Moving Companies – Hiring A Reputable Company for Your Next Move
Packing and unpacking is a big job, but you are to be congratulated. After all, you are moving into a new home! You may be planning to use a professional moving company to help make things easier. If so, you’ll want to consider your needs and your options. These tips will help you find a reasonably priced, reputable company that can help you get the task done right.
Your first task is to ask friends, business associates and family to recommend (or warn you away from) a company they have utilized in the past. Once you have some names, it’s time for you to do some research of your own. Take a look at any consumer review websites, such as Yelp.com, and of course, check with the Better Business Bureau. The reviews can help you narrow down your field of choices.
You should consider some questions prior to calling any of these companies for a quote. Firstly, will you have the moving company move everything? Sometimes people hire these companies just to move large, heavy items like pianos. Also, do you intend to do all your own packing, or were you planning on having the movers handle all or part of that job for you?
No matter if you’re planning to do all the packing yourself or you intend to have the movers do it all (or some combination of the two), your valuables are typically protected, at least in part, by the moving company’s liability insurance (typically .60 per pound). If you desire everything to be fully insured, speak to the movers about additional costs that will apply for full replacement value in case anything is broken. In addition, inquiring about restrictions or limitations that apply to the insurance is important. While insurance upgrades are often offered through the moving company, they may only apply to items the movers pack for you. Alternately, you may have the option to specify which items you want covered with the extra insurance. You may be able to purchase third-party coverage through your own insurance agent.
Get estimates from three companies. Why three? You can more easily compare price differences. If you are getting three estimates, it is important that they are all done the same way. For instance, if two estimates are from movers who come to inspect your belongings, while the third quotes you over the phone, these are NOT like estimates and should not be compared to each other. IF one estimate is very much lower than the other two, some questions that might arise should be about the bonds and insurance protection these movers are carrying for themselves. It is important that the company takes responsibility for potential injury of their employees, not you. In addition, be sure that the estimates all include driving time, gas, mileage, lunch breaks, container size, extra costs for wrapping furniture, renting furniture pads, boxes for your wardrobe, etc. These extra costs should not be a surprise when it’s time to pay the bill.
One potentially money saving tip is to ask if scheduling your move on a weekday is any less expensive than doing it over the weekend, as some movers charge more for weekend jobs. Be wary of companies that have no physical address, or that take only cash for the move. Nearly all businesses should accept credit cards in this day and age.
Remember that if you are doing a local move to hire a local company. Cross country moves have additional regulations and charges that apply and cross country or international moves should be handled by experts in that area.
The moving business is a competitive one, and this means that most companies will be fairly priced and offer reasonably good service. However, it pays to check into companies further and make sure that the company you are entrusting with your household will give it the care and respect it deserves.
Moving in the Chicago area? Call on Checkmate Movers. They offer a full range of moving services with a low minimum charge, simple hourly rates and no hidden fees. Their experienced, capable movers work safely and efficiently. This article powered by SEO 2.0 Services