Finding a good moving company is the most difficult task of the moving process. As we know that moving home is a daunting process and a consequential undertaking. You must have trust in your selected moving company so a little extra research is worth the effort. In earlier times, people used to rent a truck, load their goods, and move but this is not the case anymore. People are busy in their professional lives and also their household possessions have increased to a lot higher level so it is difficult to move using traditional methods. Most people consider hiring full-service movers to save both time and energy. Though hiring movers is a wise decision, hiring wrong movers can cost you a hefty amount so make sure you keep some important points in mind before hiring a moving company.
Ask for Recommendations
Researching moving companies online can be the easiest way of finding one of the best state to state moving companies as you will get all the information about the company including their license number, insurance status, and also the reviews and ratings of their past clients. But consider asking for recommendations from family and friends who have taken services of a moving company in the recent past as they can suggest a good moving company at a reasonable rate or make you aware about a certain company.
Understand Your Moving Service Needs
This is a very crucial step to understand before you hire a moving company. Make sure you know your service needs, for instance, if you want to hire a full-service mover or you would like to pack your stuff on your own or you want a hybrid moving service where you will hire the company for packing services but will unpack yourself. It is important to know what all services you want to take as companies charge extra for every additional task. Most companies include loading and transportation in their quotation so to avoid any last-minute dispute, it is better to discuss your requirements.
Also, it is important for you to know the type of your move, for instance, while local movers charge on an hourly basis and long-distance movers charge based on the size of your shipment and the distance to be travelled.
Understand the Moving Quotation Well
It is important to understand the moving quotation well before signing the moving contract with the moving company. Make sure you read the contract carefully and know all the services included in the quotation. It is wise to ask questions if have any doubt, do not assume that they will provide a particular service, get everything in writing. Don’t leave any scope for hidden charges, for instance, if your current or new or both buildings do not have a lift and the labour will have to carry heavy items through the staircase, tell your mover in advance else he may charge extra for this in the end. So, make sure you get a detailed moving estimate in writing.
Get More than Two Quotes
Often we hire the first moving company that we come across but it is not right. If you wish to get the best services at an affordable price, you will have to work a little harder. Choose at least three good moving companies, you can search them online or can ask for a recommendation, and ask them for their moving quotation.Make sure you get an on-site moving estimate and for this, call an executive of each company to visit the site as this will leave no space for any misunderstanding. It is observed that many moving companies quote a lower price over the call but charge more at the time of moving claiming that they didn’t include a few items. Once you get a moving estimate from all three moving companies, now you can compare their prices and services and choose the best. Review the estimate provided by each company estimator and choose based on the services and prices offered by them.
Know Your Moving Company
Knowing everything about your moving company is very important especially when the internet is full of fraud companies. Make sure your chosen company is licensed by the Department of Transportation and is registered with the Federal Motor Carriers Association and also possesses insurance. If you want to know the commitment and working style of a company and how reliable a company is, the best way to find it out is to read all the reviews and ratings given by their previous customers. Read the reviews and see how the company handles complaints.
Look for Red-Flags
A too low estimate can be a red flag so make sure you do not fall for very low moving estimates. Some companies provide a low-ball estimate and end up charging double and/or do not even provide the said services. Blank moving contracts and/or high deposits are other big red flags that should not be ignored.
You are trusting a complete stranger for the wellbeing of your goods and thus it is important to be cautious of all your decisions. The tips mentioned here would help you navigate through the process and make the right decision.