4 Tips For Hiring A Good Moving Company
Author: Aaron Source: Aaron 2017-09-15
You've landed a new job in a new state, you're moving across town to be closer to family, or perhaps you're expanding your family and need to move into a bigger home. Whatever your case may be, you're ready to pack up and move out, but you realize the job might be too big to handle on your own. Your first reaction is to grab your computer or phone and type "moving companies" into your search engine. Simple enough until you're bombarded with a never-ending list of contenders to choose from. Choosing a moving company should not be done blindly. If you don't do your research when hiring movers to help with your relocation, it can end up costing you much more than anticipated. That's why we're offering 4 tips for hiring reputable, trusted movers for the job.
1. Types of Moving Services Provided and Extra Fees
As you begin your journey to find a mover, it's important to really think about what your move involves and whether a moving company provides the services that meet your specific needs. Do they have experience moving specialty items like pianos or antiques? If you need help with packing your belongings, do their services include packing services or does it cost extra? If you don't need help packing but need moving supplies like boxes and padding, are those offered by the movers? Does the mover provide storage services for those items you need to set aside during your relocation? Do they perform office relocations or international moves? Be sure to ask yourself these questions when you're on the quest to find a moving company. Beware of hidden fees that may sneak up on you. Doing your research and asking the movers questions about what services are included and what additional fees might be applied will go a long way in saving you money.
2. Reputable Movers Offer Free In-Home Estimates
A key indicator when trying to figure out how to find a good moving company is whether or not they provide a free estimate. A quick online quote or an estimate given over the phone is a good starting point, but a reputable moving company will offer a more accurate quote via a video or in-home estimate. Avoid the shock of a drastic increase in your bill that's far different from the initial online quote you received. Hiring movers that provide in-home estimates will give them an opportunity for a thorough walkthrough where you can show them exactly what needs to be moved. A video or in-home estimate also gives you a chance to discuss any challenges, like flights of stairs for apartment moves or large furniture and fixtures, that might generate additional charges.
3. Read Online Reviews from Real Customers
Finding out information about the mover from their website will give you an idea of who you're dealing with, but the true assessment comes from the reviews of real customers. Reading customer reviews of people who have had experience with the moving company you are considering will give you a great deal of insight as to how the movers conduct their business. Contacting the movers directly and asking for customer references can also give you a better idea when hiring a moving company.
4. Years of Experience and Community Involvement
The amount of experience in the moving and storage industry that the company has will speak to the quality of the services they provide. When hiring movers, you need to choose one that you can trust with your valuable belongings. A decade or more in the business with a respectable track record will be the difference in whether you have a successful move. A moving company that is also involved in the community of their city is also important. Community involvement shows they care about the people they serve, and it shows their familiarity with the area.