Once you’ve finalized the decision to transfer to a different state or if you’re assigned to work in another state, it’s best to make the relocation process as manageable as possible.
With this in mind, employing the services of the right moving company is one of the factors you need to consider.
Although you have several moving companies to choose from, not all movers can guarantee superior services. If you want to make your move a hassle-free and convenient process, you should look for reliable movers to work with.
On the day that you move out, ensure that all your possessions are ready to be transferred. Here are several useful tips to make the process of finding the right moving company easier to handle:
1. Request Written Estimates From Different Moving Companies
Ask several well-known moving companies in your area if you could get detailed estimates for their services on paper.
The movers should then provide you with a written estimate after conducting an in-home survey of your house, along with the belongings you plan to bring to your new location.
Always remember that the physical inspection of your home is vital for them to come up with an accurate quote that reflects the actual cost of the move.
Don’t accept quotes from providers via the phone or email if they haven’t conducted a physical inspection of your possessions.
2. Compare The Estimates
Avoid choosing the first mover that comes to mind. Remember that moving to a new location can be costly, and you don’t want to end up in a situation where your belongings don’t reach your new home.
After obtaining several quotes from different reputable moving companies in your area, you should weigh your options carefully to find the right company that can cater to your specific needs, meet your expectations, and fit your budget.
Sadly, some individuals make the mistake of hiring a moving company based only on the most affordable estimate. During the selection process, don’t focus on the price alone but also on extra services they provide, their experience in the industry, online reputation, and the company’s complaint history.
3. Moving Inventory
If you find the selection process overwhelming, an aspect to consider is that a trustworthy moving company will conduct an inventory of all your possessions and decide on the bulk and weight of the move either in person or via a virtual survey.
The professional conducting the inventory must be thorough in inspecting all the storage places such as the drawers, cupboards, bookcases, and the garage.
A significant component of the service price will be the weight of your items and the amount of space they’ll occupy in the truck. You must fully understand the estimate that they provide to ensure that it’s as accurate as possible.
4. Request For A Thorough Walk-through
An estimator who carries out a quick walk-through without noting down what you’re planning to bring along is a red flag. One way to ensure a good outcome for your upcoming move is to observe how the estimator conducts the walk-through.
A reliable estimator will ask what you plan to bring to your new house. During the walk-through, prepare a list of items that you don’t want to travel on the truck, including the things you want to give away, donate to a charity, or leave behind.
5. Obtain References
During the selection process, you can acquire a list of reputable movers from certain associations in case your family and friends can’t provide you with any recommendations.
Once you have a list of moving companies in your area, try to request references. Ask for a list of previous clients who availed of their services in the past months.
Once you have a list of references, you can try to contact these past clients and ask them questions about their moving experiences.
6. Say No To A Large Deposit
A reliable moving company won’t require spot cash or a sizable deposit before the actual move. The proper process is to pay only upon the successful delivery of your belongings.
When you pay in advance, you lose any control over how the delivery will be completed or if you’ll be able to see your items again. Once a moving company requires a deposit, consider it a red flag and start looking for a different provider.
Also, when it’s time to pay, it’s best to utilize a credit card as a way to protect you from possible fraudulent activity.
7. Check If The Company Has A Name Switch
Throughout the years, there’s been a growing issue of some companies engaging in name switching where they do business under different names. It’s a move that companies resort to so they can avoid the assessment by the Better Business Bureau.
The ideal approach to stay safe is to check if the moving company you’re considering has a local address and eagerly provides details about licensing and insurance. Double-check if the company has other names along with their state and federal license numbers. You can also try to research online to check if there are any problems or complaints about the provider.
8. Avoid The Packing Costs
Whether you’re going to pack the items yourself or delegate the task to the movers, there are considerations you need to think about first. If you decide that you’ll be the one to pack your items, the moving company won’t be responsible for any damages during the move.
Nevertheless, if you’re going to allow the movers to handle the packing, you might pay inflated prices for both the packing materials and boxes, along with the amount they’ll charge for their time and labor.
In case you decide to have the movers pack your belongings, ask first about their experience. Although most are careful with the task, it’s best to avoid any chances of hiring someone who throws your items into a box and seals it up without concern for damages or possible breakage.
9. Watch Out For Extra Fees
The location of your current home and its distance from where you’re moving are other factors that can affect the overall cost of your move.
For instance, if you presently live in an apartment on the 8th floor and you’re relocating to a unit on an even higher level, expect extra charges for the extra work the movers will have to provide as they go up and down the stairs and elevators.
Moreover, if you’re residing in a neighborhood with a narrow street that the moving van can’t fit into, expect an extra charge to transfer your items to a smaller truck for delivery.
With this in mind, it’s crucial to ask the moving company about any additional fees that might apply to your specific situation.
10. Steer Clear Of A Blank Moving Contract
Similar to any negotiation, don’t ever sign a blank contract. Make it a priority to put everything on paper. The estimate given by the moving company, along with any additional fees, must be noted down along with the pick-up and delivery dates.
Carefully read the contract and double-check to make sure that all your belongings are listed down. If you can’t find your toaster on the inventory form before the moving van leaves, you can’t expect to see it in the boxes upon arrival in your new home.
You can’t file a claim for an item that wasn’t on the inventory list in such circumstances. With this in mind, make sure that all your items are on the inventory list.
11. Insurance And Valuation Protection
It’s crucial to note that all movers should assume liability for the worth of the goods they’re transporting. Nevertheless, it would be best to consider that there are two distinct levels of liability. It’s your responsibility to be familiar with the applicable charges along with the amount of protection at every level.
The full (replacement) value protection is a highly comprehensive plan to protect your items. All your belongings will be under the full value protection level of liability by the moving company.
Under this plan, once an item is lost, damaged, or destroyed during transportation, the mover has two options:
- Fix the object to restore it to the condition when it was received by the mover or pay for the repair costs.
- Provide a replacement with the same kind and quality or pay for the replacement costs.
In this option, the moving company can limit their liability for loss or damage to items or objects with high value unless you list down these items on the shipping papers.
On the other hand, the alternative level of liability is a more economical choice but only provides low protection. If you choose this option, the moving company is only liable for not more than 60 cents per pound, per item.
You no longer need to pay additional fees for the mediocre protection, but you’ll sign a specific statement on the bill of lading that you agree with the terms stipulated.
12. Report Any Issues
Generally, you have up to nine months to report any issues to the moving company and file an insurance claim.
Once you receive all your boxes in your new house, you should open each box and check for any damaged items. Ensure that you’ll note any issues on the copy of the bill of lading before signing it.
Take note that the moving company has 30 days to acknowledge receipt of your claim. Within 120 days of receiving the receipt, the mover can deny your claim or make an offer to pay.
Conclusion
Relocating to a different state can be a challenging task. The ideal way to make a move more manageable is to work with a moving company.
Although several reputable choices are available, make sure to find the right one to cater to your preferences.
These valuable tips on finding the right movers will guide you along the way in finding the right one soon.
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