Are you shifting this year? Knowing what to look for and asking questions will help you hire a moving company. After all, you’re entrusting strangers with your most precious things during one of the most trying times in your life! This guide will help you to select best moving companies.
Doing your research will ensure that you choose the best moving company for your requirements. How? Let’s get help from this write-up.
- Begin early:
Moving day is already stressful enough without having to rush to select a moving company at the last minute. Start your research early to give yourself enough time to compare businesses and prices. As a general rule, a moving business is likely accessible for a reason if it becomes available at the last minute.
- Obtain referrals:
Get free moving quotes as a start. Next, inquire about moving companies from friends, family, and coworkers. Ask your real estate agent for a recommendation if you are currently working with them.
- Observe the “Rule of Threes”:
Never accept the first estimate you are given. Ask at least three separate companies to provide you with an in-person estimate instead, as no business can provide you with an accurate estimate without seeing your items.
- Read reviews:
When choosing a moving company, the best place to start is via online reviews and word-of-mouth recommendations. Request referrals from friends and coworkers and check out customer testimonials on reputable websites like Yelp, Google, and the Better Business Bureau. Reviews offer a trustworthy, objective assessment of the quality of service offered by a business.
- Beware of red flags:
Watch for warning signs during the estimate. For instance, the majority of trustworthy movers won’t want a cash deposit before your relocation. It might not be a real service if the mover appears eager to receive the initial payment.
During the estimate, take note of the movers’ appearance and professionalism. Look for a different business if they are unreliable, appear uncertain of their skills, or cannot respond to your inquiries. Additionally, watch out for any movers that arrive in a hired moving vehicle. A reputable business will have its tools.
- Find specialists for anything you need to move:
Just no one should transport your priceless baby grand. A moving company with specialists that understand how to handle specialty objects, such as pianos, exercise equipment, or pool tables, should be sought out if you have any of these items. Businesses often provide this information on their website, but you may also check reviews.
- Browse estimates:
When you’ve created your shortlist of moving companies, it’s time to receive quotes. As a general guideline, you shouldn’t use a moving company if they won’t provide you with an on-site estimate! Before making a decision, try to receive at least three in-person estimates. By doing this, you’ll have a wide enough range of possibilities to choose from.
- Ask what is included:
Will your movers pack everything for you, or do you have to do it yourself? Are boxes, blankets, and other moving items provided by them? Is fuel included in the pricing, or is it an extra fee that will be added later? Ask the appropriate questions to prevent moving day surprises.
- There must be a moving inventory:
A reliable mover will inventory all your things and estimate the size and weight of your move through a physical or online assessment. The estimate should perform a complete inspection of all of your storage spaces, including bookcases, garages, and cabinets.
The weight of your belongings and the amount of space they occupy in the truck significantly determine the mover’s cost. Make sure you comprehend this estimate and that it is as precise as you can make it.
- Identify the ideal bitumen between quality and price:
By comparing quality and cost, evaluate each moving company’s value. Remember that good mover isn’t cheap, and cheap movers aren’t good! However, a high-priced quote does not necessarily indicate a good moving business. Considerations range from price to reputation to what is included in the service, among other things.
- Apply your detective hat:
Now is the moment to thoroughly research your shortlist. Reviews and estimations are good indicators of worth, but a company’s credibility is more complex than it first appears. Double check the moving company’s license number in the DOT database if you’re moving across state lines, as this requires them to have a license from the Department of Transportation.
Several businesses function without insurance; once more, research it. There can be additional requirements depending on where you are migrating from and where you are located.
- Avoid moving firms that change their name:
Some businesses operate under several names to avoid being evaluated by the Better Business Bureau. Ensure the business can provide you with its local address, license information, and insurance details.
When picking up the phone, their representatives should use the company’s full name and state and federal licensing numbers to determine if the business is “doing business as” any other names. Check online to check if there are any complaints against the business.
- Respect your Judgment:
When movers arrive for an estimate in a filthy vehicle and untidy attire, it’s possible that the firm won’t give you (and your belongings!) the quality service you want. You can be confident you’ve selected the best business in town if you do your research and trust your gut.
The benefits of hiring a moving company:
The cost, location of the new home, the difficulty of the move, and state of your health all factor into whether you hire movers or do it yourself. While professional movers would significantly reduce your worry and work during your move, DIY moving also has advantages (it’s cheaper, for starters). Consider it: You’ll be delegating all the labor-intensive tasks to experts. That is significant. The moving business is also required by contract to provide its services promptly and efficiently.
They cannot be as erratic as your friends and family. Working with a moving company will spare you many of the usual moving-day concerns. So, if the thought of driving and loading a big moving truck makes you anxious, we strongly suggest getting moving help.
Opinions expressed by NY Weekly contributors are their own.
