Congrats — you’re moving!
While moving is exciting, the process of choosing a moving company can be daunting.
There are hundreds of moving companies in your area — how can you choose the right one to help you with a seamless move?
By following these quick tips, you’ll be well on your way to choosing a quality moving company that will make your life easier.
source: moving.com
Decide on the Moving Services Needed
As stated by a Frisco moving company, before starting research on moving companies near you, determine the type of services you need to assist you in your move.
Are you moving long-distance? Do you have specialty items like pianos or pool tables? Will you need help packing or are you doing it on your own?
After you’ve figured out what services you’ll need, make sure that the few moving companies you decided to get quotes from offering these services.
It might sound silly, but not all moving companies offer the same services — or if they do, they may charge extra for “specialty” services like moving extra-large or fragile items.
Read Reviews About Past Moves
Online reviews are one of the best ways to get a true sense of the abilities of a moving company. Most of the time, these are honest reviews — whether good or bad.
If you can’t find reviews on the moving company, chances are they haven’t been around long enough to earn a reputation. This could be to your advantage because their cost is probably lower. However, you’re taking a risk with the quality of services you will receive; it might be good, it might be bad, and you’ll have no way of knowing until after your move.
If you want to stay on the safe side, avoid working with companies that have no reviews.
Another good rule to follow is to double-check whether the moving company is accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
If you see mixed reviews, you can ask the moving company for referrals — but keep in mind that these referrals will be handpicked, so they’ll naturally be raving reviews.
Another option is to ask friends and family about what moving companies they’ve previously used and liked.
source: unsplash.com
Get Proper Paperwork From the Moving Company
You never want them to, but accidents can happen.
It’s vital to hire an insured moving company so that you and your belongings are covered if an accident does happen.
Most states, by law, require moving companies to provide insurance. If you come across an uninsured moving company, end negotiations immediately. You’ll easily be able to find a moving company that can provide insurance; there’s no reason to work with a company that doesn’t.
Ask for In-Person (Or Virtual) Moving Estimates
If a moving company gives you an estimate over the phone or online without asking specific questions, it likely won’t be accurate.
A professional moving company should ask specific questions and require an in-person or virtual meeting to take inventory of the items you need to move. To provide you with an accurate quote, they will need to know how many rooms you’re moving, the number of boxes you have, how to access your home (is it on the third story, is the parking lot a mile long, etc.), and if you have any fragile or specialty items that need to be moved.
Keep in mind that if prices seem “too good to be true,” they probably are. When it comes to hiring movers, cheaper is not always better. It’s in your best interest to hire an accredited company that will take care of all your belongings and work quickly. This is almost always worth an extra few dollars.
Also, if there’s a high up-front deposit required, don’t be quick to pay. A company asking for anything over 20% is too much and possibly a scam. Move on if the company seems unprofessional; you have plenty of options.
source: danielsmoving.com
Choose Quality Movers That Fit Your Needs
Before hiring a moving company, make sure you have an understanding of the services you need. When you’ve figured that out, do homework on the list of moving companies around you and zero in on a few to read reviews on. If the moving company you’re considering doesn’t have insurance or the proper credentials, move on.
Remember that there is a moving company out there that can match what you need, so if you have a bad feeling about one or they don’t offer the proper insurance, move on. Don’t settle for less when choosing a moving company.
