How to Choose a Mover
Choosing a moving company is an important decision. It can make the overall moving experience much more peaceful or much more stressful. Look for a company that will customize a package to fit your needs, timeline and budget. Fragile antiques, sophisticated electronics or just a single item that needs extra attention all need to be accounted for in the package.
Some companies will assign a moving coordinator to be your liason between the actual movers and the company’s front office. If you are moving any distance, this coordinator can be a life saver. He or she is accountable to ensuring you have the best experience possible. Many times your feedback determines a monetary bonus for the coordinator at the end of the nyear.
Having all relocation services performed by a single team has shown to improve the overall quality of the moving experience. Many smaller companies have trucks and then hire independent movers and labor. Although there is nothing wrong with this type of situation, you will find that a single team works faster, more carefully and makes less mistakes. This is because they have worked together in the past and understand each others skills and weak points.
Movers come in many forms with different specialties. Some different specialties of movers are:
- Local Movers
- Long distance movers
- Corporate relocation
- Government and military movers
- Trucking companies that hire independent contractors
Here are some steps to follow:
Ask for recommendations from family and friends, and check Google for local movers.
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Start calling. Have some representatives come and take a look at your house.
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Use your initial phone call to see if you’re comfortable. Ask how many moves they make, do they hire outsourced labor,do they own their own trucks etc. Also ask if they are a member of the American Moving and Storage Association.
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After talking to a handful of companies, arrange for at least three quotes. It’s the only way to screen out scam moving companies, which often don’t like to take the time to give you a firm in-home estimate. During the assessment, show the moving company EVERYTHING you plan to move. Do not try to minimize your belongings. Good reps will know if you are trying to get a lower quote than what it will actually be. The more thorough you are in detailing what has to be moved, the more accurate the quote will be.
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Also, let the estimator know about any factors at your home – or the home you’re moving to – that could complicate the move, like stairs to climb, which might add to the costs.
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Above all, beware of the low-ball offer. If an estimate is way lower compared to the others, it’s probably too good to be true and you more likely you will have to pay more later in the process.
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Be sure you understand the quote! The documents you get should include the estimate, which could be a combined document that serves as your order for service and your bill of lading.
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Choose your mover and start packing!
