Whether you are moving to a new apartment or house, local movers can help with packing and moving your belongings. They can also offer storage solutions, house cleaning, and handyman services. They are a great way to get your move organized and reduce the stress of the moving process. Before hiring local movers, it is important to understand how they are charged and what costs will be associated with your move. Moreover, it is crucial to hire a trustworthy and professional company to avoid any hidden charges or fraud.

In most cases, local movers charge hourly. The cost can vary based on the number of items, size of the home, and extra services. It is important to remember that the more items you have, the longer it will take to move them. Additionally, if you have a lot of heavy items, it may require extra movers to lift them and this will increase the overall cost of the move.

It is recommended to ask a few different companies for quotes and compare their prices. Stay away from companies that do not have listed rates and only provide estimates via phone or e-mail as this is a common red flag of moving fraud. During the quote process, you should also be on the lookout for add-on services that might increase your total move cost. Examples of these include trash, debris and junk removal, custom crating for specialty and fragile items, electronics packing and installation, and storage solutions.

Once you have narrowed down the list of potential movers, you should request in-home inspections. This will give you the opportunity to meet a representative face-to-face and discuss the move in detail. In addition, you will be able to ask any questions that you may have. In-home inspections will also allow you to receive accurate, up-to-date cost estimates for your move.

It’s also a good idea to ask friends, family members and co-workers for recommendations on local movers. They can give you the inside scoop local movers  on how the movers work, their rates, and if they have any hidden fees. Lastly, make sure you check out a moving company’s reputation online by reading customer reviews and ratings (MyMovingReviews, Yelp).

A good moving company will always have an honest price and will be willing to answer all of your questions. They will also be able to give you an estimate of how long your move will take. They will then schedule a time to come out and do a walkthrough of your home to see what needs to be moved and packed.

After your local move, you should be sure to tip the movers if they were helpful and friendly. However, if they were unhelpful or rude, then you should not tip them at all. It is a good idea to tip the movers at least 20% of their final bill. If you are moving to a new neighborhood, you should also consider hiring a maid service to do a deep clean of your old home before you leave.