Texas is one of the best places to live in this terrestrial ball. This explains why about 500,000 people moved to Texas in 2019 alone. Texas is a family-friendly state and boasts one of the most affordable house prices in the country.
While many people are moving to Texas, there’s another group of individuals moving within Texas. Some are moving to new cities, while others are just moving to new neighborhoods. Regardless of the distance, it’s important that they find the right Texas moving company to ensure a seamless move.
However, with so many moving companies in Texas, finding the right one for your move can be a tad difficult. If this sounds like your predicament, worry not; we’re here to help. Read on as we highlight a few tips for finding the best local moving company when moving within Texas.
Table of Contents
Get Referrals From Friends and Family
The best way to find a reputable moving company is through referrals from your friends and family who recently moved. Texas is a big state, and there are bound to be plenty of people who have moved within the state in recent years.
Friends and family are more likely to point you in the right direction than random people. Before checking out listicles online, ask your close friends and family whether they can recommend any moving companies.
Ensure the Company Is Licensed and Insured
A moving company that’s licensed and insured ensures you don’t take liability for any damages or losses that may occur during the move. A license and insurance should be the first things you want to ask from the insurance company.
Remember, any moving company without a license and insurance is operating illegally. It’s best to steer clear of such companies. Plus, don’t forget that expired licenses are invalid.
Check the Company’s Reputation
The company’s reputation will give you a good idea of what to expect from them during your move. You’ll want a trustworthy company with a solid reputation.
There are plenty of ways to check the company’s reputation. You can start by reading online reviews from past customers. You can learn volumes about the company by only reading a handful of reviews.
You’ll find reviews on the moving company’s website. Check them out and see whether they tilt towards the positive or negative. Avoid any company with too many negative reviews for obvious reasons.
Also, while on-site reviews are great, those from authority review sites are much better. Check out sites like the BBB and Yelp for honest and unbiased reviews.
Avoid Companies With Large Deposit Requirements
A moving company may require a deposit to confirm your booking. This is perfectly normal. However, you should be wary of companies that require unreasonably large deposits. It could be scammers trying to swindle you out of your hard-earned cash.
As a rule of thumb, the deposit shouldn’t exceed 30% of the total cost. Any company asking for more than that is likely trying to steal your cash.
Check the Pricing
The company’s pricing should be competitive and in line with industry standards. Texas is a big state, so don’t be surprised to find marginally different moving costs.
The cost of moving will also differ depending on the distance you’re moving. For instance, local moves are usually cheaper than long-distance ones.
Get several quotes from different moving companies and compare their rates. Once you’ve found a company with competitive rates, check whether their services are up to par. The last thing you want is to hire an affordable company only for the company to provide subpar services.
Always Go Local
When choosing a Texas moving company, always go for a local one. Local movers are more likely to be familiar with the area you’re moving to. They’ll also be better equipped to handle any challenges that may arise during the move.
Long-distance moves are best handled by national companies. That’s because they have the resources and network necessary to make long-distance moves a success. If you’re moving within Texas, find the best local mover and stick with them.
Inquire About Their Professional Accreditation
Any reputable Texas moving company will have some form of professional accreditation. Some companies are members of the Texas Moving & Storage Association (TMSA).
Others are accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Still, others hold a ProMover certification from the American Moving and Storage Association (AMSA).
These membership organizations and certifications are a good way to vet the company. Texas moving companies that have such accreditations and memberships are usually serious about their business.
They’re also more likely to provide quality services since they want to maintain their membership or certification.
Arrange a Face-to-Face Consultation
A face-to-face meeting is an excellent way to get a feel for the company. It’ll also give you an opportunity to ask any questions you may have about their services.
During the consultation, pay attention to how the staff treats you. Are they polite and professional? Do they seem like they know what they’re doing?
The staff’s attitude will give you an insight into the company’s customer service. You’ll want to hire a company with staff members that are willing and able to help you with your issue.
Ensure the Company Has an Actual Address
When hiring a Texas moving company, you’ll want to be sure that the company has an actual physical address. This is important for several reasons.
First, it’s a good way to vet the company. A company with no physical address may not be a legitimate business. You’ll also need the company’s address in case something goes wrong.
If the company doesn’t have an address, you’ll have no way of finding them if they don’t show up on the day of the move. Finally, the company’s address is important in case you need to file a complaint or leave a review.
Finding a Texas Moving Company Simplified
With the information above, you should have zero problems finding a Texas moving company for your next move. Just remember to check the company’s license and not to trust companies that need large deposits. If you take the above tips to heart, finding a moving company in Texas will be a cakewalk.
For more informative content, check out the other posts on this site.