How to Hire A Professional Moving Company?

Numerous people move from one home to another every year within the US – but not every move is smooth. The process requires several things to do on the actual day, including informing utilities, changing addresses, packing and transporting. Of course, hiring a quality moving company is essential.

But even the smoothest of moves aren’t immune to shoddy practices or scams. Therefore, you should at least know how to hire a professional moving company so you can effortlessly shift into your new home. Without further delay, here are some helpful tips.

Get a quote

Most moving companies quote their prices based on the number of your items and how much space they will occupy in the truck. Perhaps, a company may visit you to give you a precise estimate. When they do, show them every storage place, every closet, and every room. Even the garage, shed, attic, drawers, and cupboards. This way, the moving company will be able to assess how much stuff they need to transport. If you miss out on some things, get ready for surprises in the future – yep, the price quote may go up. Suppose your moving team arrives and there’s more furniture to pick up. In that case, your movers will obviously charge more than the original price.

Choose a licensed company

Ensure that the company you’re hiring is insured and licensed to handle all aspects of your move – this is very important. If they haven’t worked out their legalities, skipping them would be your best bet. Remember, whatever company you choose, the US Department of Transportation should license them. Just Google the moving company’s license number (USDOT number) and see if they have any complaint history. Are you still confused about finding a licensed organization? Learn more on this site! Also, check if the company provides insurance against any damage it does to your stuff. You don’t want your fragile cookware and decoratives breaking in the process and then not receiving compensation for it.

Compare your needs

Get at least five bids. Then, analyze them and cherry-pick the best for your specific moving situation. Everybody has different needs, so your final decision should always take them into account.

If you’re not packing heavy, oversized items, don’t worry about the type of equipment the company uses to lift bulkier goods. Or the type of truck in which they’ll be moving your stuff. However, if you have a grand piano, hot tub, or pool table, you’ll have to ensure the company can load and move such things safely.

Compare your bids too

Remember, don’t base your decisions entirely on money. Don’t choose companies that offer shockingly low or high prices. If you like a company, but their quote prices seem high, give them a call. Find out why they’re charging so high and if there’s any chance of a discount. Don’t shy away from asking questions. The more details you unearth, the better the whole process.

Perhaps, the company is offering a higher quote because they’ll be renting equipment as they don’t have it on hand. Perhaps, the company is traveling farther to come to you, which is why they’re charging high. Maybe, the company is offering a lower quote because they’re running promotions or discounts – there are many possibilities. Question their pricing, talk to them in detail, and you might be able to get a better, fairer price.

Consider restrictions

Ensure the movers know about any moving guidelines or restrictions. For example, if you’re moving into an apartment, let them know when the elevator is available for moving your boxes and how much load it can carry. If they can’t park during certain times in certain areas, let them know. By informing the movers of possible restrictions, you’ll make the whole process easier for yourself and them.

Create an inventory list

Heck, it’s a cumbersome task but mandatory. Creating a list will not just help you keep track of your belongings, it will also help you get an accurate estimate of the entire process. Take inventory of every belonging that you’re moving from point A to B. you can use apps to simplify this process. Once you have created this list, you’ll be able to plan the move along with your company better. You’ll also ensure that nothing gets lost in the process.

While letting the movers know what belongings will be moved is paramount, letting them know what belongings shouldn’t be moved is equally essential. If you have items that you’ll sell or donate or leave behind for new homeowners, there’s no point in paying for them.

Research and review

While you’re on the hunt for finding the best moving company, always check their website. If you like it, research more. Go through their LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and other social media channels. Also, read their Google reviews too for extra insight into the company’s reputation.

While you’re reading customer reviews, look out for some red flags. If multiple customers report at least one of the following, consider another company:

• An organization holding their belongings hostage for additional money
• Unexpected delays
• Hidden or last-minute charges
• Damage

Conclusion

Choosing the right moving company makes your transition into your new home a stress-free, straightforward process. So, instead of randomly calling a moving company and getting things done in a hurry, take your time to do the research and then select a mover you can count on. Evaluate companies by reading online reviews. Maintain a list of your belongings to assess your needs and ensure safety. Get quotes from multiple companies and compare prices to get the best deal. Last but not least, always opt for a licensed service provider.