3 Things to Look for in a Moving Company

19 August 2020
 Categories: Business, Blog

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Moving is well-known for being one of the most stressful experiences that a person can go through during their lifetime. However, moving doesn't have to be a stressful experience for you when you hire the right moving team to pack up your home and move your things. When you bring in expert assistance to help you pack and execute your move, your move doesn't have to be stressful. When it comes to hiring the best moving team, there are a few traits you are going to want to look for. 

1. Look for a Moving Company That Conducts an In-Person Walkthrough

When it comes to figuring out the cost of a move, the best way to get an accurate estimate is with an in-person walkthrough. With an in-person walkthrough, you can tell the estimator exactly what you will be moving, and what you will not be packing. This will allow the estimator to figure out accurately how long it will take to pack and move your belongings, resulting in a more accurate estimate.

With a walk-through, the estimator will also be aware and can inform you of any parts of your home that may require additional fees to move. For example, if the movers have to take your furniture down two flights of stairs, that could cost you a little extra.

Avoid any moving company that doesn't offer to have an in-person walkthrough. Without an in-person walkthrough, their quote may not be accurate, and you could be on the hook for a much larger bill than you anticipated.

2. Look for a Moving Company That Doesn't Require a Large Deposit

Most respected moving companies are not going to ask you to pay your bill before the move. Instead, they will ask you to put down a small deposit to ensure that your space and time is reserved. Then, you may have to pay a portion of the bill on a moving day.

The rest of your bill will be due when you get all of your goods delivered. If you are doing a local move, this could happen on the same day. If you are moving further away, the rest of the bill would be due whenever your belongings reach their destination.

3. Look for a Moving Company That Offers a Quality Estimate

Finally, you need to be careful with the language of the estimate that you accept. If you just accept a guaranteed quote, the moving company could change the total price on you. Instead, you want to be offered a non-binding estimate, a non-binding to exceed the estimate, or a binding estimate.

With a non-binding estimate, your final fee cannot exceed 10% of the original quote. You are generally given a month after delivery to pay any extra fees that don't exceed 10% of the quote.

With a non-binding to exceed the estimate, the price you are given is all you are obligated to pay.

A binding estimate is similar, as your estimate locks in the price the moving company can charge you for their work. However, you still can modify the contract by requesting additional moving assistance. If you add services on after you get the original estimate, you will have an additional month to pay those costs after your goods are delivered. The moving company though can't make any changes to what they charge you.

When it comes to moving, you can cut the stress down by hiring a moving company to help you pack up and move. Make sure the company you hire offers an in-person walkthrough, doesn't require a huge estimate, and offers you a fair contract or estimate for the job.