You’re moving and one of the most significant decisions that you will have to make is whether or not you should hire a mover or do it all by yourself. As much as you might be tempted to DIY, there are still numerous benefits to hiring movers.
As you start your process of searching for one, here are tips to guide and help you choose the best:
- Ask about the cost of your move
A trustworthy moving company should be able to provide you with a well-defined estimate of your move. After your first call, the movers should immediately set an appointment with you to come and visit your home. During this first visit, the mover shall make a moving inventory of all the items that you intend to transport. Hence, this is where the mover can make a clear-cut estimate of the cost of the move.
Never trust a mover that gives you estimates over the phone without even taking the time to make an inventory of your belongings first. Chances are, you will be surprised with hidden costs and charges, and additional payments that must be done during the move itself.
To give yourself a higher chance of getting the best quote, do compare estimates between two to three movers.
- Ask about the number of years that the mover has been in business
There is no substitute for experience. If you want to make sure that you have the best and the most reputable movers, ask about the number of years that the mover has been in business. When the mover has stayed steady for many years despite the presence of competition, this is usually a positive telltale sign that, yes, they do deliver, and they are excellent in the craft that they do.
An experienced mover can relieve you of so much stress, and can also expedite the process of moving for you.
- Ask for recommendations
One of the best ways for you to get a hold of a reputable mover is also through asking for recommendations. It is here that you should also learn the value of reading through the customers’ review and feedback section of the mover’s website or social media page.
There are numerous individuals for you to ask recommendations from, some of which include:
- Family and friends who have previously moved
- Colleagues who may know moving companies and can attest to the same
- Double check the credentials of the moving company
Operating as a mover is not just any other small-sized business, as it is one that is based on trust and confidence. Before placing your move at the mercy of just some company, double check their credentials first.
Remember to ask about the following:
- The proper licenses and permits to hold business in their locality
- The insurance companies that they are associated with
- The movers’ associations to which they are accredited, like the American Moving and Storage Association, for example
- If the company has won an award or any certificate of recognition for excellence
A reputable mover should make the extra effort to have any of the requirements mentioned above. Without even a single one of these, you should think of the company as a shady one.
- Ask about the services that are included in their price quotation
Apart from merely asking about the price, ask about the following:
- Are packing and wrapping furniture and other special items included?
- Is the charge for a house of multiple floors and steep stairways included?
- Is the extra care for delicate items that you might want to transport a part of the quotation?
Troubles in moving arise when you expect a mover to do a particular task. It is best to lay your cards down immediately on the table to be a hundred percent sure that everything is crystal clear before signing a contract.
Choosing a mover shouldn’t be a decision that you will make carelessly. The reputation of a mover is not something that you should quickly take for granted. Remember, not all of moving companies are there to deliver; many scams might want to take your belongings or trick you out of your cash.
Avoid these additional stresses by keeping these tips in mind knowing that your precious belongings are in the hands of a reputable company.
