Whether you’re just thinking of moving or have officially made the decision to move, finding and hiring the right moving company can be a big task. It’s common to start your search for a moving company by asking friends and family for referrals. Local Facebook community forums are another great place to get ideas. You need a starting point, for sure, but every move is different and yours will undoubtedly have unique aspects.
Here’s what you need to know when you’re ready to get started:
Understanding the Quotes
There are two kinds of quotes: Binding vs. Non-binding. A binding quote may appear higher but read the fine print as this is generally a flat cost and the fee cannot be higher.
It’s always best to get 2-3 quotes that include a visit to your home by the moving company representative. I’d avoid anyone who gives you a quote online or over the phone. Why? Because if you forget to tell them you have a large marble-top table that needs special handling they might not have the labor or materials to properly crate your tabletop. So, not only do you risk breakage during transport but your final bill is likely to increase. No one likes surprises.
PRO TIP: Be careful not to confuse “moving company” with “move manager”. The moving company is the licensed transportation company that provides all the muscle for moving your furniture and boxes. A move manager (like Smartly Organized) will help coordinate all aspects of your move from downsizing and decluttering to unpacking and setting up your home. We work closely with moving companies to make your entire move smooth and easy.
Form of Payment
Again, read the fine print. Some quotes may appear lower because the mover may be offering a cash discount. If you show up on moving day with a check or credit card you may be surprised by the added fees.
Cancellation Fees
Movers block the date and time for your move, scheduling the crew and assigning trucks. They turn away other opportunities and often do not require a deposit. If you cancel at the last minute, however, they may charge a hefty cancellation fee. Understanding the cancellation policy and the associated fee, even if you think you would never cancel, is critical. Often with enough notice you can reschedule without penalty.
PRO TIP: Good moving companies don’t often have a lot of flexibility in their schedules (they get booked solid) so you can’t just shift your move a day, or a week, to suit your schedule. Having an open dialogue with your mover will increase your chance of managing through a problem. Call and speak to your contact the minute you have an inkling something might change. For some companies, the owner is the person who meets you for the quote, for other companies they are sales employees. Either way, once they provide a quote you should be in their system. And, whoever provided the quote should be reachable and willing to brainstorm options with you. A move manager would handle this hiccup and get ahead of the problem.
Inventory List
When a mover provides a quote they should be touring your entire home and asking very specific questions about what you need done and/or what might need special handling. Taking a detailed room by room inventory that is easily understood by you is important and should be part of the quote. This will allow for a very clear discussion if the list changes. Very often, the mover provides a quote before our clients have made final decisions about what is being moved. This is especially important when downsizing. A good mover can manage this variability and should be willing to adjust their quote if there is a material change in the items being moved.
PRO TIP: A good mover includes materials in their pricing and arrives on site with more than enough for your job. You shouldn’t be hit with a big price increase attributed to material usage.
Packing and Associated Extra Fees
It pays to be clear with who’s doing the packing. Will you be packing all your personal items in boxes or do you need them do all that? If you don’t finish packing the personal stuff before moving day it’s best to be prepared for additional charges – time and materials – especially with a non-binding quote.
PRO TIP: Insurance provided by a moving company covers only items they pack so if you don’t feel confident in your packing skills we suggest leaving the packing to professionals. You can divide and conquer by packing your own clothes and books and leaving the large or more fragile items to your mover.
Yes, there’s a lot of detailed information here, but I’m sharing all of it with you for a reason. Educating yourself and selecting a reputable mover will make all the difference in your move. Over the years I’ve heard many horror stories about movers damaging furniture, excessive charges, and holding delivery until payment received. It’s no wonder you are paralyzed by the thought of moving.
Worried about how the moving process will be for you? No time or not interested in making all these decisions? We can help you avoid these situations and have a smooth and easy move.
