Moving is stressful, especially when you’re doing it for the first time. There are many things to consider: new jobs, new city, new friends… the list goes on. But one of the most important things you need to think about before you even start packing is who you’re going to hire to move your belongings.
Moving companies exist to spare you the hassle of packing up all your stuff and safely transporting it to a new location. But who you hire will either make or break your move.
If you’re planning on hiring the best moving companies in the near future, keep reading for some helpful tips on picking the right company.
1. Check the Company’s Reputation
Before handing over your credit card information and committing to a moving company, look into their reputation. You want to hire a moving company that has experience in moving people and their property safely and in a timely manner.
You can usually find plenty of reviews from previous customers online, so definitely read through a few of those and see what you can find out. You can also ask around and see if any of your friends or family members have ever hired movers before. Ask them if they’d recommend the company and why.
2. Estimate and Contract Details
Before signing a contract with your moving company, it’s important to read their estimate thoroughly.
If a company offers you a flat rate moving price, it’s important to note that this is an estimate-it might not be the final amount you’ll have to pay. If you hire a company that charges by the hour, their estimate will be much more specific.
Whatever you do, don’t just accept the first estimate you’re given. Compare a few quotes from other moving companies to get a better idea of different price points, and then choose the company that offers you the best deal for your budget.
Also, before you sign any contracts, make sure you read through everything. Do not sign anything until you fully understand all the terms and conditions. Make sure that the contract you sign has all the information you need-like the date of your move, the length of the contract, the exact amount of your payment (and when it’s due), the cancellation policy, etc.
3. Liability Protection and Insurance
Before hiring a moving company, make sure that they’re insured. This is crucial if something were to happen to your belongings while they’re in transit.
If a company’s workers are insured, they’re covered financially if they accidentally break something or lose it while it’s in their care. This also means they’re covered if they sustain an injury while working.
You can usually ask about this when you make a moving company’s estimate request. If the company is insured and has liability protection, you’ll be in a much better position if something goes wrong during your move.
4. Moving Services and Equipment
Another thing to look for when choosing among the best moving companies is the quality of their moving services and their equipment. You don’t want to hire a company that shows up to your apartment or house with a few cardboard boxes and a couple of bubble wrap blankets.
What kind of trucks do they use for their moves? Do they have ramps for loading and unloading your belongings? How many movers will be helping you on moving day? Do they have the necessary equipment to pack and transport your belongings safely? How long have they been in business?
You can usually find this information in the fine print of a moving company’s estimate.
5. Transparency and Zero Hidden Fees
Hidden fees can come up in a few different ways during the moving process. The first type of hidden fee is extra charges for your belongings. If you have delicate items that need to be carefully packed, for example, or furniture that needs to be disassembled or reassembled, your movers may charge you extra for these services.
Another type of hidden fee is a change in terms of your contract. For example, if you’re hiring a moving company that charges per hour, but you sign a contract to hire the company for a certain amount, the terms of the contract could change if the movers exceed the amount of time specified in the contract.
Reading through the contract, as suggested earlier, can help you avoid hidden fees.
In Conclusion
Moving is a challenge, but it can be easier when you choose the right company to help you. The best moving companies will do more than just give you an estimate – they’ll go over and beyond to ease the stress involved with moving by taking care of details like packing, loading trucks, and unloading them into your new house.
So, when hiring a moving company, it’s important to check their reputation, read their contracts carefully, make sure they’re insured, use employees with clean backgrounds, and have the right equipment to move your stuff.
This will help you have a moving experience that is easy, efficient, and affordable so you can spend more time focusing on other things in your life.
