How to Choose a Moving Company - Steps to Take When Hiring Professional Movers
Relocating takes a lot of effort, planning,
and organizing. Besides thinking about the location you want to start your new
life in, job opportunities, and other major questions, knowing how to choose a moving company is high
on the list of priorities, as well. To do that, be prepared to spend more than
a day doing thorough research.
Most of us have relocated at least once in our lifetime, and statistics say that an average American moves 11.7 times throughout their life. Approximately 45 million Americans move each year, and the favorite seasons to do it are spring and summer. This is one of the biggest changes you can put yourself through, so keep in mind that it’s easier to pull it off with a helping hand.
Thinking about how to find a good moving
company may seem overwhelming when you already have so much to do before the
relocating day comes. But take into consideration that there are some rules you
need to follow that will help you make a good pick and avoid any additional
stress. None of us would like to be scammed or have our belongings transported
into the new home damaged. That’s why finding reliable professionals is a
crucial factor in answering the question of how
to move efficiently.
How to Choose a Moving Company
and What Are the First Steps You Should Take?
You have already chosen the place you want to
call your new home and prepared a new
apartment checklist, or you’ve landed your dream job. And that was
the easy part. Getting all of your household belongings from the old address to
the new one is not a small task, and organizing your move shouldn't be taken lightly, but that’s where reliable companies step in.
Leaving it all to professionals does come at a price, but it will relieve you
of all the stress and effort that come with making a packing
list and renting a truck, not to mention driving all by yourself. If
you have kids and want to move to the best neighborhoods in Seattle for families, or
you’re relocating with pets, you will want to avoid
any additional hassle as much as possible. But the first thing you’ll have to
do is decide on the services you will use - are you relocating locally or out
of state?
Choose the Type of Professional
Services
Is your move local? For example, are you from
one of the neighborhoods on the outskirts and want to try living in downtown Seattle? Or are you making
a complete change of your surroundings by relocating your whole household from
another overpriced city to affordable Seattle suburbs? Whether you’re
planning an office move or leaving your parents’ home to start your
independence in the best suburbs of Seattle, you should figure out what type of services will suit you best.
Read the Reviews and Get
Referrals
When you look online for reliable and
reputable movers, one of the relocating hacks that you should keep in mind
is to look at the reviews and the overall customer experience. If you can get referrals from friends and family, as
well as colleagues, or perhaps even your real estate agent, compare them
with what you find online, and choose several professional movers that you find
appealing. You can use an app to compare moving companies and decide. Apps like
Mod24 can bring to the industry an opportunity for
better communication between yourself as a customer and professional relocating
crews, as well as the option of online tracking of your goods.
Avoid Companies That Don’t Offer
In-Person or Virtual Estimates
When you contact movers that made it to your
list, make sure that they either offer
in-person estimates or virtual ones. Before giving you a quote, the
estimator should discuss with you what items you’re planning to move and which
ones will you dispose of or leave behind. This is important to remember when
considering how to find a moving company. They should also look at all the
cabinets and closets, garage, and attic. An estimate is based on the weight of
your belongings, as well as the space they will occupy in the transport
vehicle. Getting a quote over the phone should also be taken with a grain of
salt, as no estimator can really tell you the price without seeing your stuff.
Get at Least Three Different
Quotes
One of the important tips to follow is that you should avoid deciding right after
getting only one estimate. Ask for at least three different quotes from
different providers before you make your decision. Also, keep in mind that an
estimate that is much lower than the others can possibly be a scam.
What Are the Red Flags?
How do I choose a reputable moving company and avoid being scammed? Relocating industry challenges and issues are many, and scammers are one of them. There are several factors that will show you it’s better to find some other professionals:
●
Movers that ask for a large
deposit or paying upfront will most likely either disappear with your money or
hold your belongings until you pay additional fees that you have never agreed
on.
●
Look at their website information
and see if their physical address is listed. If they are local, you can even
drive by and check out their offices.
●
If you’re looking at companies
online that don’t have a long history of doing business, it may be that they
have changed names due to negative reviews.
●
Check the U.S. Department
of Transportation Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and
find if they have a USDOT number. It should be listed on the website of the
business. If you’re hiring movers for a local move, search for information on
them through your local Consumer Affairs Agency.
●
If the relocating crew arrives in
a rented van or a truck, that’s clearly a warning sign. Reliable companies will
have their own equipment and their business logo on the sides of the trucks and
vans.
● You shouldn’t under any circumstances sign a blank contract. Read thoroughly before giving your signature and double-check the inventory list to see if there’s any piece of your belongings missing.
If any of these signs appear, move on to the next choice in movers to avoid being ripped off and to avoid any unnecessary stress.
What Are the Additional Services
That Licensed Movers Offer?
When planning on relocating, there are many
things to consider besides transporting your goods from one place to another.
If you require packing supplies, along with packing services, you’ll be happy
to head that many companies offer it. You
may also require options for a storage service, whether you need your items
to be stored for a short term or a longer period. For any items that require
specialized skills and equipment, like pianos, some professionals are trained
to handle them. One of the most important additional services is auto-shipping,
which comes in several types.
Popular Service Includes the
Door-to-Door Shipping of Cars
When you decide to use car shipping, you can
choose between several different options. Your vehicle can be transported in an
open or enclosed trailer, depending on your budget and your needs (enclosed
trailers are usually used for expensive show cars and the like). You can leave
your vehicle at a designated terminal, and pick it up at one closer to your new
address. The most popular option, however, is to have your car picked up from your doorstep and delivered directly to
your new home.
And if I Need a Storage Service?
What questions should I ask a moving company?
These questions may depend on your needs, and not so much on relocating industry statistics and trends. For
instance, the storage service is
available with many relocating companies. When relocating, you may have
trouble planning what to do with large pieces of furniture, seasonal clothing,
and other items. This is where using storage may come in handy. You may even
require a whole unit, and for a longer period - just be ready to add the cost
to your budget.
How Much Money Should You Save
for a Move?
How much does it usually cost to hire a moving
company? While you were searching for the safest neighborhoods in Seattle, you have
probably already calculated the estimate in your budget, but if you plan to use
any additional service that is offered, it will add to the price. If you’re not
trying to figure out how to save money to move and don’t want to
pack everything by yourself or you don’t
have enough time to go hunting for packing supplies, contact your movers.
Ask them if they have their own boxes and other stuff you will need to pack up
everything. An additional service, like auto-transport, may vary with prices
based on the type of service you have chosen. Enclosed trailers and
door-to-door service are more expensive than alternatives.
What About My Home Appliances -
Will the Hired Professionals Move Them? How Secure Will They Be?
Your kitchen appliances are among those items
the hired professionals will pack and move. Just prepare them thoroughly,
disinfect them, remove any water, and make sure the cables are secured. If you
are worried about any damage to these items during transport, remember that relocating
businesses offer Mandatory Liability
coverage, which is 60 cents per pound of damaged goods. If you want to feel
safer, you can purchase third-party Full Value Replacement insurance for
everything that the hired packers have packed and loaded for transport. With
this type of insurance, if your claim is accepted, professional movers will
have to either pay for repairs or replace the item with one of equal value.
What Is the Best Moving Company
for a Long-Distance or Local Move?
After following our guide and the information
that we have provided, it will be easier to decide among professional
relocating services and consider how to
select a moving company. The best ones will be those that offer options
that are tailored to your needs, whether you require additional services or
specialized packing. Use an app for moving to compare your choices and make a
decision. A moving
app is a great solution to do everything online, from hiring
professionals to tracking your belongings. And those are only several among
other Mod24
features you have at your disposal. We’ll help you decide, because
after all, by making a good choice, you will ensure a stress-free experience.
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