Congratulations! You’re moving home (or thinking about it). Whilst moving home is an exciting prospect, it’s a lot of stress and hassle. You need the right local or long-distance moving company to ensure everything goes without a hitch.
Choosing the right service provider can be challenging, however. We’ve all heard of moving companies breaking items, ignoring proper safety protocols, and generally being a nightmare to work with. You don’t need such worries during one of the most stressful life experiences; you want to rest easy, safe in the knowledge your precious belongings are in good hands.
Whether you need a local moving service or long-distance moving, we’ll explain everything you need to know about choosing the right moving company below. Want a move with zero stress and no hassle – here’s how.
8 Essential Tips On How To Choose The Right Moving Service:
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Do Your Homework
When you’re choosing between local moving services, you need to do your research. We’ll go into the details below – but it’s not sufficient to do a quick bit of Googling and then choose the first moving service you see.
You’ll need to start early; try not to leave your search to the eleventh hour. With plenty of time to spare, you can compare companies, get quotes, and read all the reviews. It’s about filtering the lackluster moving services from the quality movers with decades of experience.
Remember – there’s no harm in asking. They’ll be handling your belongings, after all.
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Read The Reviews – All Of Them
When planning a long-distance move, hiring the right company is about one thing: trust. We don’t hire companies we don’t trust – it’s where our gut instinct comes in.
The quickest way to gain trust is to read all the reviews about a company. Trusted sites like Google, Yelp, or the Better Business Bureau often contain dozens of reviews – the good and the bad. While a handful of bad reviews are expected, you’ll want a company with an overall stellar reputation.
You can also ask friends, family, and colleagues for recommendations. Even better than a review is a recommendation from a trusted friend who previously hired a moving services company.
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Ask For Testimonials
The best moving services will include reviews and testimonials on their website. As we’ve mentioned, you can find them on major review sites. But, if you’re somewhat skeptical about a company, you can always request to see some testimonials – even to speak to a prior customer.
It can help gain a truthful perspective about what to expect, i.e., what was good or bad and what went well. That’s particularly important for long-distance moving.
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Get Estimates
After you’ve got a shortlist of potential moving services, it’s time to get estimates. Companies should always provide an estimate for their services, no matter whether you’re after a local or long-distance. If they refuse – don’t hire them!
Ask about what’s included in the price and what optional extras they also provide. Before comparing the different estimates, try to get three or four from various companies. That way, you’ll have a reasonable number of options from which to pick.
Remember – the cheapest option isn’t always the best. Sometimes it’s worth spending a little extra for peace of mind… speaking of which.
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Balance Quality And Price
Price will naturally be a factor in your move. No one has unlimited funds – so decide early how much you can feasibly afford to spend. Just remember, high-quality movers aren’t cheap; the less you spend, the worse the service you’re likely to receive.
You’ll need to balance these two factors: quality and price.
While you don’t want to be overcharged, choosing an affordable moving service with a reputation for quality saves you time and hassle. Wasted time and damaged belongings could leave you wishing you spent that little bit more.
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Read The Fine Print
Never sign a contract before you’ve read it – that’s a rule for life. It’s especially true when choosing a local moving service. You want to know precisely what’s included: insurance policies, what’s provided, fuel, and more.
Just because a contract is in writing doesn’t mean it can’t be changed. If there’s something you really disagree with, negotiate it with the moving company. You should feel confident and trusting in the moving service you choose.
After all, contracts are legally binding. So, if anything did go wrong, the company would only be held accountable to the letter of the contract.
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Ask About The Details
Do they have insurance? What’s included, e.g., boxes, packaging? Who will perform the move? What time will they arrive?
All these questions and more are critical to ask before signing on the dotted line. If possible, ask to meet the crew ahead of time. You want to gauge their attitude; in short, will they handle your belongings with care?
When asking questions, you can also see the company’s customer service in action. With moving already stressful, you want a responsive and helpful moving service.
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Get It In Writing
If it’s not written down, it was never agreed. Whether it’s a letter, email, or the contract itself, get all the details in writing before handing over any money. You need to be able to prove what was agreed and when.
You want to ensure there are no misunderstandings and that both you and the moving company are on the same page.
Choose The Moving Service That’s Right For You
Take your time – choosing the right moving service is essential. One company that can provide absolute peace of mind is Boston Moving, which has successfully moved residents and businesses near and far since the 1960s. They provide storage services and local and long-distance moving in Boston and the surrounding area.
Contact Boston Moving today for a free estimate; they will take the headache out of your local or long-distance move.
