Finding the Right Moving Company for Your Needs

Moving to your new home has some challenges. You might feel stressed simply putting together your to-do list. Moving companies provide a key service and remove a lot of stress. How do you pick the right moving company? We have put together a list of things to do as you search for the right movers.

1. Inventory your home. The moving company will need to know how much you have in order to provide you with an accurate quote. A reputable, experienced moving company will be thorough in gathering the information about what they will move.
They should ask many questions to be sure they have a clear picture of what is involved. This not only includes how many rooms and the size of your home but specialty items as well. They should ask whether you’re bringing appliances or large, bulky, or awkwardly sized items such as pool tables or large pieces of artwork. These things will require special equipment and know-how, and a professional mover will want to come prepared.

They will also want information about the new home you are moving to. They will need to know about stairs or difficult entryways among other things. Take a few moments to gather that information before calling moving companies.

2. No upfront charges. A reputable mover will not ask you for money in advance. This includes making a deposit or paying in full prior to the moving day. Confirm the quote and that all charges are included, and only pay upon the successful delivery of your items.

3. A thorough walkthrough. This recommendation is valuable for everyone. If your mover performs a walkthrough, be sure they are thorough. If your mover shows up and quickly passes through your house then draws up your estimate, they are liable to take the same approach to the move itself.

4. Check references. Online reviews are a good place to start. Just be aware that some may be fake reviews. Look for any issues like surprise fees, broken items, and unreliable service. Ask your friends and family about moving companies they have used.

5. Service expertise. Each moving company has its own skill set and capabilities. It’s important that the one you hire meets your specific needs. Full-service movers will do more than just shift your things from point a to b. They’ll also take care of your packing and unpacking, and disassembling and reassembling your furniture.

If you have large or bulky items, find a mover that has specific knowledge and equipment for moving these items with care. These may be items like pianos, pool tables, swing sets, and more.

6. Avoid surprise fees. While hiring a mover may seem straightforward, there are some things to be aware of. By the time you confirm your quote, you should be sure that everything is included. Movers may charge by the amount of time and manpower necessary, but some factors come at an additional charge.

If you live in a two-story home or an apartment without elevator access, there may be an extra fee for the work that goes into navigating things like stairwells. If you’re living on a narrow street which makes it impossible for a moving truck to arrive at your door, this may also involve a surcharge. Your mover should ask about these situations upfront.

7. Understand insurance and valuation. Any reputable moving company must accept liability for the value of your belongings. As with any type of insurance, however, there are multiple levels of coverage. It’s important to be aware of what your mover offers, and how your things will be covered on the day of your move.

Full value protection is the most comprehensive coverage. If your item is lost or damaged, the mover is required to either repair the item to the original condition or replace it with an equivalent item. They may also have the option to fund the repairs or the purchase of a new item.

Alternative liability is a more economical option but is limited in its coverage. This liability is calculated based on the weight of the items, and the mover will assume liability for $0.60 per pound, per article. This means loss or damage claims are settled based on the weight rather than a specific value.

8. Sign a detailed contract. Before you commit and sign a contract, make sure all of the details are thoroughly covered and your contract takes everything into account. If you’ve discussed an aspect of your move with the moving company, make sure it’s included in the contract you sign. Ensure their fees are transparent, and that the contract has an itemized list of all that is included.