Moving to a new home can be an exciting experience, but it can also be frustrating and overwhelming. With all of the sorting and packing, the last thing you want to do is worry about finding a moving company to trust with your belongings. The good news is that finding a good moving company is easier than you think, and once you find the best one for your needs, they can actually help make the move easier on you. Here are three tips to help you hire the best moving company.
Be Specific and Direct
When comparing movers, it is important that you are direct and specific in what you what. Moving companies vary in the type of services they offer, how far they travel and the cost of their services. Make sure you are specific about where you are moving from and to, the date you need to be out of your current home and whether or not you need both packing and moving services. Keep in mind that if you pack your belongings yourself, the moving company typically isn’t responsible for damages to the items. However, if the moving company does the packing, there will be additional fees for boxes, packing materials and labor, but it is one less thing you have to worry about.
Beware of Extra Fees
If you are moving to or from a two-story home or apartment that requires carrying items up one or more flight of stairs, there will most likely be an extra charge. It is important that you ask about extra fees before the movers arrive on moving day. Extra fees may also apply for things such as large pieces of furniture, such as a piano, if the street is too narrow for the moving van to safely drive through or if you have items that are being moved to two different locations, such as a storage unit and your new residence.
Beware of Moving Scams
For every reliable and trustworthy moving company, there is at least one or two that make a living from scamming customers. When calling around to check prices and compare available services, there are a few things to keep in mind that will help you distinguish between honest movers and a scam moving company:
- Check the physical address. Verify the address of potential moving companies by either driving by the location, checking the phone book or by checking out the Better Business Bureau.
- Verify the company’s license. Moving companies should have an active operating license as well as a U.S. DOT number on their website and/or moving trucks.
- Check service records. Whenever possible check the reputation and qualifications of a moving company by contacting the Better Business Bureau, talking with friends and family or reading online reviews. Keep in mind that a new company may not have reviews available yet, but in many situations, a new moving company may be the way to go, because they are more apt to give you the highest quality service and have reasonable prices because they are attempting to build their business.
Unless you are moving from one state to another, the majority of moving companies will provide an in-home estimate. A representative of the company will visit your home, survey your belongings and provide you with an estimate of cost. It is recommended that you not accept estimates that are given over the phone because the way you view your items and the way the moving company views them will be completely different.
For your next move in Austin, TX., contact Patriot Relocation Company. Not only are we reliable and trustworthy, but every time our services for relocation are used, a portion of the payment goes to a veteran’s program of your choice.