Planning a move is a huge undertaking. How will you transport all of the stuff you have accumulated over the years to your new location? You may be considering hiring a professional moving company to assist you. Where do you start? Knowing how to select the right movers can take away much of the headaches involved. Here are seven tips on how to select the right professional moving company for you.
Do Your Homework
Gather a list of moving companies in your area. You can search online or in the phone book. Talk with people you know and ask them if they have any recommendations. Check the companies out through the Better Business Bureau. You can also look for reviews on websites such as Yelp. You will want to make sure that the moving company you choose is local because they will need to come to your home to provide an estimate.
Ask About Rates
Call the companies on your list for an initial screening. Find out what rates they offer but keep in mind the final cost will be much higher. If you plan to move out of state, ask if the company provides written estimates with caps on amounts not to be exceeded. You will also want to inquire about their availability. Warmer weather months are harder to book, so you need to know how soon you can book a reservation.
Get Written Estimates
Any professional moving company you are considering should come to your home to give you a written estimate. Before they arrive, make sure that you have all the items ready that you plan for them to move. You should be able to point out and show these items to the movers. They will need to see these items in order to provide you with a proper estimate because weight is a large factor in the overall moving cost.
Potential Costs
Expect to pay for the mover’s travel time as well as their hourly rate, which is typically about $30 per hour. You will also want to ask if there will be a fuel surcharge and how much that will be. Ask how they handle extra time. If a move takes 15 minutes longer than expected, do they prorate the minutes or round up the hourly rate? Other fees you may want to inquire about are charges for elevator or stair usage, and street parking permits.
Ask About Equipment
Ask the moving service about the equipment they have. You wouldn’t want them to show up on moving day with a U-Haul that won’t fit all the stuff you have. Make sure they have the right-sized truck for the job. Also, you may want to ensure the truck will be able to fit if you live on a narrow street.
Get Packed
Movers can pack items for you for an additional fee or you can choose to pack the items yourself. If you do it yourself, make sure everything is packed before moving day. If you don’t, you can end up racking on extra fees. Choose the right boxes. Use smaller boxes for heavier items. You can fit approximately 24 inches of hanging clothes within wardrobe boxes.
When The Big Day Arrives
When moving day comes, let the professionals in and relax while they get to work. Answer any questions and give directions when needed. Have the movers place everything where it should go. When they are finished, sign the final invoice and have them do so as well.
Moving can be made a whole lot easier by hiring a professional moving company. Take your time researching potential companies, ask questions, and get estimates in writing. By knowing what to expect, you can reduce much of the stress involved lugging your stuff to its new home.
