Finding a moving company we can trust doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether we’re traveling across town or across the country, an unplanned move can be one of the most stressful events. The last thing we want to do is get our most precious items into the wrong hands. An unprofessional and unprepared moving company can cause more problems than it solves; this is why it is always important to have a reputable and trustworthy moving company.
Tips for Hiring a Moving Company
Let’s take a look at some tips that will help us know we’re in good hands.
- Ask family and friends for advice
Advice from family and friends we value can greatly influence the final decision. They will be able to suggest moving companies they have good experience with, and they may also have some ideas for moving companies to avoid! If a specific company is recommended, we can dig through these questions for more details:
- What do they like about moving companies?
- What was the deciding factor in your decision to choose that company?
- What services do you ask your moving company to provide?
- Are there any inconveniences during the move?
- Will you use this moving company again?
These are useful questions to help you get a complete picture of your experience from start to finish.
- Confirm that they are a moving company, not a moving broker
To find a moving company we can really trust, it is important to confirm that we are dealing with a real moving company and not a broker. Moving brokers are not licensed to ship items; instead, they book a move and then contract with a shipping or package company for the lowest price they can find.
There are inherently greater risks when working with a moving broker, the biggest risk factor being the inability to choose a company that actually transports our property. It’s also difficult to assign responsibility to either party in the event of damage or loss, as brokers and Movers often point fingers at each other. Finally, brokerage cost estimates can be very inaccurate because they are handled over the phone; the actual cost is many times higher. Needless to say, working with a moving company instead of a broker ensures that we have confidence in our hand-picked team.
- Get a solid personal estimate and budget
A written and personalised estimate of our case ensures that the estimate we receive from our moving company is as accurate as possible, while also giving us the opportunity to learn more about the services provided. We have to make sure that all boxes, furniture, clothing and items we want the moving company to transport are taken into account. Professional moving companies can advise us and offer interesting alternatives, taking special care of delicate items.
- Ask about possible additional costs
No one likes surprises on moving day, so it’s best to make sure to ask about any possible extra charges that may be added to your final bill based on our requested service. If we deal with professionals, they always give us a clear understanding of the conditions of each service without any surprises.
- Consider using a wrapping service
Most people dread the idea of packing everything, especially if there are special items that we don’t know how to properly protect. Let’s find a local moving company that offers packing services, this option can really take a lot of the stress out of moving.
- Consider a furniture storage service
Departure and arrival times to new destinations are not always exactly the same, nor are they necessarily convenient for our installation needs. In this case, we might consider providing furniture storage services, where our belongings will be protected and safe for as long as we need them until they can be opened in our new home.
- Check if the company has a suitable vehicle
This is a key factor, as companies must have vehicles that adapt to the circumstances in which we move, not the other way around. It’s also important to know if they have specialized equipment like pulleys and elevators (e.g. transport sofas)
- Experience matters
While it may be tempting to hire a moving company that offers the lowest prices, let’s not forget that we’re talking about giving our belongings to someone else. That’s why it’s important to find a professional moving company that has experience getting the job done. Value for money is important here.
- Check if the company can accommodate different schedules
A professional moving company will know how to accommodate our needs without the consequences of our time.
- Seek personal and intimate therapy
This is an added value that should always be estimated. Communication is key and it’s much easier for someone who can understand us and listen to our needs.