Moving out of your old house might provide you with the fresh start you have always dreamt of. Whether you need to relocate for work or simply because you have bought a better house, moving out is definitely a stressful process; there are many details to take care of. Not only do you have to make sure that you are not leaving any important items behind, but you also have to worry about packing and ensuring that your furniture arrives at your new home in tip-top condition. Most people hire professional movers to help them out, but how can you make sure you pick the right company? This is what you will find out if you keep on reading.
Ask for Referrals
We bet that there are dozens of moving companies in your area. Of course, this makes picking one a tad bit more challenging than it has to be. Luckily, you can employ an easy method to make sure that you are choosing a professional service. To put your mind at ease, ask your friends, neighbors, and relatives for referrals. Even if they have not tried the company themselves, they might know someone who dealt with it in the past and was satisfied with the service they got. So, ask around and see what you might find. If you have already tried this with no success, you can move on to the next tips.
Read Reviews
If you are in a crunch and cannot waste time asking for referrals, you can always resort to the internet. Fortunately, people are now pretty vocal about their customer experience, so you will be able to find thousands of reviews that will help you make up your mind. First, create a shortlist of all the movers in your area, and then go to websites like Yelp to filter them out. However, be careful not to be fooled by fake reviews, as some employees like to leave their own companies’ stellar reviews to up their rating. Usually, if a review looks too good to be true, then it probably is.
Look for Licensed and Insured Movers
The movers you will hire are going to handle your precious possessions, including that antique vase that belonged to your great grandmother! This is why you need to make sure that the company you choose is licensed and insured, whether you’re moving to New Jersey, California, or anywhere else in the US. In fact, as these movers explain, if your furniture or other expensive belongings get damaged during the process, you will get reimbursed if the company is insured. Therefore, the company will be responsible for fixing the damaged items, replacing them, or paying you their market cost. If you are moving states, you also need to ask for the company’s DOT number issued by the Department of Transportation Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
Find a Good Rate
Your budget plays a big role in helping you decide which company to choose. In general, moving services can cost anywhere between $700 and $2000. A few considerations can also affect the price you will get, including your items’ weight and how far the location you are moving to is. To get the best price, consider asking three companies for their average rate. This way, you can guarantee that you are getting more bang for your buck. You can also ask the moving companies for moving quotes to get an idea of which ones will provide the best value.
Learn How to Spot Red Flags
Unfortunately, there are many shady companies out there, so there is a big chance you might end up stumbling upon one in your search. Yet, it is actually quite easy to discern which companies are dubious if you learn to spot some red flags. If the movers ask you to pay money in advance, the company they are working for is 100% a sham! Professional companies do not charge their clients in advance. Also, keep an eye out for the equipment the movers come with. Shady companies usually rent vans instead of buying their own. To ensure your rights, sign a contract that includes all the service costs and fees and a list of all the items the company will be handling.
Moving to a new house can be an exciting yet scary experience. However, if you take the time to plan, you can make sure that everything will go without a hitch. When on the hunt for a moving company, you can ask for referrals, check reviews, and compare prices to get the best deal. Don’t forget to check the company’s license and other credentials, too. After all, it’s always better to be safe than sorry!
