Get A Move On! A Guide To Hiring A Local Moving Company
Moving is hard — there's no doubt about that. Thankfully, there is one big way to make moving easier on yourself, and that's hiring a moving company. But how do you go about doing that smartly and responsibly? Well, you can start by following these guidelines.
Get estimates from more than one company
Moving companies can have vastly different fees depending on the number of items you need to be transported, how far you need them moved, and so forth. For instance, one company may have 18-foot trucks, which allows them to move your whole home affordably in one truck. Another company may have to charge you more to move your whole home since they only have 14-foot trucks and would need to use two of them. Get estimates from three moving companies so you can compare them. When possible, have these estimates given in-person so the movers can accurately see what you have to move.
Start shopping around at least a month before your planned moving day
Don't wait until the last minute to get estimates and schedule your move. Moving companies tend to fill their best time slots quickly. The sooner you book, the more flexibility they will have in allowing you to choose what days you want to move and what time you want the movers to arrive. If you wait too long, you may not be able to go with your first-choice moving company, either. They are probably other people's first choice, too.
Look closely at the services each company offers
Make sure you know what you're buying. Moving companies often offer what's called a full-service move, but what this includes can vary between companies. One company may include unpacking in this service, and another company might not. Read the contract closely to make sure you know exactly what your movers will be doing for you. If there are services you want that are not listed, ask about them. Most moving companies can add extra services to your contract for an extra fee.
Clarify what your role in the move will be
Even though the movers will be doing most of the work, you'll still have to do some things. Verify with your movers what you need to do, personally. Do you need to unplug and disassemble appliances before they arrive? Do you need to take apart furniture? If you verify your role, you can be sure to fill that role well.
Hiring a moving company is much easier than moving yourself, especially if you adhere to the guidelines above.
For additional advice, reach out to a company like United Moving and Storage.