Key Considerations When Choosing a Moving Company

Hiring a moving company is one of the most important things you can do when relocating to a new home or office. However, selecting the right team for your needs is no easy feat. Some moving companies are trustworthy but simply won’t be able to meet your needs, while others will be downright disreputable!

The last thing you want is to be left stranded waiting for a mover to arrive at your door. The shock that comes with dozens of hidden costs can also be enough to turn you off moving companies for good!

You can estimate the cost of your move and compare them at MovingAstute.com move calculator, here you can read reviews, compare companies and even find discounts. But beyond cost, there are a few other key points to take into consideration when choosing your mover.

You want to have the best and easiest move possible, and this article has the advice to make that happen. Read on for 10 key considerations when choosing a moving company.

Find Out How Fees and Payments Work

Here are a few things to research when it comes to fees and payments:

  • Does the moving company charge on a fixed rate or per hour/per half-hour basis?
  • Is driving time an additional cost? (We recommend hiring a moving company St George Utah that does not sting you with this separate charge).
  • Find out how much of a deposit is required and how subsequent payments are made. Do you pay instalments or one deposit followed by a final payment?
  • You should avoid hiring companies that require a major deposit or full payment in advance.
  • Find out how you can pay, including in cash, using credit cards, via a bank transfer, etc. Check if any payment methods comewith additional fees.
  • Determine if packing boxes and materials are available free of charge or at an extra cost.
  • What is available as an inclusion that other moving companies charge extra for? At the very least, you should be able to get a free, no-obligation quote!

Choose a Moving Company That Offers Comprehensive Insurance

One of the benefits of hiring a moving company is knowing that your belongings will be loaded, transported, and unloaded safely. Professional movers will reduce the risk of damage to your belongings or your property. Additionally, movers will lift your belongings in a way that prevents injury, meaning you don’t need to risk pulling your back.

However, movers are only human, and humans make mistakes. For this reason, you should ensure your movers are covered by insurance that protects your belongings and protects you from liability if someone is hurt during the move.

Insurance for your belongings should fully cover the cost of repairs or replacements so you’re never left without your precious possessions at end of the day.

Does Your Moving Company Offer Boxes and Packaging Materials?

Most moving companies will offer materials and boxes to pack your possessions. Some companies will pack on your behalf while others will just provide the materials. DIY packing may affect your insurance policy, while packing products and services may come at a cost.

Find a Moving Company with All the Right Equipment for the Job

Look for a moving company that has all the equipment required to pack, protect, load, transport, and unload your items. Equipment to look for includes a fleet of vehicles, ramps and lifts, lifting equipment, dollies, and more.

Choose a Moving Company That Offers All the Manpower You Need

Select a moving company that can scale up or down depending on your needs. There’s no point hiring a “man with a van” if you have one or more truckloads to move. Equally, you shouldn’t hire a company with a fleet of massive trucks if you don’t have much to transport.

As well as the vehicles they drive, you should find out how many removalists they can provide. You can also ask if their fee structure is flexible depending on how much you need to move. Check out this moving glossary to help you understand all the moving terminology you’ll come across in the process.

For those planning an umzug, selecting a moving company that understands the intricacies of international or long-distance relocations can provide peace of mind and ensure a smooth transition to your new home.

Be Wary of a Moving Company That Has Changed Its Name

There are many valid reasons why a company might have several names.

You might be looking at the registered business name and the trading name. Changes of ownership may also be a reason for a new name, while businesses may vary their name slightly for each location that they operate in.

However, a new business name may also be an attempt to escape a bad reputation. If you’re considering a moving company with multiple names, look into customer complaints, business history, licencing information, and more.

Hire a Local Moving Company

Hiring a local moving company means they can easily visit you and you can visit them. It makes every part of the moving process more convenient. If your moving company has a local presence near your old property and your new one, that’s an added bonus!

Look for a Mover Who Can Handle Your Specialist Requirements

Find a moving company that can help you move locally or across the country as required. If you have antiques, fine furniture, or large items such as grand pianos or pool tables, ensure your mover can assist you with these items.

If your mover uses a third-party service for specialty items, look into the policies, terms and conditions, reputation, and added fees associated with that service.

Get Everything in Writing

The worst thing you can do when hiring any company is signing a blank contract. Ensure everything from pick-up dates to extra fees is covered in writing. Any additional guarantees or offers that are provided verbally should be added to a binding written agreement.

Make Sure Your Moving Company Asks All the Right Questions

First impressions count, so take note of the information a moving company asks for when you first contact them. Some of the topics your moving company should ask about include:

  • How much needs to be moved
  • Where you are moving to and from
  • Any access restrictions they need to be aware of
  • Other challenges or special items

Your moving company should also arrange a time to visit your property and take a thorough inventory. If a mover follows all these steps, you are more likely to get an accurate quote and you are probably in good hands!

Ready to Get Started with Your Big Move?

If you’re ready for your big move, follow the recommendations above and find a moving company well in advance. Other recommendations include getting multiple quotes and paying close attention to customer service and how the team communicates with you.

Once you find a moving company that ticks all the boxes, you will be well on your way to a seamless and stress-free relocation.

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