides specialty and storage services, what licenses they hold, and how trustworthy they are.
To help you make your decision about choosing the best moving company in Phoenix, we have gathered nine important tips that will assist you.
How to Select the Best Moving Company in Phoenix, Arizona
Living in Phoenix is a delightful experience on the whole. The year-round warmth, abundant outdoor recreation, and retiree’s retreat are a few of the noteworthy pros of moving to Phoenix.
Finding the best moving company in Phoenix becomes much simpler when you follow a step-by-step approach in your search. Let’s discover what these steps are.
1. How Well-Equipped is Your Moving Company in Phoenix?
Moving is a complex process involving many steps.
Therefore, before researching your moving company in Phoenix, keep a moving checklist handy for proper guidance.
The first step is to understand whether that company fulfills all your unique moving needs.
Local vs. Long-Distance
Some moves occur within the same neighborhood, such as Downtown Phoenix, Camelback East, or North Mountain, while others are out of state.
Moving to a one-bedroom apartment in Phoenix is not that challenging compared to moving from Phoenix to NYC, where permits are required.
Depending on your needs, verify whether your moving company is knowledgeable about both local and long-distance moves.
Specialty Item Moving
No two moves are alike. Some moves require heavy lifting and the transportation of specialty items.
Are you unsure about how to move a pool table, relocate with a fish tank, or safely pack your valuables?
Contact a mover who has the expertise and the right supplies to facilitate specialty moving when lifting such fragile items.
A good mover handles the job without damaging your delicate items by safely disassembling and reassembling them, choosing the best moving box, and using sturdy packing tape.
2. Evaluate and Carry Out Your Research
There are numerous professional movers in Phoenix, making it difficult to select the best one. Here’s how you can determine whether your moving company is the right fit for you.
Online Reputation
Online ratings and a positive reputation are two strong indicators of a good moving company in Phoenix, Arizona. Check for your moving company’s online ratings on Yelp or Google Business Profile.
Referrals
A reputable moving company in Phoenix benefits from a strong customer referral rate. Talk to your friends, family, or colleagues about their moving experiences with movers in Phoenix and whether they can recommend any to you. Word-of-mouth helps build trust and gives you peace of mind.
3. Is Your Moving Company Licensed and Insured?
This is the time to further evaluate your Arizona moving company by doing in-depth research.
Evaluating your moving company’s credentials and licenses is crucial. For interstate moves, ensure that the company is registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and possesses a U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) number.
Furthermore, a reliable moving company will also provide full-value protection for your belongings, covering the loss and damage of your items.
4. Verify the Services Offered
Relocating can be complicated and often involves more than just packing and moving. Therefore, consider what other services your moving company provides.
A full-service moving company provides packing, storage, furniture assembly and disassembly, and junk removal services.
Let’s Get Moving is a full-service moving company in Phoenix, well-known for offering the following services:
Packing Services
Movers at Let’s Get Moving know how to pack valuable items, antiques, fixtures, mattresses, and pianos. They use the appropriate size of moving boxes, cushioning material, packing tape, and shrink wraps to safely secure your items when loading them onto a truck.
Storage Services
Let’s Get Moving offers climate-controlled storage units to securely organize your furniture when relocating to different cities. Whether you are undergoing a home renovation or need to store uniquely shaped items like a piano, artwork, or a pool table, our storage unit provides a temperature-controlled, 24/7, secure storage unit for the safety of your items.
Junk Removal Services
Decluttering your home during a move is the most effective way to eliminate unwanted items. A reputable moving company in Phoenix will also provide junk removal services in addition to loading and unloading. Let’s Get Moving transports your belongings and responsibly disposes of your old furniture.
5. Compare Quotes From Other Moving Companies In Phoenix
When selecting the right moving company in Phoenix, don’t settle for the first one you consult. Your moving costs shouldn’t heavily impact your budget, so reach out to at least three movers for free quotes and review their pricing structures.
Hourly Pricing
For local moves to neighborhoods in Phoenix, your moving company will probably charge by the hour. The average cost of movers in Phoenix ranges from $139 to $150, which is not fixed and depends on several factors, including time, number of rooms, and complexity of the move.
Flat-Rate Pricing
Long-distance movers usually follow a flat-rate policy based on the distance you move and the volume and weight of your items.
6. Ask the Right Questions
Before choosing a moving company for your relocation in Arizona, you need to understand the details of your move to ask the right questions from the right mover.
Your questions can simply be around:
- What does their relocation process involve aside from loading and transporting furniture?
- What moving supplies and equipment do they provide?
- Do they possess the expertise to move pets, pack artwork, or transport gym equipment?
- Do they handle office relocations that include heavy corporate machinery?
- How do they calculate the moving rate?
- What are the fees for additional services, such as moving specialty items, storage, or junk hauling?
- Is moving insurance included in the fee?
- Do they know the intricacies of a condo move?
When asking these questions, pay attention to their tone and clarity of thought. If they fumble or try to divert you from the topic, proceed with caution, as some unreliable moving companies may attempt to hide information.
7. Stay Aware of the Hidden Surprises
A genuine moving company will never scam you with false moving quotes.
For example, double down on their moving rate and ask what services are included in the quote. Some companies don’t put packing charges or heavy item fees.
Important questions that you can ask your moving company are:
- Are packing supplies such as shrink wraps, packing tape, and moving boxes charged extra?
- How much does an additional mover cost?
- How much do they charge for a heavy item, say over 100 lbs?
- Do they charge extra for stairs?
- What is the cancellation policy, and what charges apply if you cancel the booking at the last minute?
8. Review the Moving Contract
Your moving contract is a comprehensive document that clearly outlines the total moving costs, service charges, and any additional fees. Be sure to look out for any undisclosed information in your contract.
A reputable moving company won’t provide a surprisingly low estimate, an undefined delivery date, or unexpected “flight” charges (for moving things up and down stairs).
The most useful tip is to carefully review the moving contract and verify all additional fees that may arise in the future, along with the company’s address and contact information.
9. Plan and Prepare for Moving Day
Before the big day, plan everything in advance. First and foremost, gather all the packing supplies if you are packing yourself.
Next, make sure you have provided the correct contact information to your moving company when they reach out. It’s also important to keep cash handy for tipping the movers.
The Most Common Red Flags to Avoid
Moving can be a significant stressor for many people. Additionally, dealing with a fraudulent moving company is something that nobody desires.
Here are some red flags you can watch out for when hiring a moving company in Phoenix, AZ:
- You can’t find a legitimate address online, meaning they do not have a physical corporate location or any franchise information available.
- The online reviews and ratings are negative.
- Your moving company asks for a large upfront deposit before the move.
- The moving costs seem too good to be true without clearly specifying the additional charges.
The Bottom Line
When looking for the best movers in Phoenix, consider several factors: the moving company’s licenses, their moving quote, online reviews, and a written moving contract. It’s essential to pay attention to red flags, as many companies operate under false brand names or fail to disclose hidden costs. The right mover in Phoenix, however, is transparent about their prices, demonstrates professionalism, and has a strong online reputation.
FAQs
1. How far in advance should I book a moving company in Phoenix?
If you are moving locally within Phoenix, plan at least 2-4 weeks before your moving day. If you are moving during the peak season (May to September), the best movers in Phoenix may already be booked, so schedule your move 3-5 weeks in advance.
2. How much should I tip the movers?
A good rule of thumb is to tip movers between 10% and 20% of the total bill, which means the tip can range from $20 to $60, depending on the number of rooms, fragile items, and the distance of the move.
Please note that if your Phoenix movers do not arrive on time or damage your items or walls, you should consider not giving them a tip.
3. How much do movers in Phoenix cost?
The average cost of hiring movers in Phoenix ranges from $139 to $150, leading to a total moving cost between $520 and $3,060. This variation depends on factors such as the size of the home, elevator restrictions, distance, and the weight of your items.
4. How much does it cost to move from Phoenix to Los Angeles?
The move from Phoenix to Los Angeles can cost between $2,891 and $9,710. This 372-mile relocation may take approximately 7 to 8 hours, depending on the number of rooms, additional services, or movers involved.
