Moving is often rated as one of the most stressful events in life. So it’s only natural that you feel a little anxious when the move approaches. Perhaps you or someone you know had a bad experience. Well, don’t worry. Welcome. This guide will help you navigate the process of hiring a moving company!
If you follow these three simple and effective steps, you’ll have a solid, reliable employee coming on your moving day.
Step 2 – Align 3 Direct Citations
Each company has a grade from A+ (highest) to F (lowest). Look for companies that have good ratings and that the information on their website suits your needs and makes sense. (For example, if you are traveling long distances, focus on companies that specialize in long-distance travel). Hiring a mover is not the same as ordering a pizza or a taxi, so unless you’re moving, you shouldn’t just book by phone. You may need to contact several companies to get 3 quotes, as not all companies are willing to visit and provide direct quotes. If one of your businesses doesn’t show up or doesn’t send you a quote after your visit, be prepared for an additional quote.
Step 3: Quotation evaluation
Now that you’ve given three estimates, it’s time to complete the final step. Choose the best company out of these.
A central and most important part of any estimate is an accurate estimate of the amount of furniture. It should appear in cubic feet or pounds (1 cubic foot = 7 pounds) somewhere on the quote.
Everything else you need to plan and price the move (number of movers, number and size of trucks, etc.) comes with it. If moving locally, estimates must provide at least one mover per 400 cubic feet of household, assuming average moving conditions. If the move is difficult to access (many steps, steep driveways, or whatever), this 400 cubic foot per mover ratio should be lower.
If the estimate does not include an estimate of how many households there are (or if the estimate is unusually low*), the resulting estimate of time and cost will be at best out of the box and will almost certainly come out lower. Another quote that accurately calculated this figure. When this happens, brace yourself and resist the lure of being lured by low prices.
After all, you most likely won’t save anything and you’ll risk the move. A firm or “do not exceed” quote is a special treat when offered you must take read more into account.
*A general rule of thumb when moving locally is one cubic foot of furniture for every square foot of living space. A 600-square-foot apartment has 600 square feet of furniture, and a 1200-square-foot house has 1200 square feet of furniture. Moving across the country often results in fewer households, and these rates are generally lower.
Before making any hiring decisions, especially regarding breakage, make sure you are happy and that you can abide by the company’s terms and conditions. Before commencing a move, both parties should make clear what their respective obligations should be in the event of damage (eg partial/total replacement, payment of deductibles, etc.). If it is not included in the quote, politely ask the company to send it to you.
The estimator is the point person for your move and while giving an estimate, it is difficult to park, move out, move on a deadline, or move things like a piano while booking an elevator and loading and unloading.
