It's hard to imagine a more daunting task than moving every item you own across town, across the state, or clear across the country. While moving is a big job no matter how you handle it, hiring a good mover can make a big difference when it comes to simplifying the moving process and ensuring that your items end up in your new home in one piece. With so many moving services to choose from, it can be tricky to narrow down your choices to find the perfect company. These five tips will help you compare movers and find a company that's just right for your needs.
Go Local
Dealing with a local company offers benefits that out-of-state moving companies simply can't offer. Not only are you more likely to be able to get recommendations and references from people you know, but you also get the advantage of an accurate, in-person estimate. There's no better way to get a realistic price for your move than having a contractor actually come to your house and see how much stuff you have in each closet, as well as your garage or the attic. The presence of a local, physical office for your mover may also help to ease your mind about the entire process.
Check References
While every smart homeowner knows to ask for references before hiring a contractor and that it's important to check sites like the Better Business Bureau, choosing a mover comes with its own unique fact checking requirements. First, if you're moving out of state, confirm that each mover you are considering is registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Federal law requires all interstate movers to register, so avoid any companies that ship across state lines but aren't registered on this website, which is managed by the U.S. Department of Transportation. Another helpful link is the American Moving and Storage Association, an independent and voluntary governing body for the moving industry that can provide some helpful information.
Understand Estimate Lingo
When it comes to moving companies, you may be offered either a binding or an actual estimate. A binding price means you'll pay exactly what the estimate says, while an actual price means you'll pay what the move actually costs, which could be higher or lower than your estimate. Make sure to clarify which of these prices you're dealing with when getting an estimate so you can accurately prepare your budget.
Understand Insurance
Moving insurance comes in two basic forms, including full-value and leased policies. Full-value is more expensive, so you'll pay extra for it, but it's also more comprehensive. Leased insurance is often included at no extra cost, but is far less comprehensive. Weigh your level of comfort and risk to pick a policy that works for you.
Prepare for the Worst
No matter how good your mover is, a big move always comes with a chance that something could go wrong. Raise this possibility with your mover before you sign a contract to find out their policy for handling problems that pop up during a move. It's also helpful to contact your state transportation board to ask about state laws on moving that could help protect you if the worst should happen. Contact local movers like Walsh Moving & Storage for more information about their policies and procedures, and keep all of the previous tips in mind before you hire anyone.
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