How Do I Choose a Moving Company in Virginia?
How Do I Choose a Moving Company in Virginia?
How do I pick a good mover?
Get at least three written estimates, check the mover’s license and reviews, read the contract and insurance terms, and be careful of a large deposit up front.
Your move date is tied to your closing date, so the mover you pick matters. Book early, because closing days are busy.
The Mike Webb Team (Mike and Claudia Webb, RE/MAX Allegiance) helps homeowners in Arlington, Northern Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, DC get their homes ready to sell and sold.
Step 1: Get three written estimates
Ask each company to see the home, or to do a video walk-through. A phone guess is not an estimate. Give each the same list of what is moving, so you compare the same job.
Step 2: Check the license
For a move across state lines, the U.S. government has guidance for hiring a mover. See the FMCSA Protect Your Move page (https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/protect-your-move). Ask the mover for its license or registration number and look it up. For a move within Virginia, ask what the mover is licensed for and check it.
Step 3: Read the reviews
Look at several places. Read the bad reviews, and see how the company answered them.
Step 4: Read the contract
Look for:
- The total price and how it is figured: by hours, by weight, or a flat rate
- Extra charges, such as stairs, long carries, and packing materials
- The pickup and delivery dates, in writing
- What insurance covers, and what it does not
- How to make a claim if something breaks
Step 5: Watch the deposit
Be careful with a large payment up front. Ask why it is needed and how it is protected. Pay in a way that lets you dispute a charge, such as a credit card.
Step 6: Plan the day
- Tell the mover about narrow stairs, elevators, and parking.
- Reserve the building elevator if you live in a condo.
- Keep valuables, papers, and medicine with you.
- Take photos of furniture and electronics before they go on the truck.
FAQ
How early should I book?
As soon as you have a closing date. Month-end and weekends fill up first.
Do I tip the movers?
It is up to you. Some people do for a good job.
Can my agent recommend a mover?
We can share companies our clients have used. You still check them yourself.
Related articles
Call or text Claudia at 703-350-3884 or visit https://claudiawebb.com.
The Mike Webb Team, RE/MAX Allegiance. Arlington, Virginia. Equal Housing Opportunity.
