The only way to make your life easy during a move is by hiring a professional home relocation company. Even though the price tag may shock you, the convenience is worth every penny.
A moving company will not just do the heavy lifting, but they will make sure everything goes smooth, organized, and hassle-free right from the get-go. This includes the packing, loading, unloading, and unpacking stage.
Residential relocation is a tedious task, and not all relocation companies offer the same standards of services. Yes, it is true that all companies will ensure your furniture and belongings reach the destination but not all companies can ensure smooth relocation at a national or an international level.
Are you planning your next move? Then here are the top things to look for while hiring a relocation service. Stay tuned till the end.
Get Recommendations from Your Social Circle
You can always conduct a quick Google search to find reliable relocation companies in your area but it is not the same as getting recommendations from a trustworthy person.
There will be people in your social circle who have recently moved or hired a moving company, make sure you get in touch with these people and get recommendations.
On the other hand, anyone who has had a bitter experience with a moving company may give you a heads up before it’s too late. Usually, people have a bad experience with these companies handing over surprise invoices at the end of the relocation.
And, someone will also be able to recommend you a company they have had an amazing experience that may not have a notable presence online. So, your best bet is to reach out to your social circle.
Take A Look at Online Reviews
When you have shortlisted a few companies in your area, verify their credibility by checking online reviews from their past customers. Clients come back to give feedback when they have had an amazing or a horrible experience.
The percentage of good reviews will give you a fair idea of the company’s standard of services. Also, remember that no company has a 100% positive review rate. Instead, you must see how a company responds to negative feedback.
Look Out for The Company’s Success Rate and Years of Service
Yes, there will be multiple new moving companies in your area offering residential or condo relocation services, however, the company that has been in the business for years is usually the best option.
According to the information present online, you can gauge the experience of the company in the field. They must fairly price their services and maintain a consistent level of services.
So, unless and until you have a really strong recommendation regarding a new company, you should stick with the one that has been in the business for at least seven to ten years.
Verify the Insurance and License
You do not want to end up with a company that does not offer employee insurance or does not have an operational license.
Any random person can purchase a moving truck and call it a moving company, but only the companies that are licensed will offer insurance for your belongings, ensuring everything remains intact.
Keep an eye out for the laws and regulations of the state. The interstate movers are under the obligation to register themselves with the U.S. Department of Transportation for verification.
A credible moving company must have insurance for its workers and your belongings. You can verify any company’s license and insurance by checking the database updated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
It is a good idea to do some homework on the interstate moving and licensing laws. Then verify whether your hired companies follow these regulations or not.
Make Sure the Pricing Is Transparent
When you talk to a relocation company, they will offer you a quotation according to the number of movers required and the hours they will spend on your move.
But you must never take this quote at face value. The price will subsequently increase according to the amount of packing material needed, the number of items that have to be moved, and the number of loading trucks or trips it takes to complete the relocation.
Reliable companies will not be able to provide you with a sure-shot cost estimate over the phone. They may be able to give you a general idea, but that’s about it. For a complete estimate, a representative from the company will first visit your home and then tell you the total cost.
Find Out If the Company Offers A Customized Move
Not all moves are the same. Whether you are relocating a one-bedroom apartment or a full-fledged five-bedroom house, you must hire a relocation company that can customize its services according to your requirements.
List down your needs, and communicate them to your company so that your move is as seamless as possible. Few things to look out for are:
- Check if the company has the right-sized moving truck to accommodate all your furniture and boxes. See whether these trucks are in a reliable condition or not.
- Ask your moving contractor whether they can offer extra packaging material or not for your belongings.
- Verify how the company ensures that the relocation takes place on the scheduled date.
- Ask your moving company if they offer storage services for your extra furniture or belongings that you do not require for the time being.
In the End
On the last note, it is imperative to mention that you must stay careful with fraudulent companies and scam-artists. Make sure you do a complete background check and hire a company that is licensed and affordable.
All in all, you must not compromise on the credibility of the company. With the market competition rising, many companies use cheap tactics to increase their clients. Keep an eye out for any red flags.
Remember, relocation is no cheap task, the more you research the company, the lesser the chances of ending up with a scam.