Moving is a huge undertaking that can often be stressful, especially if you are relocating without the help of a moving company. There’s a lot involved in moving, and that’s why most people opt for full-service professional movers to manage and transport their possessions.
Professional moving companies can simplify and ease the transition from your current to the new home. Also, they provide services such as packing, disassembly, unpacking, reassembly as well as storage. There is no one blueprint for hiring moving companies, but educating yourself can help you save money, time and avoid a relocation catastrophe.
Here, we are going to give you a few tips to ensure you hire the right movers:
Know What Services You Require
The kind of move, distance, and size will determine which mover is ideal for you. Keep in mind that the more services and time you need, the more money the move will cost; but there are several benefits of full service movers. You’ll need to decide if you want just a few additional hands to help you or whether you need a full service mover that packs all your belongings transports them, and unpacks them.
Check With References
When considering to hire full service movers, a smart move is to ask your close friends, loved ones, or a real estate agent for recommendations. If you know someone who has recently moved with the help of a mover, contact them and inquire about their relocation experience. If they had a great experience, then you can consider using the same movers.
Conduct A Background Check
Websites such as Yelp are excellent resources, but it is usually challenging to know which horror stories are real and those where it’s just someone with a chip on their shoulder. As such, you will want to get more precise information from the American Moving & Storage Association, Better Business Bureau (BBB), or consumer advocacy websites like Moving Scam. Ideally, you’ll want to use some common sense. Beware of movers with no phone number, address, or ask for a deposit in advance.
Ensure You Get a Thorough Estimate
A reputable mover will take inventory of all your belongings to determine your move’s bulk and weight. This can be conducted in person or via a virtual survey. The person estimating should be detailed and precise, ensuring to check all your storage places like drawers, cupboards, closets, and garages.
Whether you’re relocating across the country or locally, a moving company’s estimated cost is primarily based on your belongings’ distance and weight. Ensure you comprehend this inventory estimate and that it’s thorough and complete.
Look for Red Flags
As with any business, not all movers are honest, and some are out there to trick the unknowing. It’s imperative to stay cautious when hiring movers, as the last thing you want is stolen or damaged items, as well as additional costs that were not initially mentioned on the estimate.
Some of the red flags to look out for are:
1. They’re not Insured or Licensed
The last thing you want is to entrust your belongings to a moving company that’s not licensed. Most regions require licensing, but some don’t for local, intrastate moving. Keep in mind that a movers license isn’t given out to just anyone. They have to meet certain conditions and requirements to acquire the license, and one of the most important is insurance. All genuine movers need to assume liability for the value of the items they transport.
2. Low Ball Estimates
The low-ball estimate is the most common relocation scam. This is simply a price quote that’s substantially lower than the rest. The price quote is usually too low that it appears too good to be true, which is often the case. Dishonest moving companies use this strategy to secure more moving contracts, and once they have your belongings in their possession, they increase the prices.
3. A Blank Moving Contract
You should never sign a blank contract. Ensure you have everything in writing, including the mover’s estimate and any additional fees. The pick-up and delivery dates should also be listed. Go through the contract and ensure all your possessions are listed. Remember that you cannot file a claim for an item that’s not on the inventory list.
Get Several Quotes & Compare
Settling for the first estimate you get is usually considered one of the biggest mistakes when moving. One of the smartest things you can do is get several estimates from different movers. Keep in mind that professional movers can differ significantly in regards to reliability, rates, and quality. This makes choosing the right bid a bit hard.
Remember to consider the mover’s reputation, any extra services, and also the final price. Making a mindful comparison of both moving companies and their quotes will help you settle for the right mover for your moving project as well as budget.
