Moving to a new town or block can be an overwhelming experience especially if you have valuable possessions. Most breakages and property losses occur when relocating. Although there are several moving companies available online, not all offers you come across will be reliable. It is advisable to do some research before hiring a moving company. Fortunately, dependable moving companies have various hallmarking traits that can be used to distinguish them.
Below are 5 main things you should look for when hiring moving services.
1. Make sure your insurer offers enough cover
Moving companies often offer limited insurance to cover small damages to client possessions. If you own a lot of valuable items, make sure your insurance covers damages to all your possessions. Most movers offer an alternative high-level cover that includes replacement for valuable items. Although this will cost you more money, it is highly recommendable.
2. Compare different movers
As aforesaid, there are numerous moving companies. However, you should never settle for the first company offer you get It is recommendable to compare different services and weigh their strengths as well as weaknesses. If you live in Chicago for instance, you can go online and compare movers in Chicago before making your decision. You can also ask friends and family members to refer you to a moving company they trust. Having more options allows you to pick the best offer.
3. Choose experienced licensed companies
Although some new movers have the capacity to safely and timely relocate your possessions, it is still advisable to choose long-serving businesses. Experienced moving companies do not only have profound knowledge of the field, but also boast a streamlined service delivery framework that will ensure your relocation is smooth and on time. Make sure you hire accredited companies that have been providing moving services for a long time in the area. You can always ask them about their accreditation and how long they have been in business.
4. Request on-site quotes and estimates
Since every relocation is different, quotes provided online will never reflect the true cost of a moving service. Pricing is affected by various aspects ranging from doorway clearances to stairway steepness and packaging needs. This is why you need to hire movers that send representatives to visit your home. You should always request on-site estimates as it gives you a close approximation of how much you will be paying and what exactly you will be paying for. You can also negotiate lower prices by taking care of things such as packing instead of having the company do it for you.
5. Look for good reputation and positive reviews
Business reputation is a great way to determine if the company will meet your unique goals. Reliable companies attract a good reputation in the markets they serve. You can always look through customer reviews and ratings from trustworthy review sites. Watch out for negative reviews and complaints.
There are several other minor aspects to consider when hiring moving services. Essentially, you should avoid deals that seem too good to be true. Cheap services and flamboyant testimonials that you cannot verify are usually not a good sign. Make sure you conduct a careful review of the service and interview all your prospects before committing. More importantly, ensure they have the capacity to relocate your possessions.