Tips for Hiring a Professional Mover

Moving can be a stressful experience. Therefore, to make the job easier, you will want to hire a professional mover for the job. If choosing the right one, hiring movers can relieve stress and make moving a breeze, or else they can add even more stress. From getting several quotes from local and long-distance moving companies to making an inventory of your home, whichever path you take, here are a few things to consider.

Signing a contract before hiring a professional mover

Before hiring a professional mover, you should ask for a contract. A contract covers the services the mover will provide. You can ask to amend the contract to include additional services, but this will likely result in a higher estimate.

Overall, the contract should cover both the price of the move and any extra costs.

Also, make sure that you read the terms and conditions carefully before signing anything to know that the company has your best interests at heart. Moreover, the mover should also have the necessary documentation to move your possessions without damaging them.

Getting multiple quotes from various local or long distance moving companies

Whether for a short distance or a long one, before hiring a professional mover, be sure to get at least four free quotes from different companies. This is essential to ensure you’ll get the best price which can differ by thousands of dollars. You can request a binding quote for your move or a nonbinding one, which gives you an idea of how much the whole moving process will cost.

After receiving a few quotes, check online reviews to see if the companies have received positive or negative reviews. Check for reviews with pictures, patterns and similar complaints across various moving companies.

In addition, companies often face delays when moving, so it’s a good idea to negotiate a flexible pickup and delivery schedule. This will allow the moving company to build up a cushion in case of delays.

Analyzing the legitimacy of the company

The next step is to verify the legitimacy of each moving company. Some moving companies don’t have the proper licenses and may be scammers. It’s essential to understand the rules and regulations of interstate moves.

Movers are required by law to follow the rules set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). FMCSA investigates complaints regarding rogue movers and makes sure that the company you hire is legitimate.

Negotiating a better deal with movers

To get the most of the services at a reasonable price, you must know how to negotiate with the movers.

Knw about the industry: The first step in negotiating a better deal with movers is to educate yourself about the moving industry. Many people don’t know much about moving rates until they need to move. Before you contact a mover, learn about the typical moving cost, services they offer, and insurance. Also, familiarize yourself with any additional fees they may charge, such as for packing supplies. A company that refuses to answer these questions is probably not trustworthy.

Talk about your specific needs: Are you moving only a few items? Or are you planning an easy move? Are there stairs or large furniture you can’t move? You should mention all of these details. Mention any other offers you’ve heard of, although they may not work in all circumstances. Once you’ve determined your specific needs, you’ll have the upper hand when negotiating a better price.

Know the best time to move: Before you begin negotiating, you should know when the best time to move is. Many moving companies are busiest on weekends, holiday seasons, and month-ends. These times are prime opportunities for negotiation. You can even get free or discounted services for early booking and get a better deal with movers. However, if you don’t have enough time to prepare, consider hiring a company when fewer people need to move during the winter months.

Compare them with others: Remember that moving companies don’t have to match your first offer, so mentioning competition can be a key clinching factor. Try asking them to beat their lowest price if that means winning your time. Also, make sure to mention the reason you’re paying more. Perhaps they provide more specialized services, more experienced workers, or faster delivery times.

Build an inventory for your items

Creating an inventory of your items can significantly benefit you while hiring a professional mover.

Move your inventory yourself: You can save yourself time and money by taking an inventory of your home before hiring a professional mover. You should take photos or record a video of your items to be packed. A moving inventory app can also help make the process faster and easier. Remember to keep your inventory updated and available to family and friends. The more accurate your inventory is, the less time you will spend packing and unpacking.

Create a list of your inventory: Creating an inventory of your home before hiring a moving service will help you avoid missing or damaged items when you’re unpacking. In addition to the cost of moving, this list can help you file a claim if anything happens to your items. It’s also helpful if you plan to file a claim with your homeowner’s insurance if something goes missing during the move.

Keeps track of your belongings: Creating a home inventory is a great way to keep track of your belongings. You can even use this list as your packing list. This can cut down on the number of possessions you have, eventually reducing the cost of packing and moving. Creating an inventory will take a little time, but it’s worth it.

Learn everything about a quotation

While hiring a professional mover, you must know every detail about the quotations you’ve been provided. Here’s what you can learn from the quotations:

Know about the price breakage: Professional movers don’t work for free, so figuring out what’s going where will save time and money. You can also get quotes for the moving cost by requesting a free quote from Twin Brothers Movers, a top-rated moving company in New York City. They can help you with the entire process, including making an inventory list for your home.

Get a quote that offers a free in-home estimate: A moving company that offers a free in-home estimate has a better chance of providing an accurate quote than one that doesn’t include one. However, getting a quote in writing eliminates the risk of miscommunication and protects you and the moving company. On the other hand, a binding quote eliminates legal leverage to overcharge, and you’ll have a concrete answer on your final bill. If something doesn’t add up, you’ll know what to do next.

Know what you have: When it comes to getting an accurate quote, it’s crucial to have a clear idea of your belongings and the size of your home. If you’re unsure what you need to be moved, you should draw up a list of items and keep it handy while meeting with the moving company representative. Making a list of your belongings ahead of time will help speed up the process and ensure that you and the moving company’s representative stay on the same page.

Insurance costs: Insurance costs can be a large percentage of your overall moving budget. If your home is huge, it may require a bigger truck or multiple trucks to transport your belongings. So make sure to check whether the moving company provides insurance for your belongings.