Are you relocating for a job? Finding a mover that’s reliable can seem like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be if you follow these tips.
Relocating for work is stressful enough on its own. You not only have the workplace aspects to get used to (new office, new boss, new colleagues) you have the personal task of moving your life somewhere else.
Finding a mover to help with the relocation shouldn’t be one of the things adding to your already hefty plateful.
Here are 10 tips to make finding a mover a much simpler process for you when you’re looking to relocate.
1: Don’t Just Google
When you’re trying to find a mover, you might be tempted to simply Google movers in your area, click on the first result and go with that.
Don’t. Give it some thought. Do your research.
You are trusting this company with your belongings. They are moving you and your life somewhere. Check out more than one option.
Spend an afternoon looking through the websites of the best movers around. Read about their services. Read any testimonials. Then ask around.
This way, you’ll end up finding a reputed, trustworthy, good value moving company that will make things smooth and easy on moving day.
2: Inventory
The best moving companies will offer an inventory service. This is a deal breaker when it comes to finding a mover. It proves they will do an efficient job and take care of what you own.
The company should offer this service and take into account all of your belongings in every area of your home.
This will also help to determine the price. Movers usually quote based on how much you need moving. Doing this proves that they are thorough and can account for everything when you arrive in the new place.
3: Avoid Hefty Deposits
A good moving company will not ask for a large upfront fee. After all, they’ve not actually done the job yet.
If a deposit is required, it should only be a small percentage. The rest should be paid once they have conducted the move. Avoid companies asking for money upfront when finding a mover.
4: Go with a Licensed Mover
If you’re moving out of state, find a mover who has a US DOT number. This is a unique license reference that they will have been awarded by the United States Department of Transportation.
You can check that the license is valid online. Ask for the US DOT upfront.
If you’re remaining in the same state, ask for their state license number.
Also, check for accreditation from the BBB, AMSA, and ProMover.
5: Are the Movers Insured?
While you’re at it, check they’re insured. This can be done on the same website you check the moving company’s license.
Not only is insurance important if there’s an incident, but it protects you and your goods as well.
You might want to take out moving insurance too to be extra careful.
6: Do the Movers Have an Impressive Website?
This may sound a little materialistic, but the presentation is important when it comes to working with someone.
You wouldn’t hand a scruffy, coffee-stained resume over at a job interview. The movers’ website is their version of a resume.
If its a thorough, well-designed, concise site that has had time and love put into it, it’s likely they put the same effort into their moving service.
7: What are the Company’s Vehicles Like?
Again, it’s a little vain, but it’s important.
You’re going to be piling your valuable and beloved belongings into these vans or trucks, so you want to make sure they are safe, sturdy, reliable and clean.
Don’t be afraid to ask to take a look inside one of the company’s vehicles when considering hiring them. They should, after all, be proud of these assets.
8: How Long has the Company Been Trading?
There’s nothing to say you shouldn’t give young businesses a chance. But a new company should be able to prove they are good at what they do before you hire them.
A company that has been in business for a while is often more encouraging as they have more experience. But older companies could have lost their zest for the job. You just never know.
Do your research on the company’s longevity. Are they young and green or new and enthusiastic? Are they old hat and tired or established and experienced?
9: What Does the Moving Service Include?
Go through everything that a potential mover will include in their service. This includes the inventory mentioned earlier. But also, ask about how they will physically move your goods. How will they protect your items?
Will the crew wrap or box up your items? How do they protect your large furnishings? What about the fabrics you may be moving, including clothing? What amount of team members will be assigned to the job?
10: Don’t Accept a Blank Contract
If you are asked to sign a blank contract, then alarm bells should ring.
There is absolutely no reason that a moving company shouldn’t put every aspect and element of the job in ink before you sign on the dotted line.
Make sure that the fees and the dates are all laid out in the paperwork and only sign this if you’re 100% happy with the agreement.
And don’t sign any inventory lists unless you have gone over them with a fine tooth comb.
Finding a Mover you can Trust
If you’re looking to move with a trustworthy company and don’t want to be worried about surprise fees, look no further.
We are flat rate movers that are upfront with our prices. We provide you a quote based on the inventory that you have and extrapolate the number of hours and resources this would require.
This equals zero hidden nasty shocks when you get your bill at the end of the move. Because you don’t need that when you’ve relocated.
This ensures no hidden fees and unpleasant surprises.
What’s more, we offer free quotes! So whether its moving, packing or storage you require help with, get in touch with us so we can get you that quote and help you in the next chapter of your journey.
