If you are moving to a new place, it can get quite hectic. From packing all your belongings, unscrewing furniture, moving everything, and then finally choosing how to organize everything in the new house can be overwhelming.
If you are looking for help, the most important thing to keep in mind is to have someone who you can put your trust in.
Moving companies certainly offer you help while moving. In this article, we have listed the 7 most essential tips on choosing a moving company that won’t let you down.
- Make Sure the Moving Company Operates where You Will Move
The most important thing to consider before choosing a moving company is to see if the moving company provides services, not only in the area you are currently living in but also in the area you will be moving to. Some companies only offer services within a city. So if you are moving to another city, they won’t be helping you there.
If you are staying in the same complex and just changing units moving a few blocks away, or on the other side of town, most moving companies will be able to handle that. However, if you are moving to another city or a different state or even internationally, you want to be sure that the movers will be able to get your belongings there.
In highly urbanized states like New Jersey, Florida, Illinois, and others, there are so many moving companies to choose from. But how do you know that a company is reliable and helpful? There are a few reliable movers in NJ who have excellent client evaluations, all-inclusive costs, and no hidden fees. Most importantly, they will not cause you any stress due to high costs or large moving sizes. You should be on the lookout for such services.
- Get Referrals
Speak to someone you know who has moved recently or has used movers in the past. If you are relocating for job purposes, your relocation specialist can help you out with that. But a great resource to get referrals from would be your real estate agent.
Your real estate agent would suggest to you a movers company who they are sure will take good care of you. In most cases, many realtors have those connections, and talking to your realtor is a wonderful resource.
- Check Reviews
Try to check reviews of the moving company you are thinking about hiring in multiple locations. Make use of Yelp, Better Business Bureau, Facebook, Google Reviews, and other platforms to see what real customers have to say about the company.
You should do your research well. Does the company have numerous bad reviews? If yes, perhaps you should look for another company. However, it is absolutely fine if there are two or three negative reviews here and there. Mistakes happen all the time.
People, statistically, are more likely to write about their negative experiences, and a few bad reviews just make it real! Learn about the customers’ experiences. This will tell you a lot about the company and if you can rely on them.
Even the moving company can also give you references. So don’t be afraid to ask them for that because their references can also give you a good idea about the company.
- Make Sure that the Company is Licensed and Insured
Many unethical moving companies are popping up here and there. So before you choose one, it is crucial to make sure that the company is licensed and insured. For example, in New Jersey, NJ law establishes minimum insurance coverage, uniform contract requirements, fitness standards, and claims procedures that moving businesses must follow.
The trucks should display a US Department of Transportation number. Before being granted membership or a seal of approval, businesses are vetted by trade groups. Search for a moving business that has the ProMover logo from the American Moving and Storage Association. You can also check for accredited businesses on the American Moving and Storage Association’s Moving.org website.
All moving companies must bear responsibility for the price of the item they transport. There are, however, two distinct levels of liability. You must be informed of the applicable fees as well as the level of protection given by each level.
Protection for the Full (Replacement) Value of the Item:
It’s the most complete solution for the safety of your goods currently available. Unless you select the alternative level of liability stated below, your goods will be transported under your mover’s Full (Replacement) Value Protection level of accountability. Under this plan, if an item is lost, damaged, or broken while in the custody of your mover, the moving business has the option to:
- Repair the item to the degree necessary to bring it back to the condition it was in when it was delivered to your mover or reimburse you for the expense of repairs.
- Replace the item with one of similar type and quality, or reimburse you for the price of replacement.
Unless you specifically specify these products on the shipment documentation, movers are allowed to limit their liabilities for damage or loss to items of extraordinary value under this option.
Any object worth more than $100 per pound is considered an article of high value (for example, silverware, china, jewelry, antiques, rugs, furs, and electronics). Before you move, ask your moving company for a detailed explanation of this restriction.
Alternative Level of Liability
This free service is the most cost-effective insurance available, but it only offers rudimentary protection. The mover assumes liability for less than 60 cents per pound, each object under this option. Loss or liability claims are calculated by multiplying the article’s pound weight by 60 cents. For instance, if a $1,000 stereo component weighing ten pounds was damaged or lost, the mover would only be liable for $6. There is no additional payment for this limited coverage, but you must consent to it by signing a declaration on the commercial invoice.
- Get an In-person Estimate
If you talk to the moving company on the phone, they are not going to have a real idea of what items you have in your house. You want them to come over and assess all of your belongings. You need to clarify what services you exactly want, whether it is just moving or packing of your assets as well.
You have to make sure that they see everything and are willing to give you the services that you need and then give you an accurate estimate, so there are no surprises in the end.
You don’t want them to come to a point and end up charging you more than you expected and hold your assets hostage so that you give them more money.
- Read Your Contract Properly
Before you start working with your selected moving company, you must read the agreements and terms & conditions thoroughly. A blank contract should never be signed. Make a written record of everything. Your pick-up and shipping dates, as well as the mover’s estimate and any additional expenses, should all be noted.
Check your contract for a list of all of your belongings. You can’t expect your laptop to be in the box when the driver comes if it isn’t tagged on the inventory form you authorize before they leave. You won’t be able to claim for something that’s not on the inventory list.
- Talk to More Than One Moving Company
As we have said earlier, in most urban areas like New Jersey, there are many movers you can choose from. So just don’t make your pick impulsively.
Talk to at least three companies, have them come into your house, and give you estimates. This will not only allow you to compare the prices of different companies but also tell you a lot about their professionalism. For example, you fix an appointment at a certain time. Are they being professional and arriving at the given time? Are they letting you know beforehand if they are going to be late?
Key Takeaways
With thousands of moves taking place per year in the United States, it’s very unlikely that the majority of them go off without a hitch. Of course, quality moves must be hired.
Even with many slick moves, there are scams and bad practices. It is in your best interests to be aware of every step of the procedure. So before you make your choice, make sure that the movers offer services to the new location you are moving to, get suggestions from people who have moved and have experience with moving companies, check out customer reviews to know more about a company, make sure that the company is legal and has insurance policies.
You would also need to get a walk-in estimate from your mover about the cost of services. Before you take their services, read the terms and conditions properly and never sign a black document.
Talk to multiple movers to get better deals. Remember, moving is a huge responsibility. It doesn’t only involve literal baggage but also emotional baggage. A company that you can rely on at this crucial time is the one you should opt for.
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