9 Things To Consider Before Hiring A Professional Mover

The moving process is stressful enough as it is. Hiring a professional mover to take care of the technicalities can guarantee you some peace of mind.

Professional moving companies are typically very reliable and trustworthy. They know what they’re doing, which is why seeking their services would be a much better option than attempting to handle it on your own. The great thing about hiring movers is that you can hold them accountable for delivering all your belongings safely and on time. They will guarantee a fast and efficient moving experience and will spare you the troubles of heavy lifting. But before you select a company, here are 9 things to consider before hiring a professional mover. 

1. Taking Moving Inventory 

Unfortunately, not all moving companies are as honest and thorough as they should be. Therefore, you need to search for a reputable company that will check all your belongings and takes an inventory of them. A professional estimator would take a look at all your storage spaces, including your garage, closets, drawers, and cupboards during the process. This is because a large bulk of the price you pay depends on the number of things you wish to move, their size, the space that they take up in the moving truck, and their weight. If you have any questions, be sure to ask the estimator since it’s very important that you understand the entire process. When they fill you in on the details, you will be able to tell if the estimate was reasonable and accurate.

2. Have Them Walk You Through the Process

Trusted movers always have a plan. When you ask them about their plan of action and how they typically go about the moving process, the movers shouldn’t hesitate to provide you with a thorough walk-through after noting your belongings. If your mover quickly goes over some key points before taking inventory, then you should consider hiring a different company. Credible estimators will take the time to find out what you wish to take with you, the things you plan to leave behind, and those you want to dispose of. This way, they will know for sure which items you don’t want loading onto the truck. Some movers tend to ask what exactly you wish to do with each item. They will help you organize things in piles and pack what you want to donate to a charity or sell in a yard sale. They will also ensure that the things you plan on leaving for the new owners are left in mint condition. 

3. Don’t Fall For Large Deposits 

One thing that distinguishes unreliable movers from trusted ones is their demand for a deposit. You shouldn’t trust companies that demand a large deposit before they safely deliver all your belongings to your new doorstep. Search for companies that ask for a reasonable deposit or none at all (yes, they exist!). Paying in advance leaves you no control over the moving situation. However, when you pay the movers upon delivery, they will have no choice but to deliver all your items on time. For protection against fraudulent activities, you can use a credit card to secure your payment. 

4. Budget and Moving Quotes

Besides the service and credibility, a large burden of your decision regarding the moving company falls on your budget. We all want the best services and fastest shipment possible. However, at the end of the day, we are limited by our budgets. From purchasing your new home and renovating it to ensuring that all your belongings are reliably delivered to your house, the entire moving process can be quite costly. This is why you need to allocate a budget to moving expenses. It also helps to get a moving quote online and compare the pricing structure of each company. Check out the services each mover offers, as well as their unique selling points. When comparing viable options, choose a mover that meets your expectations and falls under your budget category. This way, you can guarantee you’ll receive the highest value for the price that you’re willing to pay. 

5. Beware of Companies With Name Switches 

Steer clear of the companies that operate under various names. Conducting business under different names allows moving companies to get around evaluations completed by the Better Business Bureau. If a company is going out of its way to avoid official assessments and procedures, chances are they have something to hide. When dealing with a company, you need to ensure that it has a local address. Check if you can obtain details regarding its insurance and licensing. When contacting the company, you should also be greeted with the company’s full name. Do some research to verify the company’s federal and state license numbers and that the company doesn’t “operate as (insert different name).” Check testimonials, feedback, and reviews to guarantee that there are no complaints about your potential mover. 

6. Check For Hidden Fees

Many companies charge extra hidden fees for tiny details. For instance, if you’re moving into a two-story home or a higher apartment floor, the company will likely charge you extra. If the street is narrow and therefore challenging to navigate a moving truck through, you will also probably pay a larger sum of money. This is because they may need to transfer all your belongings into smaller trucks. Make sure to discuss with the movers any hidden fees or instances in which you may be charged extra for their services. 

7. Obtain References

Movers have a great responsibility on their hands. If you can’t trust them, you can’t trust that your belongings will be secure. Therefore, it’s always best to ask for recommendations before you start the search party on your own. If your friends and family don’t have any moving experience, you can contact the state associations of movers or the American Moving and Storage Association for reliable movers in your area. 

8. Careful Packing

The packing process is very time and effort-consuming. To provide quick service as promised, many movers compromise the careful packing aspect of the equation. You need to ensure that your movers follow a vigilant system, instead of shoving your belongings into boxes. 

9. Moving Insurance

All moving companies are liable for the items they transport. However, you need to find out the type of liability that falls on your selected company. This way, you’ll know if your items will be replaced in case of loss or damage or if the company will assume a more economical approach.

Hiring the right moving company will make your entire experience a breeze. Similarly, choosing the wrong company can leave you with large hidden expenses and a prolonged delivery process. Keeping these 9 things in mind will help you choose a mover that delivers your valuables to your liking and at a reasonable price.