Tips for Working with a Moving Company

If you’re moving, you may be stressed!  Check out these helpful tips to make working with your moving company the easy part of the process.

• An In-Home estimate isn’t always required, but it is always more accurate. If a moving company does not offer In-Home estimates, it is best to stay away from that particular company.

• Be sure to mention any “interesting” items you may have – like a piano or other musical instruments, flat screen TVs, large pieces of artwork, fragile collections, etc. The mover may need to plan for special handling.

• Heavy items like hundreds of books, a workshop full of tools, gym equipment should be pointed out. The movers need to plan for these items.

• Be specific about your old and new home – hills, steps, narrow stairways – all these conditions can affect the equipment and time needed to do the job.

• Always make sure your mover is properly licensed and insured. You can check a mover’s credentials at www.protectyourmove.gov.  Be sure to properly research as well.  Consumer review sites such as Angie’s List and Yelp are helpful.

• Always ask what is included in the rates/charges you are provided. It prevents any unforeseen charges. Get itemized quotes with as much detail as possible.

• Examples of services that could carry an extra charge include: disassembling and/or wrapping your furniture to protect it during the move, storage requirements if your things will be held between homes for a time, shuttle services, materials to protect your floor and walls as things are moved, and specialty packing materials. 

• Be sure to get contact information from the person at the moving company who helped plan your move. The movers themselves may not be able to answer all your questions when they arrive, and you don’t want to waste time trying to figure out an issue on moving day.

• Be clear about moving dates. If the dates could change because of issues with either property (closing dates, builders’ deadlines, etc.), let the movers know. If dates change after the move is planned, tell the movers immediately – especially during the busy summer season.

• Realize what a hard job moving is – for you and the company you’re working with. If you work with your movers with respect and honesty, they’ll be able to do the best job possible for you!

Ryan Bassis a Certified Moving Consultant and Marketing Director with Town & Country Movers, Inc. For more information, you can contact him at 800-683-6683;  [email protected].