May is National Moving Month, the busiest time of the year for Americans moving into new homes, out of college dorms and into apartments. Hats off to those of you who prefer to pack and tote it all without any assistance, but for the rest of you in need of extra hands, consider these tips for ensuring you make a smooth transition into your new digs.
First and Foremost: Reputation is EVERYTHING!
Checking and double-checking that a moving company has a good reputation is incredibly important in the moving process. It saves you time, money, and much less of a headache later. Remember, you are hiring someone to pack up your prized possessions and move them to another place with the trust that nothing will be broken, misplaced, or stolen. If you have to part with a few more dollars for better service, it will be well worth it!
Experience is Key
Research how long local moving companies have been in business. Years of experience are not only comforting to your mentality, but your bank account as well. A company that understands the value of all your belongings -- big or small, irreplaceable or not -- is more important than a couple of kids trying to score some extra cash by helping you move. A good track record and reviews will make the whole process much easier.
"License, please."
Is the company you have chosen to hire licensed? If you're moving across state lines, the company should have a US DOT (Department of Transportation) number. You can make sure this number is legitimate by looking it up on the DOT's database. If you are just moving from neighborhood to neighborhood, your company's truck should have your state's license plate.
Is the company insured?
You can confirm your moving company is insured on the same website as their license number. It's not a wise idea to use a moving company that is not insured; you wouldn't trust a 10-year-old behind the wheel of a car, would you? Exactly. If you want your moving company to be insured, you'll more than likely want to make sure your personal items are covered under your homeowners or renters insurance as well. If not, you might want to consider signing up for supplemental moving insurance just to be safe.
Online Reviews
You can check a moving company's rating through the BBB -- Better Business Bureau -- or through consumer sites like Yelp or Citysearch. You might find it helpful to see what other people have said about their experience with the moving company you've selected to make sure you have made the right decision. At the conclusion of your move from one home to another, write your own review to help others out for their future move!
QTNA: Questions That Need Answers
- Will the crew wrap your furniture?
- How many movers can you expect?
- Will you be charged for any overtime?
- Does the moving company provide on site estimates? (By law, moving companies can only give you their rates over the phone, not estimates.)
- Do they measure doorways, stairways, etc. in advance?
- Do they have experience moving in/out of high rises?
You can find more FAQs and answers here. Good luck, and welcome home!