There are several reasons why one may need storage and moving services. Businesses may need to move based on expanding or diminishing operations, and people frequently shift to a new house for myriad reasons. Both these scenarios require people to store and move a large number of goods safely to get them from one location to another. While there are companies that exclusively handle storage, some companies handle moving and storage.

Types of moving companies
Even within moving services, there are certain sub-types. Here are the different kinds of moving services:

Residential moving companies
These companies specialize in moving household goods and equipment for individuals or families who are shifting base from one location to another. People generally move when they have sold their house or when their lease is up. Such individuals need to move their goods quickly, and residential movers are efficient in handling this task. Residential movers can perform their jobs for small distances or large ones (such as state-to-state moving).

Long-distance moving companies
This is a subset of residential moving companies. Essentially, moves that exceed a 100-mile distance are considered to be long-distance. For moving goods over long distances or on a state-to-state basis, companies need to have a USDOT number from the FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) for their existence and services to be deemed legal. Apart from this number, interstate movement also requires signing many other documents, licenses, and permits. The companies that handle the storage and movement operations tend to assist their clients with these things.

Commercial moving companies
A commercial moving company is tasked with handling the nitty-gritty of moving workplace equipment over different regions. Businesses require more planning and highly trained movers if the entire office is being shifted as workplace equipment tends to be highly sensitive and valuable compared to domestic goods. As is the case with residential moving, commercial moving is safer with insurance. An insurance policy covers the moving operation and the cost of damage to the goods being transported, if any.

Factors to consider while choosing storage and moving companies
One needs to pay attention to the following aspects related to storage and moving companies before hiring them:

Licensing and insurance
One needs to ensure that the company they hire is insured and licensed. These factors protect clients in case of accidents and damage to their valuable goods during the moving process. One must check the proof of insurance and ensure it is up-to-date before paying for moving services. Additionally, clients must actively inquire about the type of coverage the moving company’s insurance policy provides.

Trained professionals and quality packing materials
Goods storage and movement are sensitive tasks. Therefore, only the most trained and deft hands must do the work. Go through a team’s years of experience and reviews before picking a vendor.

State of the storage facilities
Clients need to check the storage facilities to make sure it is clean and has no structural issues. A facility with damp walls, seepage, mold, or other issues can damage the goods. The checklist also involves noting the proximity of the facility to one’s house or workplace.