How to Choose a Reputable Moving Company For Your Next Move
Packing and unpacking is a big job, but you are to be congratulated. After all, you are moving into a new home! You may be planning to use a professional moving company to help make things easier. If so, you’ll want to consider your needs and your options. These tips will help you find a reasonably priced, reputable company that can help you get the task done right.
Your first task is to ask friends, business associates and family to recommend (or warn you away from) a company they have utilized in the past. Once you have some names, it’s time for you to do some research of your own. Take a look at any consumer review websites, such as Yelp.com, and of course, check with the Better Business Bureau. The reviews can help you narrow down your field of choices.
Prior to calling the companies you like best for quotes, you’ll want to ask yourself a few questions. Do you intend to do all your own packing, or would you prefer for the movers to do some or even all of the packing for you? Also, are you going to have the moving company move all of your belongings? Sometimes people hire these companies just to move large, heavy items, such as a piano.
Your valuables are generally at least partially protected by the moving company’s liability insurance (typically .60 per pound). This is usually regardless of whether you do the packing, the moving company does the packing or a combination of the two. If you want everything fully insured against damage or breakage, be sure to talk with the movers about any additional costs that will apply. Also, ask about restrictions or limitations on the coverage. Insurance upgrades are often offered by the moving company, but may apply only to items the movers pack for you, or you may have the option to specify which items you want covered with the extra insurance. Some people opt for third-party insurance coverage through their own agent.
Getting estimates from three different companies is a good idea, as it will enable you to more easily compare differences in prices. However, you’ll want to ensure that the estimates are all done similarly. If two estimates are from movers who come to inspect your belongings, while the third gives you a quote over the phone, this is not comparing apples to apples. If one estimate is considerably lower than the other two, you might want to inquire further about the bonds and insurance protection these movers are carrying for themselves. The company, not you, should take responsibility for potential injury of the movers. In addition, all estimates should include driving time, gas, mileage, lunch breaks, container size, extra costs for wrapping furniture, renting furniture pads, boxes for your wardrobe, etc. You don’t want any surprises when it’s time to pay the bill.
One potentially money saving tip is to ask if scheduling your move on a weekday is any less expensive than doing it over the weekend, as some movers charge more for weekend jobs. Be wary of companies that have no physical address, or that take only cash for the move. Nearly all businesses should accept credit cards in this day and age.
If you’re moving locally, you’ll want to hire a local company. However, cross country moves have additional regulations and charges that apply. Interstate or international moves should be handled by experts in those areas.
The moving business is highly competitive. As such, the majority of movers will try to provide good service at a reasonable price. However, it pays to research things further and ensure that the company you are trusting with your belongings will treat them with the care they require.
Moving within the Chicago or surrounding metro area? Contact Checkmate Movers, a full service, professional, local moving company with a low minimum charge, simple hourly rates and no hidden “mystery” fees. Their experienced, capable people work hard to safely and efficiently move your belongings because it’s what they love to do. Powered by SEO 2.0 Services