Top Moving Companies in Universal City, TX

Choose your moving company carefully. Moving house can be a stressful time, it might be tempting to take shortcuts when selecting a mover. It is best to be cautious up front to avoid headaches later on. Start by asking for referrals. If you’re working with a real estate agent, ask them who they would recommend. Check the company’s credentials and make sure they’re properly licensed and insured. The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) issues a USDOT number to interstate movers. For out-of-state moves, verify the moving company’s license through the FMCSA’s website. Ask about the company’s accreditation. Then, be sure to ask for at least three in-person estimates.

Also, beware of red flags. Be wary if the movers show up with a rented van to do the estimate. Most companies will own their own equipment. Note that most reputable companies will not ask for a deposit up front. Check that the potential movers show up on time, they can answer your questions satisfactorily, and they’re professional and courteous. Double check the company’s reputation with your local Better Business Bureau. Finally, ask for a business card and make sure the address listed is a business rather than residential address. Doing these fairly simple steps up front will ensure a smoother moving experience later on in the process.

Whether you’re simply moving across town, from state-to-state, or moving from one country to another, it makes sense to choose your moving company carefully. After all, you’ll be opening your home and trusting the care of all of your possessions to this company and their employees. It will save money and heartache down the line to do your homework ahead of time to make sure you picked the right movers.

Be sure your moving company is licensed and insured. The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) issues a USDOT number to all interstate movers. For out-of-state moves, verify the moving company’s license through the FMCSA’s website. Ask about the company’s accreditation. Then, be sure to ask for at least three in-person estimates. If you’re moving internationally, be sure to ask the representative if the company is registered with an international movers’ federation. If the representative says they are registered with a federation, ask to see proof of that membership as well as company’s Federal Maritime Commission number.

Moving across state lines can be very stressful. There are so many factors to consider in making a long-distance move, starting with how to choose a reliable moving company that will get all of your possessions to your new home intact, safely, and on time. Your moving company should very familiar with both your starting and ending locations.

Be sure to choose a licensed and insured long-distance moving company. Simply obtain movers’ USDOT numbers (either by asking them or from the company website) and go to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) website. Next, check on any potential movers’ reputation. You can also check their status with your local Better Business Bureau. It’s smart to look online at the company’s moving-related reviews, as well.

Then, be sure to research long-distance move insurance options. Be clear that your goods must be insured from the start to the end of the journey. Be sure to ask your moving company for a free moving valuation. Finally, always ask for three different cost estimates. An in-person estimate not only provides you with financial considerations, but allows you to evaluate the professionalism of the company. Once you choose a moving company, you have made a commitment. It makes sense to do research up front to make the move safe and efficient.

Learn to identify bad moving companies in advance. Whether you are moving across town, or from state-to-state too much is at stake to avoid doing research up front. Start with looking online at moving reviews. Reliable moving companies know their online reputation is crucial and will work to keep their record spotless. Also, check with the Better Business Bureau. Make sure your potential moving company provides licensing details. All interstate movers must be registered with and licensed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Go to the FMCSA’s website to check the required licensing information. Each mover that does interstate moves is assigned a USDOT number by the U.S. Department of Transportation. Local moving companies are governed by local state laws, so be sure to check the credentials on state licensing sites online. If a moving company offers to do an estimate over the phone or web, it’s wise not to trust them, because a detailed, in-house inspection is required to provide a legitimate estimate. Be sure to get at least three estimates. If the company refuses to offer proper insurance, you shouldn’t use them. Finally, during a move, keep your most valuable items such as deeds, insurance policies, bank cards, and jewelry with you at all times. It makes sense to do your homework upfront to prevent having to deal with bad movers later on.

Hire a reliable moving company no more than eight and no less than six weeks in advance

whether you’re moving across town or from state-to-state. You should allow time to get at least three in-person quotes from different moving companies in order to make an informed decision.

However, this time frame may be affected by various factors. For example, if your employer is paying for a relocation, there may be rules and limitations regarding dates and other logistical concerns. Also, if you want the moving company to pack up your belongings, it’s wise to contact them sooner rather than later so they can give you a proper time and cost estimate and get you on their schedule. Various times of year may be busier for many moving companies. Traditionally, moving companies operate at their peak from May through the end of August. If you plan to move during these months, consider hiring a company sooner rather than later.

Finally, take the individual needs of your move into consideration. If your move is relatively

easy, such as moving from one part of town to another, you’ll require less up-front planning and less overall time. The moving company may have trucks and personnel more readily available for such a move. More complex, state-to-state moves will require more time and consideration up front. Asking when to contact a moving company is a great first step in making a smooth, successful move without any added stress.

Making a move on a shoestring budget is possible, if you do your research up front. From

hiring labor-only movers, to renting a shipping container, there are several strategies to make your move less expensive. For example, renting a portable moving container is less expensive than hiring a moving company. The cost will depend on how long you want to rent the container and the size of the container. You just need to load your goods into the container and the container company will take care of the rest. Or you can hire a freight trailer for less than hiring a full service moving company. Additionally, you can find free moving boxes and supplies online from sites like Craigslist, Freecycle, neighborhood websites, as well as asking local business owners for moving supplies.

If you’re prepared to load up a truck and drive it to your new home, consider renting a truck instead of hiring movers. You can also just hire movers for the truck you rent, which can also help keep costs down. But be sure to keep gas costs in mind when looking at this possibility, especially for long-distance moves. You can also hire moving labor to load and unload a truck for less than you’d pay a full-service moving company. Lastly, if you don’t have many belongings, consider having your goods shipped.