Finding the right company to help you with your move requires knowing your options. Here are factors to consider when choosing local movers.
Thanks to
historically low-interest rates, home sales skyrocketed in the past year. You may be one of the people who sold their home and bought their dream home. Or you took advantage of the low rates to buy your first home.
If this is the case, you’re on the move and need to consider a moving company. Selecting local movers at random won’t do. You have to find the movers who are right for you.
Read on to learn about the seven factors you need to consider when choosing local movers.
1. References and Reviews
You need to do your research. Read
online reviews of moving companies to determine which is right for you.
There are plenty of companies out there who want your business, but show less than adequate care with your valuable home items.
The last thing you want or need in a review is to hire movers, pay the fee, only to learn during the move they are careless or unprofessional.
Carelessness and damage can turn an already chaotic and stressful process into something far worse.
2. Track Record
It’s best to place your trust in a moving company that’s been a successful operation over a long period of time. Think about it in terms you might think about any other business you patronize.
While that new, hip restaurant may be packed with curious diners, you know you’re going to get great food and service at that steakhouse that’s been in business for 30 years.
These movers who built successful long-term business did so by offering efficient services at fair prices. Otherwise, they wouldn’t still be operating.
3. License and Insurance
Beware of pirate movers operating without license and insurance. Sure they have a truck. They have the staff to lift and carry your valuable items. They may offer a rate far lower than other companies.
Without license and insurance, however, you could end up with damaged possessions or damage to your new home. Worse yet, if one of the movers hurts themselves on the job, you could be liable.
Any moving company you hire must have the proper state licensing. If you’re using an interstate company, they must have the U.S. Department of Transportation licensing.
The American Moving and Storage Association provides an alphabetical list of
certified movers across the United States. You would be wise to reference this list when hiring movers.
4. Customer Service
When moving, you deserve respect. It’s the same with any other business, but especially in the moving business. Your possessions have value, and for the money, you’re paying, deserve care.
So does your new house. You don’t want your movers tracking mud on the carpet, scratching your hardwood floors, or gashing holes in your drywall.
Customer service is important. A business may be efficient or fairly priced, but if they do not go the extra mile to be friendly or careful, they aren’t worth your time and money.
5. Transparent Fees
Whether it is a short-distance move or a move across the country, any moving company will provide you with an estimate based upon the number of hours and number of movers.
You know what people say about the best-laid plans. You may need
additional packing materials, or have heavy items that weren’t accounted for in the initial estimate. The move might take longer than you thought.
In this case, you will be charged fees in addition to the agreed-upon base price. When you consider local movers, comparing moving fees is important.
You don’t want a higher bill at the end that busts your
moving budget.
6. Price
Is cheaper always better? That depends on your budget. While in many cases, price equals quality, that doesn’t always follow when it comes to moving.
When considering what moving company is right for you, you need to make some price comparison to get the most for your money.
Like any other business, moving is competitive, and there are plenty of companies vying for your patronage. These companies sometimes offer lower rates to get an edge over their counterparts.
What you need to do is cross-reference reviews with prices. Try to find the lowest price that has the best reviews. Make your budget work for you when hiring movers, and that means not paying high rates.
7. Meet Your Needs
There are all kinds of variables that come along with moving, like
moving with pets or moving with families. You may have a short-distance move across town or
a long-distance move across the state.
You may be moving from a studio apartment to a two-bedroom apartment with your significant other, or you may be moving from a modest family home to a larger suburban dream house.
When considering movers, you need to think about your particular needs. Do they have trucks big enough to transport your large items? Do they carry extra packing materials in case you need them? Are they available to work within your timeframe?
Remember, shopping for movers is not only about price or efficiency. You need to find a company willing and able to handle everything in your home.
The Best Local Movers
Moving into a new apartment or home can be a joyous transition for you and your family. Yet, the act of moving can be stressful. A good moving company goes a long way to help mitigate that stress.
To find the best local movers, make sure you do your research. Compare prices and fees, read reviews, and ask your friends and loved ones for recommendations.
Make sure any company you hire has the ability to meet your particular needs to help make the big day less anxious.
We’re here to help guide you through your move. Check out our
moving services and contact us for a free quote.
