12 Jul 10 tips on how to choose local movers
Did you know that the average American will move approximately 10 times during his or her lifetime? Choosing the right professional movers can be the difference between chaos and calm. Usually, it’s because we need more space, got a new job, or are downsizing. Whatever the reason for your move take comfort knowing you’re not alone. Millions of other Americans are taking on the challenge of moving this summer too. If you are planning a relocation shortly, and are searching for the right local movers to handle your relocation and provide you with a stress-free experience, you must do some proper research beforehand and find cheap movers that fit your moving needs.
The right local movers will take care of you and your belongings from the first moment you give them a call, right until they settle your last item into your new home. So, moving to a new house or office is indeed a stressful job, but hiring professional local movers can take away the worries. However, it can be challenging to choose the right local movers owing to the vast availability of options. You may come across many local movers by looking up ‘furniture movers near me.’ Finding cheap movers is relatively easy in this digital age.
But choosing the best local movers can be a challenge because the difficult part is to determine whether or not the professional movers are reliable. With so much information available to you, selecting the best local movers to help with your relocation might seem like a daunting task. But not to worry! Your search will seem much easier if you break it down into sections. Here we have gathered some of the best tips on how to choose the best local movers for your relocation, and receive the best service for what you are paying. So let’s dive in!
Get recommendations
Hiring professional local movers is like swimming in a wide ocean – you won’t have any direction in finding the best local movers for your needs. To make things easier for you, ask for recommendations from friends and family who moved recently. If they were able to hire local movers in the past, ask who should you hire and stay away from. Since your own social circle has first-hand experiences with these professional movers, you’ll have a better idea of how they work and what to expect. So, ask friends, coworkers, and local real estate agents. Look in the phone book for professional movers that have offices near your home. You’re going to want to get an in-person estimate of how much your move will cost.
Don’t rely on any estimate that comes from someone who hasn’t looked in every one of your closets. Don’t assume that big-name companies are best. Do not get estimates through websites that offer to “find you local movers.” Find the local movers yourself and avoid the numerous scams associated with some of these sites. And don’t use household goods brokerage services that find professional movers for you―they are not regulated by the laws that professional movers must follow.
Get at least three moving company estimates
Most local movers will provide potential customers with a free moving quote. Some local movers prefer to work with non-binding moving estimates. This means you’ll be charged based on the moving services and products provided by the professional movers and the actual weight of all your things once they are loaded onto the moving truck. A binding moving estimate guarantees the final moving cost. Expect the professional movers’ estimator to tour your living spaces including the garage and attic.
A binding moving estimate guarantees you’ll pay the amount quoted by the estimator for everything they quote to you—even if your shipment ends up weighing more than was estimated. Depending on a company’s location, how busy they are, or their size, rates can vary drastically. Get several estimates to ensure the best deal, but make sure you get them all in writing (or via email); an estimate given verbally can’t be verified. If the professional movers you really want to go with are more expensive, you can try presenting a lower bid from other local movers, though there’s no guarantee they’ll take the bait. And be wary of bids that seem extremely low.
Read reviews
In today’s age, businesses have an online presence, and they continuously strive to improve it. Before hiring professional movers, read their reviews on Google, Yelp, and BBB, etc. If you come across considerable consistent positive reviews over a good period of time that gives you good reason to believe they will take good care with your move as well. People tend to conduct a lot of their research and purchases online. This applies to searching for a new home, buying clothes, and selecting local movers! Businesses across all industries must have a strong online presence in order to stay afloat nowadays.
Reputable local movers should also have a user-friendly and informative website. Your local movers’ website must be helpful and informative. It should include tips and planning aids to help set you up for a successful move day. It should also include an easy-to-use estimating tool so that they can gather information from you and provide a custom quote for your move. Professional movers’ website is often its first impression to its customers, so a subpar or difficult site should be a red flag.
Make sure local movers are licensed, bonded, and insured
Because of the advent of technology, more and more individuals are posing as businesses in order to scam people. Instead of proving services, this kind of business will only take your money and disappear. If you don’t want to fall victim to these businesses, always ask about the insurance and license of the local movers. These documents can serve as your assurance that the professional movers you’re eyeing to hire are trained and skilled to do the job.
All local movers are required by law to be licensed, bonded, and insured. An insurance and license also mean that the state allows them to work as local movers. These certifications allow you to rest assured that you’re working with legitimate and professional local movers. This information will likely be displayed on the company’s website. If you don’t see a note about being licensed, bonded, and insured, just call them and request a proof.
Make sure local movers offer packing service
Professional movers are experts in their field. They have compassionate Customer Service Representatives who will lay the groundwork for a smooth move day. And they have talented professional movers who will take great care while handling your possessions. But there are other services that you might need as you prepare for the life event of moving. The best local movers will be a one-stop shop for all of your moving-related needs. In order to reduce your stress and make life easier, find out about your local movers can help with the packing process.
It’s no fun gathering all of your belongings and figuring out how to safely box them up. Every plate and coffee mug needs to be wrapped carefully to avoid breakage. And every piece of clothing and bedding must be folded and packed. And what the heck do you do with all of the clothes and coats hanging in your closet? Many professional movers offer packing services to take this burden off of your shoulders.
Make sure there are no hidden fees
One more important piece of advice from our local movers, it is important to find out if the local movers you are researching have any additional fees that they don’t disclose before the moving day. This is why it is important to ask about their rates, if they are all-inclusive, what their rates do include, and what they don’t. Make sure to gather all the answers you need, so your moving day can go as smoothly as possible.
Make sure local movers are trained and experienced
While it might be tempting to hire the cheapest furniture movers near me, it is important to know that there are a lot of local movers in the industry that do not have a license and don’t have any experience. Your moving cost might be low, but the damage your company can make during your move will make your relocation much pricier and more stressful than hiring a team that knows what they are doing. Look for professional movers that have the experience and expertise to provide you with a successful relocation.
You want to work with moving companies that train their local movers on their lot, not yours. Moving companies that train their professional movers will provide you with a smoother moving experience that will make you fully content with your choice, as their furniture movers near me know how to adapt to every moving challenge and put your mind at ease.
Require a written contract
Depending on where you’re going to move and how many valuables you’ll bring, hiring professional furniture movers near me can be expensive. Hiring one will also require time and effort especially when you’re choosing which to hire. To ensure that all of your investment will not go to waste, only hire professional movers that offer a written contract. This document can detail the responsibilities of the parties involved in a move. Additionally, a written contract can speak a lot about the reputability and legitimacy of the local movers. Before the move, solidify the terms of your contract and get everything in writing. There are different types of moving contracts, and you want to be sure you understand the terms completely.
For example, make sure you know the answers to the following questions. Is the price firm? How are overages handled? When is payment due? Also, make sure you go over their insurance policy. What does it cover? How much does it cover? Learn about the difference between full replacement value and other no-cost options that may not include replacement value. Pick the insurance that you’re comfortable with and pay more for extra protection if you own very valuable items.
Scope out parking
Professional movers are not exempt from tricky parking rules, so double-check there are places for them to idle at both locations and take note of street cleaning days/times. If you really want to make life easier, go outside shortly before the truck is expected to arrive and look for spots that may be opening up that you can hold for them (okay, this isn’t exactly “allowed,” but desperate times call for desperate measures). It’ll also behoove you to enlist someone to be on call to stand with the truck while the move is happening to prevent getting a ticket if the truck does have to double park.
Trust your gut and pick your favorite local movers
Two people could have the same set of moving circumstances and still come to a different decision when choosing professional movers. Remember, factors that matter to you like pricing might not matter as much to someone else. Ultimately, you should trust your gut and make a decision that feels right for YOU.
Depending on your budget and needs, hiring full-service local movers means they’ll handle as much or as little of your moving checklist as you’d like. Choose from having the professional movers pack everything in your house and garage, only fragile items, or any combination of services. Professional movers know how to move your furniture without causing injuries, and will disassemble your beds and then reassemble them in your new home. If you plan to put some or all of your household possessions in a storage unit, be sure to prepare your furniture for storage ahead of time.
To summarize go ahead and book with local movers if the moving estimate fits your budget and professional movers were referred by friends or family and/or have great reviews and can be verified as licensed professional movers then you can feel confident in hiring them for your move. There are a lot of local movers out there, but you want to make sure that you get the best service. So contact Westminster Movers today to learn how we can help reduce your stress and actually make your move a fun experience!
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