Moving to a new home or office is an exciting but demanding situation. As such, many people opt to hire movers to help them move. Movers can help with your entire move, including packing, loading, transporting, and unloading your possessions. One crucial decision that can significantly impact your moving experience is choosing the right moving company. With numerous moving companies available, it’s essential to conduct thorough research and make an informed decision. Here are some of the key factors to consider when selecting movers for your upcoming move, ensuring a smooth and stress-free transition to your new location.

Familiarize Yourself With Common Moving Terms

Prior to starting a search for movers for your move, one of the first things that you should do is to take the time to familiarize yourself with common moving terms, or moving lingo. This helps you to better communicate with movers and understand the terms that movers are using. For example, movers often use the terms interstate and intrastate. Intrastate movers only move within your existing state. They do not move goods over state lines. According to Forbes, almost 60% of local movers, or intrastate movers typically stay within county lines. Interstate movers cross state lines. So if you are moving out of state, you want an interstate mover.

Determine Your Specific Needs

Before you start your search for a company to help you move, it’s crucial to determine your specific moving needs. Consider factors such as the size of your move, the distance you’ll be relocating, and any additional services you may need, such as packing, storage, or specialty item handling. Understanding your unique needs will help you narrow down what specific services you will need. From there, you can search through various companies to find a company that offers the specific services you need and can meet your requirements.

Conduct Research

Now that you have familiarized yourself with moving lingo and determined your specific needs, you are ready to really begin your search for movers for your upcoming move. Start your search by gathering recommendations from trusted sources. Seek referrals from family, friends, or colleagues who have recently moved and had a positive experience with a particular moving company. You can also search online for movers who can assist you. Utilize online platforms and review websites to read customer feedback and ratings. Pay attention to reviews that mention professionalism, reliability, and efficient handling of belongings. Also, pay close attention to negative reviews. Be wary of companies that have multiple negative reviews for things such as increasing the price, not delivering items within the required timeframe, having lost items, or having broken items.

Verify Credentials and Insurance

Unfortunately, not every moving company out there is honest or licensed. As such, you want to take the time to ensure that the moving business you’re considering is properly licensed and insured. Request an interstate mover’s Department of Transportation number, also known as a DOT number, and check their licensing status. Intrastate movers must possess a business license in the state in which they are licensed to move, so check the specific state for their licensing requirements. A legitimate and reputable moving business should have all the necessary credentials in place.

Furthermore, always inquire about a company’s insurance coverage. The company itself should be licensed, and they should have basic liability, plus additional supplemental insurance products you can purchase. While basic liability coverage is often included, it may not be sufficient to protect the full value of your belongings. Consider purchasing additional moving insurance or discussing options for supplemental coverage with the moving company.

Obtain In-Person Estimates

It is important to obtain estimates prior to selecting a company to assist with your upcoming move. The quote will include a rough estimate of the cost of your move. During the assessment, ensure the moving service representative evaluates all the items you plan to move, including any items that may present a potential challenge or require special care. Be prepared to provide accurate information about your move to receive the most accurate estimate possible.

Once you have the estimates in hand, compare the estimates received. Take note of the services included, the pricing structure, and any additional fees or surcharges. Remember that the lowest estimate may not always be the best choice. Consider the company’s reputation, experience, and overall professionalism when making your decision. Also, find out if the estimate is binding or non-binding.

Ask About the Moving Process and Equipment

Take the time to understand the moving company’s process and the equipment they utilize. Inquire about their packing methods, handling procedures for fragile items, and how they protect furniture during transit. Well-established moving companies should have the proper equipment, such as dollies, straps, and padding materials, to ensure the safe transportation of your belongings.

Additionally, discuss the estimated timeline for your move and the company’s policy regarding any delays or changes. Clear communication about the moving process will help set realistic expectations and ensure a smooth relocation. You also want to ensure a company can deliver your possessions in a timely manner.

Evaluate Customer Service and Communication

Effective communication and exceptional customer service are crucial factors to consider when selecting and hiring a mover. Pay attention to their responsiveness and willingness to address your concerns promptly. A professional and reliable moving company should be transparent, provide clear answers to your questions, and offer support throughout the entire moving process. If the company is hard to get a hold of, does not return calls, or cannot answer your questions, they are likely not the ideal company to assist with your upcoming move.

Review the Contract

Before making a final decision and signing a contract, ask to see a copy of a mover’s contract. Carefully and thoroughly review the contracts and terms of service provided by the moving company. Ensure you understand all the terms and conditions, including payment terms, cancellation policies, and any potential liability limitations. If any clauses or provisions seem unclear, don’t hesitate to seek clarification from a representative associated with the company. Signing a contract without fully understanding the terms can lead to misunderstandings or disputes down the line.

Trust Your Instincts

Lastly, always trust your instincts as you go about choosing a moving company. If something feels off or if you have any doubts about a particular company, it’s better to explore other options. Remember, you are entrusting your valuable possessions to the moving company, so it’s essential to have confidence in their professionalism and reliability. There are many moving companies out there, so with a little work and time, you can find one that meets all of your requirements and that you fully trust with your possessions.

Finding the right moving company is not a fast or easy process. It requires careful research, evaluation, and consideration of your specific needs. By determining your requirements, gathering recommendations, verifying credentials, obtaining in-person estimates, assessing the moving process and equipment, evaluating customer service, and reviewing contracts, you can make an informed decision. The right movers will not only handle your belongings with care but also provide a seamless and stress-free moving experience. If you are planning a move in the near future, we would love to earn your business. Reach out to the Olympia Moving and Storage team today with any questions you may have or to get an estimate.

Preparing to move is a big deal and using professional assistance is common. According to OnCue, a moving software company, professional moving services help Americans with about 650,000 moves every year. Whether you’re off to college for the first time, moving into a new apartment, buying your first home, or moving into an office building, you have lots to consider when finding a moving company. Trusting a moving professional to move your personal or professional items is a big responsibility and a decision you shouldn’t make lightly. To further assist you, we’ve compiled a list of ten essential questions you should ask before signing on the dotted line and handing over your boxes.

1. Do You Have Insurance Coverage?

Any professional contractor should always have insurance, especially a professional moving company. Why is that? Well, first of all, these contractors handle your precious belongings, furniture, clothes, fragile items, books you’ve had for years, and more. Regardless of how careful they may be, accidents can happen. Once the moving truck hits the road, an unexpected accident can easily break your items. Things may be lost or stolen during all the hustle of loading and unloading. With that said, you want to ensure the moving company has insurance to cover your belongings if anything happens during the move. It’s yet another benefit of hiring professionals in the first place. If you move your items on your own and they get lost or stolen in transit, you’ll have to eat that loss.

2. How Long Have You Been in Business?

While every company and contractor has to start somewhere, there’s nothing wrong with preferring a moving company with experience handling your move. Plus, the more experience they have, the easier it’ll be to find reviews and referrals for them. If you’re going to trust them to move all your vital items, then you want someone who knows what they’re doing. The more experience they have, the more likely they can handle any issues or delays that occur.

3. Are Your Movers Trained and Certified?

Knowing how to move residential or commercial items is an important skill. So when you bring on a moving company, you want to ensure all their workers know what they’re doing. They should have the right training and certification to handle the job right. Movers should have experience and knowledge of how to lift and unload stuff so that they don’t hurt themselves or break your items. In the case of an intercity or state move, you want to ensure drivers know how to handle moving such a long distance.

4. What Type of Services Do You Provide?

Many local movers have various services to consider. Before you hire a moving company, think about the specific services you need, so that you don’t have to hire different people for your move. For example, if you need help with packing, unpacking, loading, and unloading, find a moving contractor that offers all of those services to make your life easier. Some movers even offer storage. You don’t want to hire a company and sign the contract only to realize they don’t offer half the things you need.

5. Do You Have Additional Protection for Fragile Items?

Imagine having a beautiful china set or crystal glasses you’ve collected over the years, only to open up your moving box at your new house and see that everything is broken! This situation is what happens when fragile items aren’t handled properly. So ask the potential moving contractor how often they’ve handled fragile items and if they have special storage ways to handle them.

6. Are There Additional Costs for Specific Services?

Be prepared to spend money when you move, even if you have a few items. Think about all the services you’re requesting from your mover. Don’t assume that packing or unloading automatically comes in the original quote. Ask for an itemized list of expenses to know how much your moving budget will be. You can ask if they charge more to move on the weekend or if they charge more for heavier boxes. Will handling fragile items cost more? What does it cost to disassemble and reassemble a bed? Whatever services you need, know what’s included in a flat rate and what’s a separate cost.

7. Do You Provide Boxes and Packing Materials?

Some movers provide all the necessary packing supplies from boxes to tape or bubble wrap and packing peanuts. However, other movers will assume you’ll pack your things and have the necessary supplies. Even if you’re interested in the mover supplying packing supplies, you may also want to get a quote for that first, in case of an additional cost that goes over your moving budget.

8. How Long Will the Move Take?

The length of your move can vary based on how many items are in transit, the size of the boxes, the moving area, and how far your boxes are going. For example, if your items go into another city or state, they may not reach their destination for several days or a week. If that is the case, then plan for what items you can keep with you and what you’re comfortable sending ahead and being without for a long time. If you need your items to arrive at your new residence by a specific time, discuss that with the potential mover.

9. What Do Other Customers Say?

This question may seem like you’re putting the moving company on the spot, but it’s certainly something you need to know. While you should certainly check out reviews on your own, asking a company this question is a great way to see if they’re forthcoming about their client relationships. A company with several bad reviews or lost customers may not be willing to discuss that topic. However, a company with high ratings and several-star reviews will be eager to direct you to online reviews and referrals.

10. What Is Your Preferred Communication Style?

Before you hire a local moving company, you should feel confident they can communicate well. The last thing you need is a contractor you can never get hold of, especially once your items are on the road. Plus, if you have a problem once your move is complete, you want to feel confident that somebody will respond to your inquiries. Make sure you have a working telephone number for them. They should also have a company e-mail, so test it out to see how quickly they respond. Some businesses also use WhatsApp or even have proprietary company apps for communication.

As mentioned, moving, whether it’s your first time or one of several moves, takes a lot of work and research. Any reputable local mover will be willing to answer all the above questions and any others you have. When you trust your lifetime of items to a mover, you want to feel good that everything is in good hands and will be handled with the utmost care and concern. When it’s time for you to pick up and move, let Olympia Moving and Storage know! Don’t hesitate to contact our expert moving company at any time. We’ll be more than happy to assist you and answer all your questions.