HOW TO MAKE SURE YOU HIRE A GOOD MOVING COMPANY
Moving can be a hassle, which means that it is crucial to feel taken care of by going with the right moving company. And, in order to have the best moving experience, you may need to do a lot of research beforehand. Finding a good moving company can take a bit of trial and error. But, because moving is such a large and important task, it is crucial to find professional movers that you can trust and rely on. The good news is that once you find a good moving company, you can use them again and again! So without further ado: Here are some tips for hiring a good moving company.
TIPS FOR HIRING A GOOD MOVING COMPANY
UNDERSTAND THE SCOPE OF YOUR MOVING JOB
Not all moving companies are the same. Are you moving across the country? Are you just moving a piano? Are you just moving stuff into storage? Consider what you need done before you start your search. Every moving company has its own style of operation and specializes in certain services. For example, some movers specialize in white glove service while others specialize in corporate and office moving.
COMPARE DIFFERENT MOVING OPTIONS
There is no one single way to conduct a move. Rather, you can choose from several kinds of moving services and options. When it comes to long distance moving, you can hire a national van line, or a long distance moving company located in your area. For shorter distances, you can also hire local movers by the hour or a full service moving company. There are also options where you rent a PODs container, a moving van or a U-Haul. Depending on your budget, moving experience and the scope of the job, one may be preferable to the other.
READ REVIEWS!
While reviews are not always the end all be all of hiring a moving company, reviews can be helpful to understand the legitimacy of the company. There are always going to be people who are unsatisfied with their move. And, it’s not uncommon for certain companies to pay or ask customers to change their reviews. That being said, moving reviews can help verify if the company is legitimate, reliable and if they have been in operation for some time.
A GOOD MOVNG COMPANY SHOULD HAVE EXPERIENCE!
Some moving companies may have better marketing teams and online presences than others. However, the most important thing to look for is experience and professionalism. From the initial quote, to the estimate, you can tell if a moving company is professional and good at what they do. You should ask how long the company has been in business for to get a sense of how much moving experience they have.
ASK FRIENDS & FAMILY
Sometimes, the internet is not the best place for answers. You may trust people you know personally more. Ask your neighbors if they have any recommendations for a moving company! Asking around for personal experiences can help you vet the moving company.
BE HONEST TO THE ESTIMATOR
Moving estimates are done over the phone or in person. However, in order to receive the best estimate, you will need to be honest about your moving situation. Try to give as much information as possible. If you are on a strict moving budget, you will want to get an honest estimate of the total cost of your move. See if you can get a walk-through estimate to make sure you are getting told the right price.
ASK ABOUT ANY POTENTIAL FEES & EXTRA CHARGES
You should always be aware that moving companies may have some extra fees depending on the details and difficulties of the moving job. Ask if the company charges extra for certain special items or for other aspects of the move (not finding a parking spot in the area or having to walk multiple flights of stairs).
Some moving companies will charge for extra stops, extra fuel charges and additional environmental costs. Sometimes, moving companies may miscalculate the cost of the move, so be sure to understand how they have calculated their estimate. Other potential charges include extra long carry charges (essentially long distance charges) and extra fees for using a larger truck in case of a big move. Another thing to consider is that moving companies may charge for double drive time, as in, customers may be responsible for all the miles traveled on the truck, a.k.a the journey there AND back.
Moving companies may also charge extra for disposing of belongings that you do not want, as well as for additional add-on services like packing, unpacking and furniture assembly (and disassembly).
GET MULTIPLE MOVING QUOTES
You don’t have to go with the first moving quote you receive. Before you sign any documents, be sure to request several moving quotes from movers in your area. Every moving company charges their moving costs on different metrics. Try to gather a range in price point for your move.
ASK ABOUT MOVING INSURANCE POLICIES
Moving companies are required by federal law to insure your belongings. However, in general, this insurance coverage is only a basic liability coverage that comes out to around $.30 per pound of your moving volume. Moreover, this insurance coverage is only a requirement for interstate moves. While paying for additional moving insurance is totally optional, it is something to consider. See if you can ask for greater coverage if you want extra protection for your move.
GET A WALK-THROUGH ESTIMATE
In order to obtain a better and more reliable estimate, insist on a walk-through. During the walk-through, you can ask questions about how the moving company calculates the move and provide the movers with additional information about the scope of your job. These days, movers can do a virtual walk-through to save you time.
READY TO HIRE A GOOD MOVING COMPANY?
USA Preferred Movers is an expert moving company with over 40 years of experience. We operate all throughout the United States and specialize in local moves and long distance moving. We offer storage, corporate moving, packing services and more. Request a free quote today.