Hiring a moving company is not as easy as it seems. Especially nowadays, when there are so many of them. Sometimes you think you know everything about the moving process, but it is not necessarily the truth. Choosing a moving company that will answer all your demands and makes your move less stressful is a challenging task. What do you need to know before you decide to hire a moving company? To avoid surprises, follow some of our advice that will help you to find the best moving company for your upcoming relocation.
NOT EVERY MOVING COMPANY OFFERS THE SAME SERVICE
When you decide to move, the first thing you have to do is think about what kind of service you want from the moving company. There are different kinds of services in the moving industry, and not every moving company provides the same service. Here is the list of some services that you may need:
- Loading and unloading
- Furniture disassembling and reassembling
- Packing
- Storage
- Handling and transporting special items like pianos, pool tables, murphy beds, etc.
- Custom crating
- Transport of vehicles
So, if any of these services are important for your move, be sure that the company you contact provides that kind of service.
CHECK IF THE MOVERS ARE EXPERIENCED IN THEIR PROFESSION
Of course, you do not want many unprofessional people to handle your belongings. You should check with your sales representative whether movers in their company are good at what they do. Good movers are a crucial part of every move. Any person can make you a price you are willing to pay, but not every person will know how to behave in demanding situations. Experienced movers will help you feel less stress during the whole process. They will take care of your items, paying attention not to break or ruin anything. They will know how to handle your expensive bed frame, your favorite antique credenza, or your fragile crystal glasses.
HOW DOES THE MOVING COMPANY CALCULATE THEIR PRICES?
Many factors have an impact on the final price for your move. Most common factors that moving companies use when they calculate the prices for the move are:
- Date of the move (some dates are busier than others, meaning they are more expensive)
- Distance between pick up and drop off location
- Elevator or stairs on the locations
- Weight of items that you are moving
Some companies also add costs for handling more complicated furniture or big items ( pianos, pool tables, etc.). So, if you have that kind of item on your list, ask about handling costs.
HOW TO GET THE BEST PRICE FOR YOUR MOVE?
Always ask for a FLAT rate estimate. That will ensure that your price will not change during the move unless you add or remove some of your items.
Try to book the spot in advance, do not wait until the last day. Because, booking at least 20 days before the move will give you a lower price, than booking at last minute. Many companies offer that you can later change the date without any additional cost if you have booked the move with them. It is a win-win situation. They have a move to do, and you are free to choose the date that works for you.
One more thing that can also impact price is the payment method. Customers usually pay by credit card, but there is a possibility that you will get an additional discount if you decide to pay by cash. Ask your sales representative which payment methods they accept and if they provide a discount.
WHAT INSURANCE COVERAGE OPTION DOES THE MOVING COMPANY OFFER?
It is excellent when everything goes smoothly, but there is always a chance something unpredictable can happen. Insurance will cover costs in case some of your items get damaged.
All moving companies are obliged to provide basic liability coverage included in the price of the move. Your belongings will be covered with free basic coverage of 0.60 per pound per item. Any additional insurance you want to add must be purchased at least 24 hours before moving.
Coverage options vary from one company to another, so ask the sales representative what insurance their company offers before you decide to book your move with them.
CHECK CANCELLATION POLICY
It is very important to check what happens if you decide to cancel the move. Many companies offer a 100% refundable deposit if you cancel the move 48-72 hours before, but some of them will keep part of your deposit, and some will not refund it.
In the end, we may say that finding a company that can meet all your needs is extremely important for the whole moving process. Try not to choose the cheapest moving company, choose the one that offers you the best service. A wise choice will save your time and nerves.
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