Moving can be a stressful experience. Making the decision to hire a professional moving company to alleviate this stress can make the business much easier. However, this decision comes with its own set of potential obstacles. How to choose the right moving company? How can you be sure that your belongings will be properly taken care of? Is the quote you received fair or are you paying too much?
To help you answer these questions, we’ve put together this guide to choosing a moving company and , hopefully, how to make the relocation process simple and seamless.
This is perhaps the most important tip in the entire guide. Doing research before choosing a moving company is key to having a good experience. Start with local moving companies. Check the physical address and Department of Transportation number. Having a physical address is important because it means the business you are looking for has a location rather than just operating online through a website.
All licensed and insured movers must be registered with the Department of Transportation for interstate moves (and, depending on the state, for local moves as well). You should be able to easily find their DOT number and cross-reference it with the DOT database. Also, remember to check if the moving company you are lookng for is an American Moving and Storage Association Verified ProMover.
Be sure to check out the review sites of the moving companies you are considering. All businesses are sure to receive negative reviews on Yelp, Google, Facebook, and the Better Business Bureau. It is simply unavoidable. Complaints on the BBB are another story and reviews that mention receiving a quote and paying a much higher price on moving day should be taken as important red flags.
Ask how they charge
Each moving company charges for your move slightly differently. Some will only charge you after the delivery of your belongings, others a few days before the move. Beware of any company that asks you for a large sum of money in advance to book your moving day. This is a major red flag.
Most reputable companies ask for full or partial payment up to 48 hours before moving day . Any company that requires payment longer in advance should be treated with caution or not treated at all.
Another good question to ask is whether the moving company bases its quotes on an hourly rate or on inventory. For local moves it could be one or the other, but for long distance moves it is almost certain that the quote will be based on the weight or volume of your items. We have an entire article dedicated to this topic and the differences between each method here.
Local or long distance moving
The challenges of a local move and a long-distance (or even international) move require very different resources and knowledge from the perspective of the moving company. If you find yourself moving hundreds or even thousands of miles, whether across the country or to a new country, make sure the moving company you are considering has experience in this type of move.
Storage also falls into this category. It is common for people to need to store their items between two leases. If you need short or long term storage as part of your Brussels move , it is important to ask if the removal company has their own storage facility or if they use a third party. While there is nothing wrong with a moving company partnering with a third party to provide storage service, as a customer you are agreeing to work with another company for storage. of your articles, which requires further research.
Specialty items
Some items require special care when handling and moving them. Pianos are perhaps the first of these specialty items. Whether it’s a small upright piano, a grand piano or a grand piano, pianos require a great deal of experience and often special equipment and additional team members to be moved safely. security. Ask your moving company if they have a special team for moving pianos and ask them if possible.
Pool tables, artwork, and antiques are other things that can make the decision to choose a moving company easier. Be sure to ask how the company plans to wrap and protect art or antiques. In general, custom crates are the best method to ensure your items get from point A to point B safely.
For more tips on how to pack and move difficult items such as furniture or breakables, check out the infographic below!
Infographic provided by iHaul iMove, Colorado Springs apartment movers
A move can and should be an exciting experience and an opportunity to make a fresh start in a new home. Choose the right moving company to transport your belongings from one place to another safely. So you can focus on making your new house or apartment a place you’ll be proud to call home. Thanks for reading !
