Creating a Path for Efficient and Eco-Friendly Moving
If you’re moving to another home, apartment, or office space, you’ll be faced with the decision of whether to hire movers or move your belongings yourself. How do you know when you need movers and when it’s more cost-effective to move on your own?
This article will help break down the steps necessary to making the right choice so that you can settle into your new space in no time!
Why you need a moving company?
Picking a moving company is like choosing a contractor for your new house—no one wants problems down the road, but you want someone who will do good work and charge reasonable rates. Just as contractors can come with histories of lousy service or overcharging customers, many moving companies are little more than glorified truck rental operations. So how do you know if they’re right for you?
Start by taking these steps
1) Ask friends, family members, or coworkers for recommendations.
2) Check out reviews on Yelp and Google.
3) Search Google Maps for moving companies near me.
4) Contact three local companies that provide estimates over the phone or online (some may not be in your area).
🔎🔎The process of choosing a mover
Deciding on a mover is hard work. There are so many companies that offer services, and it’s impossible to be knowledgeable about every one of them. But you don’t have to be an expert in order to make an informed decision—just do your research and make sure that any company you hire offers high-quality service and is trustworthy.
Here are some tips for choosing a reputable moving company
1) Ask friends and family if they know of any good movers in the area.
2) Compare the cost of several different companies by checking their websites or contacting them directly.
3) Check reviews online to see what others say about their experience with the company.
4) Request an estimate from at least three different movers and compare quotes.
📄Start with the basics: Licensing & insurance
When searching for movers, check that they are licensed by your state’s Department of Transportation (or equivalent). While all movers should be covered by liability insurance, you should also ask about their other coverage and how long they’ve been in business.
It is not uncommon for shady companies to skip out on or fudge these details—it is your responsibility as a consumer to verify them. If the company isn't listed with the DOT or has an expired license, consider moving on. Next up: references: Call around to get feedback from people who have used the company before; this will give you a sense of what to expect when it comes time for pick-up day. You can also find reviews online via sites like Yelp!
📊📊Compare prices
If you want to save money on your move, check out moving estimates from different companies and compare their rates. It’s best to book as far in advance as possible—the sooner you know your date of departure, the more options you have for booking competitively. When comparing prices, keep in mind that most reputable movers charge by weight instead of by volume. And finally, don't forget to ask about customer satisfaction ratings!
🎯What else should you look for in a moving company?
A good mover should be upfront about fees and regulations for things like oversize items. Some states may limit what movers can charge, so call your state consumer protection agency before hiring a company to see if there are any regulations in place. No matter which moving company you choose, make sure they have valid liability insurance and worker’s compensation coverage. Keep in mind that some insurance companies will have their own requirements on acceptable amounts of coverage.
🎯Avoid scams by asking these questions before hiring movers
Do they have insurance? Check if your potential movers are insured and bonded. If they aren’t, consider hiring someone else—you don’t want your stuff being damaged or lost due to a lack of coverage. What happens if something goes wrong? Before you hire any moving company for an out-of-state move, be sure you ask what will happen if damage occurs during transport. Do they offer an inventory list?
🎯When looking for moving quotes, be sure to read this first!
There are hundreds of moving companies out there—and you want to make sure you’re picking one that fits your specific needs. Some offer cheaper deals while promising they’ll do whatever it takes (within reason) to get your items moved safely and in a timely manner. Others may charge more but will not pack or unpack for you, or only handle certain types of goods. And then there are those who won't even show up on the day of the move! So how do you find the right company?
