Is it time for you to move again? Whether you're graduating from school, taking on a new job, or just seeking an opportunity in a different city, it may be time to pack up your house and contact a local moving company. According to Forbes, about 84% of local moves happen without leaving the immediate area, but that doesn't mean a moving professional wasn't needed. If you're looking for a local moving contractor to help you, here are some ways you could find the right one.

Check Your Inner Circle

You likely have people in your inner circle who've had to move more than once. Make sure you ask your friends and family if they've ever used a moving contractor and have any referrals they can give you. You can also ask colleagues or neighbors for references, since the more referrals you get, the more contacts to add to your list for further research.

Consider Their Range of Services

All moving companies are not the same. One moving company may offer packing and unpacking, while another moving company offers storage. There are moving companies that can supply you with packing supplies for an extra fee. If you have extra large items such as oversized furniture that need assembly and disassembly, find a moving company that provides such services. Some moving companies may also have special discounts depending on the time of year you're moving, if you're a student, or if you're a new customer.

Get Several Quotes

Regardless of how great the first moving company you contact sounds, don't automatically go with that option. You may find another contractor with the same type of services for a cheaper fee. Further research may lead you to one that may cost a little more money but has more options to consider and can move a further distance. Get more than one referral and call each company to ask for a quote about the services you know you'll need. For example, if you know you need packing or disassembling furniture, tell each contractor this information to get an accurate price.

Ask Questions

Ask the moving company as many questions as possible. In addition to asking how much they charge for each service, check for special discounts. See if it's cheaper to move during particular days or hours of the week. You may ask them how many people will work with them so you can rest assured there are enough people to move efficiently. You may also want to ask them if they have experience with certain types of moves. For example, are you making a long-distance move out of the state? You'll want a moving contractor to have done this before to give you peace of mind that your stuff will be safe going a long distance without you.

Check Reviews

Even if you found a direct referral for a moving company, you should still go online and find as many reviews as possible. There are many online sources to find reviews created by previous customers. Social media can also be a haven for customer reviews, as well as candid photos related to the services they're talking about.

Visit the Better Business Bureau Website

It's a good idea to check the Better Business Bureau's website to see if you can learn more about a company. Their website will list unresolved complaints from customers. In addition, they also give each business a grade from A to F. You'll find a note clarifying whether or not the company is officially registered with the Better Business Bureau. Not all companies maintain this accreditation, but it can be a useful tool as you research companies that do.

Moving can take a lot of work, but you don't have to do it on your own. Many moving companies can supply the services that you need. Whether you need help handling fragile items, unpacking, loading, or storage, ask the right questions and get the right quotes to find the right service for you. After all, these contractors will be moving a lifetime of your precious items, and you want to ensure you can trust your life in the right hands. Follow these steps to make the right decision and contact Emanuel Movers, Inc today! We've been in business for many years and you can depend on us for local and long-distance moves.