Whether you are moving across town or the country, having a moving and storage company by your side is a great way to keep your peace of mind. The logistics involved in a major move can be overwhelming, but when you rely on a reliable moving and storage company for help, you can free up your time and energy to focus on settling into your new home.
When it comes to hiring movers, there are many types of services available that can fit the needs of any household. Here is a look at what you need to know before making your selection:
Check the Reviews
The first thing you should do is head over to Google. Search the company’s name and then look at their reviews.
Next, take a look at how many reviews the company has received. If they only have one or two, it might not be enough to decide on, but if they have 50 or more, it is safe to assume that someone has probably had a bad experience with them.
Third, check out the average rating of all their reviews. If most of them are 5-star reviews, that is great! But if you see some 1-star reviews or even some two or 3-star ratings, pay attention to what people are saying in those reviews and try to understand why they did not like working with them.
Finally, note when the company started getting those bad reviews because sometimes companies can go through some changes that affect the quality of service they provide, so it could just be something temporary while they figure things out.
Find Out What Questions to Ask.
Asking the right questions before you book with moving and storage companies can save your time and help avoid any unpleasant surprises.
- How long have you been in business? Moving and storage companies should be able to provide their Credentials upon request.
- How do you charge for your services? Find out whether additional fees may apply to your moves, such as handling fees or delivery charges, what the total moving & storage service costs will be, and how the company calculates them.
- Do you require a deposit? If so, what percentage of the total cost will it be? Ask if there is a minimum or maximum on deposits or if it is based on a percentage of your estimated price.
- Do you have a minimum charge? Make sure that you understand clearly what charges will apply to small moves (less than an hour).
- What is your cancellation policy? Ask about cancellation policies if you need to cancel your booking at short notice.
- What are your hours of operation? Weekend moves may not be available during certain times of the year due to increased demand for moving services.
Choose Full-Service Movers
Full-service moving companies are an excellent option if you want to take the stress out of your move. These companies will come to your home fully prepared with all the necessary tools required for packing up, transporting, and unpacking all of your belongings. In most cases, full-service movers will provide their supplies and their trucks. These companies are especially helpful if you have large furniture pieces or appliances that need to be disassembled before moving.
Find Out About their Background, Experience, and Licensing.
It would be best to ask about their background, experience, and licensing. This can help you find out what kind of business this is.
- Do they have a physical location?
- How long have they been in business?
- Do they have a website? (In the moving industry, these are all good signs)
- What kind of training do their employees have?
- What are their affiliations? (Such as with your local Better Business Bureau)
Know About Insurance Coverage And Requirements
Sometimes, the truck will be damaged during transit, and items can get lost or broken. To protect yourself from those situations, you should know about insurance coverage and the requirements of movers. If something happens to your items during transport, their insurance will cover the damage.
Most moving companies offer moving insurance in two forms:
- Basic carrier liability
- Full value protection
Verify the Company’s Registration Numbers
The moving company should have a valid registration number and a license to ensure the business is legitimate. You can check online or contact your local transportation department to ensure they do.
It’s also important to ask them if they are insured and get confirmation that they are. If something goes wrong with your move and you’ve hired an uninsured company, there’s not much recourse you’ll be able to take.
Conclusion
There’s no one best way to narrow down a moving and storage company—you will have to assess them all individually.
Research, read reviews, check online forums, and ask friends and family for recommendations. Ultimately, which company you choose will have more to do with the person you’re moving with than anything else. And don’t forget to use your common sense; be wary of deals that sound too good to be true, and look out for any red flags. If a mover or storage company gives you cause for concern, go with another option.