7 Reasons to Hire a Local Jacksonville Moving Company

Preparing to move can already feel like turning your life upside down, which is why you should make things as easy on yourself as possible.

Hiring professional movers to do the heavy lifting is an obvious way to simplify your upcoming relocation. Still, you may be wondering how to go about selecting a moving company.

Not only should you hire a professional, reputable moving company, but we also recommend that you hire local movers with a physical presence here in Jacksonville, Florida.

Pro tip: If you’re new in town, also check out: Moving to Jacksonville, FL Guide for more information about relocating to Jacksonville.

Whether you’re planning a move to or from Jacksonville, opting to use local movers is a good idea for several reasons:

1. On-Site Estimates

One of the benefits of hiring local movers in Jacksonville, FL, is the fact that they will be able to do in-person estimates when needed. That said, Suddath offers convenient virtual video quotes as another convenient and equally accurate way of getting a visual of your belongings. Many customers prefer this method, as it provides video evidence of what was being moved, the condition of the items, and what was agreed upon by both parties. However, for older customers, or those without easy access to devices or the internet, an in-person estimate is possible.

Visual estimates allow the movers to see what they are moving and what special equipment they’ll need to bring along for the job. More importantly, when a representative of the moving company sees your stuff, it becomes their responsibility to estimate its weight and size.

This makes the quote more binding and helps prevent unpleasant surprises on moving day. Telephone or online quotes can be convenient, but the most accurate estimates are those provided after an in-person walk-through or a virtual tour via a live video call.

2. Knowledge of the Local Area and Roadways

Whether it’s one-way streets, parking rules, or climate issues, local movers are better equipped for the challenges of moving into or out of their hometown. Moving companies in Jacksonville, FL, specifically, will know how to best protect your furniture and other sensitive items from heat and moisture since they’ll be used to the unique conditions in Northeast Florida.

Ideally, a Jacksonville-based moving company will offer temperature-controlled or climate-controlled storage options and have procedures in place to overcome issues that come along with the changing seasons. For example, hurricanes and tropical storms are something Jacksonville movers should be prepared for, particularly during the peak season of June through November. If climate or weather concerns may affect your move, you should be sure to inquire with your move coordinator.

Traffic is another consideration. Local residents know best how to avoid peak times, take alternate routes, and allow wiggle room when scheduling. Not only that, but when it comes to circumventing Jacksonville’s many highway projects, personal experience is often more helpful than a navigation app.

3. Credibility and Reliability

Keep in mind that when a company operates locally, it’s easier to verify that they have all the required insurance and certifications, including:

• Department of Transportation (DOT) License
• Federal Motor Carrier Safety Association (FMCSA) License
• Pro-Mover Certification from the American Trucking Association (ATA)

When you hire a reputable Jacksonville moving company like Suddath, you can relax knowing that your belongings will be adequately protected. We’re proud of the fact that we are the most thoroughly vetted, highly trained professional movers in Northeast Florida.

Whichever movers you choose should be willing to show their credentials whenever asked. If not, you should run screaming in the other direction since you are likely dealing with rogue movers. Disreputable companies often change their name and address to conceal bad reviews, which is just one more reason to go with a local company that has an office nearby.

4. Local Reviews and Recommendations

Looking for a strong online presence and positive reviews is a great starting point when searching for a reliable moving company. If you’re looking for Jacksonville moving companies specifically, it may be possible to get personal recommendations from friends, family, or coworkers who live here. That’s not always the case, though, which is why you may need to research local moving companies online.

These days, good reviews are essential in the moving industry, and there’s just a higher level of accountability when a company has a local office. Of course, professional movers should always strive to exceed customer expectations regardless of their location.

Still, local moving companies in general tend to be more committed to their reputation in the area and may even be more straightforward with their pricing.

5. Competitive Pricing

In order to stay in business, a local moving company must remain competitive with other companies in the same city. Moving companies want those word-of-mouth recommendations, and of course, they’re hoping you’ll find good reviews when you type in “local movers Jacksonville, FL.”

A company’s desire for good reviews works to the customer’s advantage and is just one more reason to make sure you are dealing with a business that values its reputation.

Please keep in mind that competitive pricing doesn’t always mean being the cheapest. Be sure to take into consideration all the services a company offers to ensure you are getting good value. Time is money and getting extra help from your moving company will free you up to accomplish other important tasks, such as transferring your utilities over to the new address or getting your new home move-in ready.

6. Time-Saving Options

Speaking of being busy, it’s possible that your needs may change while planning your move. For example, you could, at the last minute, suddenly realize that you won’t be finished packing in time and need to add on optional packing and unpacking services.

Another possible change in the plan could result from a friend or family member gifting you a large appliance or piece of furniture while you’re still at your old house, changing the size and weight of your load. One of the conveniences of hiring local movers here in Jacksonville is that it would be no big deal for them to come over a second time before the move. This is rarely needed now that virtual quotes are available, but it happens from time to time during the process of organizing a complicated move.

When moving day arrives, local professional movers can ensure all your belongings are properly labeled, loaded onto the moving vehicle, and placed where you want them in your new home. This highly organized approach will not only save you time but will make it easier for you to unpack everything and settle into your new home quickly. With today’s busy lifestyles, the organization factor alone makes it worthwhile to hire professional movers who have the relocation process down to a science.

As a full-service moving company, we have another time-saving feature, and that’s our online portal. This state-of-the-art technology allows you to make changes quickly and easily to your moving package and even track your belongings during the move. These features are optional to use but super convenient.

7. Ease of Planning

Although we cannot speak for all local movers, when you trust Suddath with your relocation, a dedicated move manager will orchestrate the logistics of your move.

Planning a move by yourself can take weeks, which is why you should leave the details to experienced local movers. Letting us coordinate your move will prevent you from getting bogged down with every little detail of your relocation. We can even take care of packing and unpacking for you. That said, you’ll only pay for the services you need.

Now that you’re aware of the benefits of using local moving companies in Jacksonville, FL, it’s time to contact us for a free quote.

As experienced Jacksonville movers, we’re qualified to expertly handle your move, and our move coordinators are standing by to answer any questions you may have. We would love to service your move and reduce your stress as you begin this exciting new chapter in your life.