Month: June 2025

  • The Ultimate 10-STEP Guide to Choosing the Right Long-Distance Moving Company

    When you’re planning a long-distance move, selecting the right long-distance moving company can make all the difference between a smooth relocation and a stressful ordeal. With so many moving services available, it’s important to know what to look for to ensure your belongings arrive safely, on time, and within budget. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the essential steps of choosing the best moving company for your long-haul move.

    1. Understand Your Moving Needs

    Before you even begin researching moving companies, identify the specific services you need:

    • Full-service movers: They handle everything from packing, loading, transporting, and unpacking.
    • Self-service movers: You pack and load; they transport your belongings or even most local moving companies will just load or unload your truck for you, but keep in mind movers who just load your truck will waive liability if you drive it.
    • Specialty movers: For fragile, valuable, or oversized items like pianos, antiques, or artwork. Some but not all local or full-service moving companies will also do specialty moving, but it should not be assumed that they do.
    • Storage services: Temporary or long-term storage solutions during your move. Depending on the length of time of your storage or the quantity of storage you have will change what storage options are ideal for you and your move.

    Knowing exactly what you need will help you narrow down your list of reputable movers. Manly Moving is an all inclusive moving company and we can offer all the above services and we have options to meet any type of move.

    2. Verify Credentials and Licensing

    For interstate moves, any professional long-distance moving company must be registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and possess a valid USDOT number. Always verify:

    • FMCSA licensing
    • USDOT number
    • Insurance coverage (liability and cargo)
    • Memberships with reputable organizations like the American Moving & Storage Association (AMSA) or the Better Business Bureau (BBB) are ways you can ensure that you are hiring a moving company that won’t take your money and run.

    These credentials indicate that a professional moving company adheres to industry standards and regulations.

    3. Read Reviews and Ask for Recommendations

    Online reviews and personal recommendations are invaluable when evaluating long-distance movers. Look for feedback on:

    • Timeliness
    • Care of belongings
    • Customer service
    • Pricing transparency
    • Claims process for damaged or lost items
    • Company communication

    Websites like Google Reviews, Yelp, and the BBB are excellent places to gather insights into the reputation of potential moving companies. Note that Google Reviews generally contains a full look at a company as a whole while Yelp and BBB are going to be nets that catch more of the bad reviews of a company and will seldom have good reviews and that holds true for most moving companies. Check out our reviews on Google and Yelp.

    4. Get Multiple In-Home Estimates

    Reputable moving companies should provide a binding estimate after conducting an in-home or virtual survey of your belongings. Be wary of companies that only offer quotes over the phone or email without seeing your inventory as many of these companies will sometimes double their estimates the day of the move. Compare multiple estimates to:

    • Identify average pricing
    • Detect unusually low-ball offers (a potential red flag for moving scams)
    • Understand the range of moving services included

    Ask for a binding not-to-exceed estimate to avoid unexpected costs. Manly Moving excels at offering accurate estimates with transparent fees so there are no surprises.

    5. Understand the Pricing Structure

    Long-distance moving costs are typically based on:

    • Weight of your shipment or cubic feet of your shipment
    • Distance of the move
    • Additional services (packing, storage, special handling)
    • Timing (peak season vs. off-season or express delivery)

    Request a detailed moving quote that itemizes all charges. Ensure there are no hidden fees or ambiguous terms in the moving contract.

    6. Evaluate Insurance and Liability Options

    Even with the most careful professional movers, accidents can happen. Understand the insurance options:

    • Released Value Protection: Basic coverage at no additional cost but minimal compensation. The released value is usually around $0.60/lbs, but some areas may offer a slightly higher or lower valuation.
    • Full Value Protection: More comprehensive coverage that ensures repair, replacement, or reimbursement for lost or damaged items.
    • Third-party insurance: Additional coverage for high-value items.

    Ensure you fully understand what each option covers before signing the moving agreement.

    7. Watch for Red Flags

    Be cautious of moving companies that:

    • Demand large upfront deposits (Greater than 30% down)
    • Lack proper licensing and insurance
    • Have vague or confusing contracts
    • Use unmarked or rented trucks
    • Offer significantly lower quotes than competitors
    • Refuse to conduct an in-person estimate

    These warning signs may indicate moving scams or unprofessional operators. At Manly Moving we are here to help you. If you want us even to look at another estimate for you and expose any red flags we are happy to help. Even if we don’t move you we still want to help. No one should be scammed.

    Note: All long-distance or cross country moving companies are required to give you access to 2 documents which are “Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move” and “Ready to Move”. You can download and review these great documents by clicking here.

    8. Review the Contract Thoroughly

    Before committing to any long-distance mover, read the Bill of Lading carefully. This legally binding document should include:

    • Estimated delivery dates
    • Itemized list of services and charges
    • Insurance coverage details
    • Cancellation and claims policies

    Don’t hesitate to ask for clarification on any confusing terms.

    Note: Another tip is to avoid going through a moving broker. They sell off your move to moving companies and often don’t vet those companies to see if they are quality, honest companies. This is where a lot of scams and property hostage situations arise. So when calling to book with a company online ask if they are a moving broker because they will often try to conceal this fact.

    9. Plan and Communicate Clearly

    Once you’ve chosen your professional moving company, maintain clear communication:

    • Confirm pickup and delivery dates
    • Provide contact information
    • Discuss any special requirements
    • Label fragile or high-value items clearly

    Good communication helps ensure a seamless moving experience. You don’t want to commit to a long-distance moving company that has poor communication. It will give you more than just a headache.

    10. Why Choose Manly Moving for Your Long-Distance Move

    At Manly Moving, we understand that a long-distance move is a major life event. Our fully licensed, insured, and experienced team offers:

    • Full-service moving solutions tailored to your needs
    • Transparent, competitive pricing with no hidden fees
    • Professional packing, loading, and transportation
    • Dedicated customer support from start to finish
    • Secure storage solutions
    • Specialized handling of fragile and high-value items
    • The same moving company helps you from start to finish of your move.

    With a proven track record of excellence, Manly Moving is your trusted partner for a stress-free, efficient, and safe relocation. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation moving quote and experience the difference of working with true moving professionals.

    To get your FREE no obligation moving estimate call 855-997-1881

  • What Services Do Moving Companies Offer? Answers from a Moving Company

    Every moving company offers basic services and this guide goes into what services are standard for moving companies to offer and which moving services are not.

    Moving is an difficult process and ending your move with all your hair can be a challenge. Finding a moving company that offers all the services you need done can take away a lot of the stress and will really simplify your move. In this comprehensive guide, we break down the extensive list of services that professional moving companies offer to make your move seamless.

    1. Local Moving Services

    If you’re moving within your city or nearby areas, local moving services are tailored to make short-distance moves easy and stress-free. Around 90 % of moving companies will offer local moving services that include:

    • Secure loading and unloading
    • Transportation (Ask if they provide the moving truck or if you need to provide it)
    • Same-day moves (this will vary largely on the moving company and the time of year you are moving, and the size of you move)
    • Fragile item handling (Ask your movers how they protect fragile items. Crating services are not a common service offered by moving companies)
    • Furniture disassembly and reassembly (Ask the moving company if they come with tools or if you need to provide them)

    Manly Moving we go come prepared to not only take things apart and reassemble them, but we come with blankets and stretch wrap to ensure your furniture gets moved safely and securely. We take care of everything you see above so you can kick back and relax on moving day. Good idea don’t you think?

    2. Long-Distance Moving Services

    Long-distance moves require meticulous planning and expert coordination.

    • Interstate and cross-country moves (Lot of moving companies may offer these services, but not a ton of them do it legally. Make sure you moving company is licensed with DOT and have cargo and commercial auto coverage so you don’t risk losing everything.)
    • Dedicated moving coordinator (Not all moving companies have dedicated sales reps to coordinate your move. You want good communication with a long-distance move. This will vary per company, but is something important to keep in mind.)
    • Climate-controlled transportation options (This is very rare and won’t matter for most things you transport unless you transport things like plants and animals. I would go as far as to say you generally hire specific moving companies that specialize in this because it is not common.)
    • Timely delivery (This varies a lot with long-distance moving companies. If you hire a vanline with shared loads you will generally be looking at less timely delivery timeframes. If you are not sharing a load then a majority of moving companies can give you a decent timely delivery.)

    At Manly Moving we specialize in long-distance moving. We can usually get things delivered not just on the day you want, but usually on the time of day you want. We are very affordable and we offer unmatched customer service from start to end of your move. That being said we do not offer climate controlled transportation at this time, but hope to do so in the future.

    3. Residential Moving Services

    Your home is full of valuable belongings that deserve careful handling. Our residential moving services include:

    • Customized moving plans ( It can be difficult to coordinate timelines when buying and selling a house at the same time. Most moving companies deal with a wide array of these situations and can have great advice for navigating your move.)
    • Full-service packing (75% of moving companies will offer full service packing. A way lower percent of those moving companies will provide packing materials at an affordable rate. )
    • Specialty item moving (Pianos, gun safes, spas, antiques, and fine art are among some of the specialty moving that moving companies can offer. Due to the liability and skill involved in moving such items you need to ask your moving company if they offer these services and it should not be assumed that they will move them.)
    • Secure storage solutions (This is a service less than half of moving companies offer and usually it is the bigger companies that will offer it. Check with your moving company to see if they have secure and climate controlled storage.)
    • Moving insurance options (Very few moving companies offer moving insurance directly. All legit moving companies are required to offer valuation coverage, but that is different than insurance and usually moving insurance if it is purchased it is purchased through a 3rd party like http://www.movinginsurance.com.)

    Residential moves are our bread and butter at Manly Moving. As an Idaho and Utah based company we help people move everyday. We offer affordable, comprehensive, and stress-free moving. All the above services we offer to our moving customers.

    4. Commercial & Office Moving Services

    Business relocations need to be efficient to minimize downtime. Ask your moving company if they do commercial office moving. This is where an experienced moving company that will get you moved and get you up and going quickly is crucial.

    • Office equipment disassembly and setup (True office movers will come with the tools and equipment to get everything moved and assembled quickly.)
    • IT and data center relocation (Knowing how to handle such valuable equipment is important when hiring competent movers. )
    • Secure document handling (Hire a moving company you can trust when moving documents with private information.)
    • After-hours and weekend moves (These kind of moves can go long and may need to be done when the office is closed. Ask for their moving hours and see if they charge extra for working after hours or weekends)
    • Project management (Coordination is key and your don’t want to be your movers first rodeo)

    We are the moving professionals you can trust to get the job done right. Manly Moving has been trusted by businesses all over the western United States to make their office move seamless and professional. We work quick and long so you can get up and running quickly.

    5. Packing & Unpacking Services

    Packing can be one of the most time-consuming parts of moving. Let our professional team handle it with:

    • Full-service packing (Ask if your movers provide moving supplies or not and ask to see their box prices before ordering)
    • Partial packing options (Van Lines are some of the only moving companies I have seen that won’t do a partial pack, but who offer full-pack services. You can generally assume if the moving company does a full-pack then they will offer a partial packing service. )
    • Fragile Item Packing (Not all moving companies will be experienced or know how to protect certain fragile items in transit. Identify your most fragile items and ask how your movers would protect such an item)
    • Custom crating for high-value items (Crating is not a common service offered by moving companies and you want a moving company that has experience crating or it will be money wasted crating something if it is not done right.
    • Unpacking Service (This service is really hit or miss as to whether a moving company will offer this service. For example we will only offer this service during slow periods. )

    Manly Moving offers partial and full packing services. We are experienced in moving high value art and with crating a wide range of items. You can trust us to safely pack and move even the most expensive of items.

    6. Storage Solutions

    Sometimes you need a safe place to store your items temporarily.

    • Short-term and long-term storage (Larger moving companies will have storage options while smaller moving companies generally wont. Ask your moving company if their storage facility is owned or leased by them or if they are just storing your items at a self storage facility.)
    • Climate-controlled storage units (Climate Controlled storage is not a common service that moving companies can offer. If a moving company stores in a warehouse they will likely have climate controlled storage.)
    • 24/7 security monitoring (Ask your movers if their storage facility has security cameras or security system in place)
    • Easy access when you need it (Generally if your moving company stores you items in a moving vault then you will need to usually give 24 hours notice. If you are storing in a storage facility then access is usually a lot easier and advance notice is not required.)

    Our storage facility at Manly Moving is a climate controlled, secure warehouse with security cameras to ensure your stuff is safe and secure.

    7. Specialty Moving Services

    Some items need extra care and expertise.

    • Pianos and organs (Lots of moving companies will move pianos and organs for an added piano fee. That being said not all moving companies have the right equipment to safely move pianos and organs. If you have a grand piano or a larger upright piano that requires so tricky maneuvering or if it is a high end piano then hire a moving company that has pictures of them moving those types of items on their website. )
    • Fine art and sculptures (Most smaller moving companies won’t have the insurance to handle a claim even if they do claim that they move these types of items. Ask you movers about their liability and commercial auto insurance before trusting them to move such items.)
    • Pool tables (Pool tables you need more than muscle to move. Most moving companies will move a disassembled pool table, but you need to find a company that has experience assembling and disassembling them so that the table is accurately leveled and the felt is tight.)
    • Hot tubs (Hot tubs can range a ton in weight especially when you get into the swim spas. If you get into moving these same items in trick terrain then an experienced moving company is necessary. Most moving companies can move a 4 person hot tub without too much trouble, but bigger then that you need the right movers with the right equipment.)
    • Grandfather clocks (I added this because these are often moved and they are often moved incorrectly. They are not hard to move, but you need to know the right way to move them and so each company will vary if they have trained their movers on how to move them or not.
    • Oversized furniture (Depending on the weight and size of the item and the path that item needs to take from A to B will determine the level of experience you movers will need to have.)

    Manly Moving is a do it all moving company. We move all the specialty items. In fact we often get hired by van lines and other moving companies in our area to move these types of items for them. We are the best around when it comes to moving these types of things.

    8. Senior Moving Services

    Seniors transitioning to new living arrangements have special needs that have to be met.

    • Downsizing assistance (Some moving companies in warmer states where there are lots of retirement areas often specialize in these types of moves and know what Seniors will need in their new home.)
    • Estate cleanouts (These jobs can be big and require a lot of coordination to get everything moved out and delivered to different locations. You want a moving company with good organization and communication.)
    • Coordination with senior living facilities (Many moving companies already have relationships with senior living facilities and you might be able to talk to your facility to see who they would recommend.)

    Our movers are clean cut, professional, patient, and respectful. We know first hand that these are necessary attributes with dealing with senior moving.

    9. Military Moving Services

    For military families, relocation is often part of life.

    • Military-approved moving processes (There are specific requirements that need to be met when moving someone through the military and not all moving companies know what those requirements are and know how to meet them.)
    • Flexible scheduling (Not all moving companies can be flexible scheduling around the military member’s schedule and that of their family. You will be able to tell easily over the phone if a moving company will be flexible with you.)

    I will be 100% transparent that although we have moved lots of military families and we know how to meet the requirements, that is not our specialty and there are veteran owned moving companies that are ideal to hire for these types of moves.

    Why Choose Manly Moving?

    At Manly Moving, we don’t just move your belongings – we move your life with care, precision, and a personal touch. Our team of expert movers, state-of-the-art equipment, and customer-first approach make us the premier choice for all your moving needs. Whether it’s a local move, cross-country relocation, or just moving stuff around your house, trust Manly Moving to handle every detail with professionalism and care.

    Call Manly Moving for a free moving estimate or consultation 855-997-1881

  • How Much Does a Moving Company Cost in 2025? | Manly Moving Guide

    Planning a move? Wondering how much a moving company costs? You’re not alone. At Manly Moving, we know that one of the biggest concerns for homeowners is budgeting for a move — and understanding exactly what you’re paying for. In this complete 2025 guide, we’ll break down moving costs, explain what affects pricing, and show you how hiring the right movers (like Manly Moving) can actually save you money.

    Average Moving Company Costs in 2025

    How much does it cost to hire movers in 2025? The answer depends on several factors, but here are national averages you can expect:

    Type of MoveAverage Cost Range
    Local Move (Under 100 Miles)$500 – $2,500
    Long-Distance Move (100+ Miles)$2,000 – $8,000+
    International Move$4,000 – $15,000+
    Studio/1-Bedroom Move$400 – $1,200
    2-3 Bedroom Home Move$1,200 – $5,000
    4+ Bedroom Move$2,000 – $10,000+

    Important Tip:
    Prices vary based on your location, season, and whether you choose full-service movers or basic transportation-only service.

    What Determines Moving Costs?

    1️⃣ Distance

    • Local Moves are typically charged by the hour.
    • Long-Distance Moves are priced based on weight, volume, and miles traveled.

    2️⃣ Size of Your Move

    The size of your home directly affects cost. More rooms = more boxes, furniture, and weight.

    Average Moving Weight:

    • Studio Apartment: ~2,000 lbs
    • 2-Bedroom Home: ~5,000 lbs
    • 4-Bedroom Home: 10,000–15,000 lbs

    3️⃣ Time of Year

    • Peak Season (May–September): Higher demand = higher prices.
    • Off-Peak (October–April): You can often save 20–30%.

    4️⃣ Labor and Crew Size

    • Larger crews move you faster but cost more per hour.
    • Difficult access (stairs, elevators, long carries) increases labor time.

    5️⃣ Packing Services

    • Full-service packing: $300 – $1,200+
    • Packing supplies: $100 – $500 depending on home size.

    6️⃣ Insurance & Valuation Coverage

    • Basic coverage may not be enough.
    • Full value protection typically costs ~1% of your declared item value.

    Detailed Cost Breakdown Examples

    Example 1: Local Move (2-Bedroom Apartment, 5 Hours)

    • 3 movers @ $175/hour: $875
    • Packing supplies: $200
    • Truck fee: $150
    • Insurance upgrade: $75

    Total: $1,300

    Example 2: Long-Distance Move (3-Bedroom Home, 1,000 Miles)

    • 8,000 lbs @ $0.75/lb: $6,000
    • Packing service: $800
    • Materials: $300
    • Fuel surcharge: $250
    • Insurance: $300
    • Additional handling: $200

    Total: $7,850

    Hidden Moving Fees to Watch Out For

    Extra ChargeCost RangeReason
    Stairs Fee$50–$200Multiple flights of stairs
    Long Carry Fee$75–$200Long distance from truck to door
    Elevator Fee$50–$150Apartment moves
    Heavy Item Fee$100–$500Pianos, safes, pool tables
    Storage$100–$500/monthTemporary storage needs
    Shuttle Fee$200–$500Small truck required for tight access

    How to Save Money on Your Move

    Proven money-saving moving tips:

    1. Declutter – Fewer items = lower weight and cost.
    2. Move Off-Peak – Schedule your move between October and April.
    3. Book Early – Lock in lower rates by reserving in advance.
    4. Pack Yourself – Save on packing labor.
    5. Use Free Boxes – Get free boxes from local stores or online groups.
    6. Compare Multiple Quotes – Get at least 3 estimates.
    7. Be Flexible – Mid-week, mid-month moves often cost less.
    8. Ask for Discounts – Seniors, military, students, and repeat customers often qualify.

    Is Hiring Movers Worth It?

    While a DIY move may seem cheaper at first glance, professional movers:

    • Protect your belongings from damage
    • Handle heavy lifting safely
    • Save you valuable time
    • Offer reliable scheduling
    • Provide insurance coverage for peace of mind

    In most cases, hiring movers like Manly Moving actually prevents costly mistakes, damage, and injuries — which saves you money long-term.

    Why Hiring Manly Moving Will Actually Save You Money

    At Manly Moving, we don’t believe in surprise charges or inflated fees. Here’s how we help you save money while delivering professional, stress-free service:

    ✅ Transparent Pricing:
    We offer clear, upfront quotes with no hidden fees.

    ✅ Efficient Crews:
    Our trained team works fast and carefully, reducing labor time — and your bill.

    ✅ Damage Prevention:
    Our expert packing and handling reduces the risk of broken items, saving you hundreds (or thousands) in potential replacements.

    ✅ Free Moving Consultation:
    We help you strategize your move to avoid unnecessary costs before moving day even arrives.

    ✅ Customized Packages:
    We tailor services to fit your exact needs and budget — not a one-size-fits-all price.

    ✅ Competitive Rates:
    Because we’re local, family-owned, and experienced, we can often beat the big national chains while providing more personalized service.

    Ready to make your move easy and affordable?
    👉 Contact Manly Moving today for a free, no-obligation quote.