Moving homes or businesses is one of the most stressful activities people do. The logistics involved, like planning, packing, and coordinating with your family and the movers, can drain you. Picking the right moving company to help you can make the process less overwhelming. To do that, you must consider several things, like price, quality of work, and convenience. Here are some tips to help you choose the right company.
Ask for Recommendations
One of the best places to start is referrals from friends and family. They’ll give you great recommendations. Ask about their experience with the moving company they used. Did the movers arrive on time? Did they communicate well? Was any item damaged? Were they willing to cover the repair costs? These questions can help you determine if you want to work with a certain moving company.
Check That They Offer the Services You Need
It’s important to ensure the moving company offers the services you need. Other than regular items, do you have unusual items you’d like to move? Maybe you want to move plants to your new home. If you’re a plant parent with many types of plants, this is something the moving company will need to know. Other items like pianos, large aquariums, pool tables, and tubs need special consideration. Ensure you find a moving company that can help transport these things.
Consider Local Movers
Finding movers isn’t a challenge. If you check online, you’ll find a long list of movers. That said, consider going with local companies with offices in your area. This is important because you know where to find the company in case of anything. Aside from that, a local company will easily send an employee to assess your items and give you an accurate estimate. Try to avoid third-party companies, as you may be unable to verify the reliability of the movers they send.
Compare Rates
It helps to call several moving companies and compare rates. You’ll get an idea of how much different companies charge. Aside from base rates, ask whether a company has additional charges. For instance, a company may charge complexity fees, where you pay an extra fee if they move items on many flights of stairs. Others might also charge for moving-related services like packing. Ask about any extra charges to know how much it will cost you to move.
Check Licenses and Insurance
Find a moving company with proper licensing and insurance. Licensing is important as it shows the company is allowed to operate within your city or state. On the other hand, insurance protects you. In case your items are damaged or lost, the company will help repair or replace them. If you’re moving to another state, find a registered interstate mover. These must be registered with the U.S. Department of Transportation, which you can search on the USDOT database.
Watch Out for Scammers
Reliable companies are easy to find online. If you do a quick Google search and can’t find a company, be careful, as they might be scammers. A trustworthy company won’t mind having an online presence. Another way to detect scammers is by getting estimates. Most moving companies don’t ask for a deposit. And those that do only ask for a small percentage, like 20%. If a company asks for a large deposit, tread carefully. And even for those who ask for a small percentage, you should pay them with your credit card so that you can dispute later if needed.
Moving isn’t an easy task. However, the task becomes much easier with the right moving company by your side. That’s why the step to choosing the right company is important. You’ll have peace of mind knowing you’re working with a professional who will take care of your items.
