Moving day can be quite the production, and unless you’re bribing friends and family with beer and pizza to help you move, you’ll need to hire a moving company. The moving company you choose will depend on how far you are moving, how much help you need, and how much you’re willing to spend.
As you vet moving companies to help you with your big day, keep some of these guidelines in mind.
Get Referrals
One of the best ways to find a trustworthy, professional and reliable moving company is to ask for referrals from friends and family. Ask people who have moved recently who they used to help and whether or not they’d use them again. Before you start searching the internet for moving companies, see if you can get a personal recommendation from someone you trust
Check Online Reviews
Before hiring a moving company you should always do a little online digging. This means looking over their website, reading other people’s reviews, and using the Better Business Bureau and the “Search for a Registered Mover” tool on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s website to ensure you’re working with a licensed professional.
Determine How Much Help You Need
All moving companies offer different levels of service. Some will pack your belongings, load them onto a truck, drive them to your new apartment, unload the boxes and unpack for you. Some companies simply drive your pre-packed boxes from point A to point B, and others offer a variety of services in between.
Full-service movers will typically cost more than a basic mover, but the convenience of having a professional pack and unpack your things might be worth it. Maybe your friends and family can help with the little stuff and you just need help moving furniture. If you’re moving across the country, you may need a long-distance mover, but if you’re just moving to the next town over, a local mover may be more practical. Determine how much help you need and find a mover that offers those specific services.
Be Aware Of Extra Costs
When asking for a moving quote, ask about additional fees. Some companies offer a base rate based on the weight of your belongings, but charge extra for things like moving heavy objects, gas and travel charges, assembly and disassembly fees, long carry fees, and fees for packing materials. As you’re putting together a moving budget, keep these extras in mind.
Read The Moving Contract Carefully
As you’re choosing a moving company, ask to see a copy of the moving contract. Read over the description and scope of services and check to see if the estimate is binding or non-binding. Make sure you understand what the movers are liable for and what they’re not, as well as payment terms and confidentiality. Looking over the contract will help you make a confident and informed decision.
Be Proactive
Moving day will be a lot less stressful if you are proactive. This means calling the moving company a day or two before the big day to finalize details and make sure everyone is on the same page in terms of the moving schedule. If you’re doing the packing yourself, make sure it's all done before the movers arrive. Clean the house and make sure there is a convenient place for the moving truck to park. Understanding what you are responsible for will help you do your part to make sure moving day is a success.
Bottom Line
Before hiring a moving company, you’ll need to decide where you’re moving. If you’re looking for an apartment to rent in Santa Monica, take a virtual tour of NMS 1539 Fourth and take the first step toward luxury west coast living.