Let’s be realistic. It doesn’t matter how well you plan your move, if the professional moving company fails to provide you with the level of service you expect, it’s going to be a stressful experience.
The problem many people run into is that they simply don’t move often enough to know which professional movers are outstanding and which will provide a lackluster performance. The good news is that there are some things you can do that increase the odds of you working with a wonderful moving service that keeps the move on time, on budget, and stress-free.
The best way to sort the wheat from the chaff when looking at moving services is by checking out the business’s reputation. Don’t simply look at the review a moving company has posted on their website, talk to people in your community and ask who they would recommend. If one name keeps coming up over and over again and people talk about them favorably, it’s reasonable to assume that they’ll provide you with a move that will be smooth and stress-free.
When talking to people about moving companies, ask questions about:
- If they charge hidden fees
- If they were able to stay on the agenda
- If they provided an accurate estimate
- If any personal property was lost or stolen during the move
- How well the company communicated
Once you’ve got some good recommendations, it’s time to start talking to the moving companies. Pay attention to how much they focus on your end of the conversation. Do they appear to be really interested in your move and are they acknowledging your concerns and ideas? From the very beginning, even before you sign the contract you should get the impression that you’re important. If you don’t it’s time to move on.
A good moving company will pay close attention to your needs regarding the move and keep this in mind when they prepare the estimate. They should ask questions about the distance of the move, the exact timeline that the move takes place, how much stuff you’re moving, and if there are any special needs that must be addressed during the move. Any company that doesn’t ask questions won’t be able to provide you with an accurate estimate.
The final thing you need to learn before signing a contract is if the company is fully licensed and insured. Don’t feel bad about asking for proof. There are lots of shady moving companies out there that aren’t actually legit who could destroy your move and leave you holding a bill.