Hiring professional NYC movers isn’t as easy as just finding a local company and bringing them on board. Especially in NYC, there are dozens of moving companies, and not all of them provide the same services or rates. When getting quotes from these companies, it’s important to understand what is included in the cost. Does the quote include the actual packing of the boxes or just loading/unloading? The more information you can get from the company, the more informed a decision you can make.
While you can generally gather information from the company’s site, it’s always a good idea to ask the movers directly, just in case they might provide you with more information.
Company History
This is a great way to break the ice and learn more about the company. While longevity doesn’t necessarily mean better service, it is a decent indicator that the company knows what it’s doing. A newly formed moving company might not have experience in moving different items, as a longer-running business might.
Checklist for Verifying Company History
| Item | Tip |
|---|---|
| Company Age | Longer experience = more reliable. |
| Staff Type | Full-time staff handle items better than seasonal. |
| Training | Well-trained movers = safer move. |
| Workers’ Comp | Protects you from injuries on your property. |
| Reviews | Positive feedback = trusted company. |
| Special Items | Experience with pianos, antiques, and electronics. |
| Complaints | Check BBB or state complaints. |
And while you’re at it, you should ask about their employees as well. While most moving companies will bring on temporary/seasonal workers for high-volume months, a reputable one should have full-time staff. Full-time workers will know how to properly pack and move their items in a short amount of time. You’ll also want to make sure the workers offer workers’ compensation so that you are not liable in case someone gets injured on the job.
Licensing
Sure, a company might say that they have the proper licenses and insurance, but you should ask for their number to verify their status with the Department of Transportation for interstate moves and with the state for local moves. Not only can you make sure that the company is verified, but you can also check its complaint history.
Not only is this a good way to check the reputation of your moving company, it’s also a great way to protect yourself against potential scammers.
Insurance
Even professionals can mess up and damage some of your items. In order to protect yourself, make sure the movers have some kind of liability insurance in place. Most moving companies have very basic insurance that only assumes liability at only 60 cents per pound per article. So if that expensive TV gets damaged in the move, you’re only getting a tiny percentage of the cost back.
Some companies have more comprehensive coverage in the form of full value protection. You are able to declare the worth of your goods per pound, but you’ll have to pay a premium for the coverage. If you happen to own a lot of expensive electronics or antiques, you should ask your movers about the different types of insurance and coverage they offer.
Cost Breakdown and Extra Charges
Cost is probably the biggest thing on your mind, and for many, it is the number one decision when it comes to choosing a mover. However, different moving companies might offer different quotes. Some might opt for an hourly rate, while others might charge by weight and distance. Still others might use a combination of the two.
Mover Cost Breakdown & Extra Charges
| Cost Item | Details / Tip |
|---|---|
| Hourly vs Weight-Based | Some movers charge hourly; others charge by weight and distance. Know the method before booking. |
| Flight Charges | Fees for moving items up/down stairs or elevators. |
| Long Carry | Extra distance between the truck and the home may add cost. |
| Oversized Items | Large items like pianos, pool tables, or big furniture may incur extra fees. |
| Fuel Surcharges | Added for long-distance moves or peak-hour travel. |
| Packing & Disassembly | Optional service; DIY recommended to save cost unless needed. |
Understanding exactly how movers arrive at the cost will help you plan your move. There are numerous line items that movers can charge you for, such as:
- Flight charges – carrying items up and down stairs and elevators
- Long carry – distance between moving truck and home
- Oversized items – generally only for very large items like pianos and pool tables, but some movers might consider large pieces of furniture oversized as well
- Fuel surcharges – generally only added for long-distance travel, but might be tacked on based on the distance between the old home and to new home, especially if done during peak hours
For the most part, movers tend to charge only for loading/unloading, but you can always ask if they will also disassemble large items and/or pack items. This, obviously, will add an extra cost, and it’s recommended that people pack and disassemble furniture themselves. However, if you have an impairment or simply don’t have the time, you can always ask the movers for the cost of the extra service.
Binding or Non-binding Estimate
The best way to get an accurate quote is to have the movers come to your apartment so they can see all of the items they will need to move. From there, they can provide an estimate for you. Most companies offer a binding and non-binding estimate. A binding estimate guarantees the total cost of your move and places a limit on how much the moving cost can exceed the budget.
A non-binding estimate, as you might have guessed, can change based on weight, hours, and any other charges outlined in your contract. It’s important to ask movers whether the quote they provided is binding or non-binding so you can budget properly. It might seem tedious, but in order to find the best movers within your budget, you need to have a solid grasp of the company and what their quote actually means. Don’t be afraid to ask as many questions as you need in order to feel confident about your final decision
