Whether you’re moving across the street or to another city, you’ll want professional movers. They’re trained to do the heavy lifting, load and unload boxes and furniture and transport them from point A to point B without damage. They can also provide storage and other services like pet relocation or vehicle transportation. The key is to choose a mover who has experience in your type of move, and that’s why it’s important to do some research before you hire one.
Look for a mover with a Department of Transportation license and a Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating. Check how many complaints have been filed and how they were resolved. This will give you an idea of how well the mover performs.
Also, ask the mover to provide you with an estimate before the move. The gold standard is an in-house survey, where the mover comes to your home and looks at the things you need to be moved before offering an estimate. This is far more accurate than estimates that are based on phone or text conversations and is less prone to future price increases.
You should also understand any extra charges the movers local movers might add onto their basic move fee. Some of these include fuel fees, equipment fees (for things like dollies or hand trucks), packing material fees, stair and elevator charges, waiting or storage fees, and a variety of assembly/disassembly and other miscellaneous services. Ask if these additional charges are included in the basic move fee or if you will be charged separately.
Most movers also offer packing and crating services. Look for details about how the movers will pack your boxes and what they’ll do with more delicate items like fine china or artwork. Some movers will even disassemble larger pieces of furniture, such as beds and dresser mirrors, to protect them during transit.
On the day of the move, your movers will conduct a walk-through of your home and produce an inventory list of all items to be moved. This ensures that everything arrives in the same condition it left your old home and helps guard against false damage claims.
Loading your belongings onto the truck is a time-consuming and labor-intensive process. Lifting heavy boxes and furniture is hard on your back, and it’s easy to injure yourself if you don’t use proper technique. Professional movers know how to properly load and stack items in the truck to make it as safe as possible, and they’ll take care of everything so you can relax and get on with your life.
Finally, if your move is in an unfamiliar location, a moving company can save you money on gas and other expenses by taking the best route to your new destination. If you’re moving to a city like New York, for example, a mover who knows the streets will have a huge advantage over someone who doesn’t, and will be able to help you avoid traffic problems and other road hazards on the way.
