Moving to a new city for a dream job has become a goal for a lot of people in recent years. With the boom that came with people wanting to relocate and try remote work from anywhere in the world also came the increase in relocation-related fraud and scams. According to the Better Business Bureau, there are an average of 13,000 complaints and negative mover reviews every year. Reportedly, 40% of Americans have been scammed by moving companies and 14% have lost at least $3,000. Scammers often charge a higher quote once they have the customer’s belongings and refuse to release the items unless the new price is paid.
When looking for a moving helper, trust is something that is hard to earn especially in these times when there are a lot of scams and fraudulent behavior has become commonplace. Engaging professional movers do not always guarantee that you will be getting your money’s worth and they will complete the job on time. It also does not guarantee that your relocation will be enjoyable. While it makes sense that pricing is the usual main consideration, you also need other information such as past experiences and service inclusions in order to make an informed decision. Be wary of red flags. Do not be an easy target.
Choosing Which Company To Engage From A Lot Of Moving Companies
While the main goal of most people who are on a relocation journey is to save money, do not let the low prices fool you. Thing is, more than just the upfront cost, you will have to check the company’s track record. Research for available testimonials and customer reviews both online and offline. Verify their rates and service inclusions to avoid being surprised by hidden charges once they start working for you.
Here are a number of helpful tips when deciding which moving company to engage for your relocation:
- Research and evaluate the workers’ qualifications before signing any paperwork.
- Do not rush into sealing the deal without reading the fine print. Never sign forms and contracts in blank. Take some time to determine whether collaborating with their moving worker can help you complete the relocation job.
- Look for customer testimonials and reviews on their website and online.
- Do not settle for what is on their website. Verify with other sources if the company is indeed good with customer service.
- Ask about their credentials, training and experience.
- Confirm with your moving helpers if they have any prior experience and if the company is offering them opportunities to improve and grow. You can also ask these questions prior to completing your booking to gauge whether they can provide what you require.
- Ask about the movers’ experience in physically challenging and strenuous activities
- Since moving will require heavy lifting of large items possibly in flights of stairs if the new apartment does not have an elevator, it is important to clear this immediately with your movers.
- Ask family, friends, and colleagues for recommendations.
- If you are moving after landing a job and to be near your office, chances are, your employer or colleagues who have moved before might have tips and recommendations you should not miss.
- Have a contingency plan in case the movers do not show up or fail to follow your instructions.
- While the expectation is that the helpers you will work with are responsible professionals, better to prepare for the worst-case scenario. When you are all packed but the helpers are nowhere to be found on moving day, it can be a frustrating experience. Have the contact details of other moving services at hand prior to moving day to have the option of hiring other workers if the arrangement with the current one you engaged is no longer working for you. There are same day movers who can provide moving help and do the job even on short notice.
Engage A Reputable And Reliable Moving Company
When you have expensive belongings such as antiques, paintings, furniture and heirloom pieces, packing can be a challenge. You are most likely going to be worried how you can transport these items to your new home in one piece especially if you are moving across states. If you hire moving help, we understand that you expect them to have your belongings safely packed and ready for hours in transit. Paying for moving services that include packing services from professionals should make the preparation for moving day easier.
However, there is often only one way to find out if you have come to a good place. Review and testimonials from satisfied customers are a good starting point in your evaluation. It would be great if you can ask questions from previous customers especially if these are family and friends’ recommendations you can trust.
Other Ways Of Protecting Your Valuables And Your Peace Of Mind When Relocating
In the course of your packing and preparation, you will come to realize that you have a lot of stuff and might even come to the conclusion that you have too many things. Reduce and declutter what you can, and this might actually lower the costs. Packing these furniture and valuables securely, especially if these are breakables made of fragile materials, can cause a lot of anxiety, not to mention additional expense. You might need special packing material to ensure your favorite chandelier does not break in transit. Ask upfront how much it will cost you if the helpers pack the item for you and bring the packing supplies.
Sometimes the only way you can stop being anxious about your antiques going missing during the moving process is to either handle it personally or be present every step of the way. You can do all precautions to avoid theft and it can still happen to you. If you can afford to avail of insurance coverage for these items, better to avail of one. You can also purchase a portable safe where you can store these small items in the meantime.
Remember that hiring movers can also expose you to other risks. You will have to let them inside your house. It is advisable to do the packing process, loading and unloading, at a certain hour of the day that works for you and not during nighttime. If you have a lot of high-priced valuables and belongings, better to ask for help from a trusted friend or relative. They can be with you while the movers are packing stuff.
Why You Should Opt For Hourly Moving Labor
Relocation entails money. You have to pay for a lot of services, and you need to prepare a budget to cover other costs such as fuel expenses. You do not need to go for the full-service package if you do not have the budget for it. You also do not need to do it all by yourself if you have a small budget. Unknown to many, one can actually create a customized relocation game plan depending on the available budget, moving needs and schedule.
You can engage a mover who can charge by the hour and not by the day, to help you with the tedious tasks of packing, cleaning your space and loading your heavy items. This is especially helpful when you have a lot of things to pack and large pieces to bring to your new home. You can avail of the specific service you need while monitoring the costs to ensure you do not go over budget. If you have heavy furniture, you need a professional mover who can lift and load these items from your house to the moving truck and unload again to your new space.
Conclusion
To help you choose a reputable moving company, gather enough details before making your decision. It would be easy to engage the first option with the lowest rates or with a service provider you have worked with in the past. Remember that the considerations for local moving compared to long distance moving might be different. As part of your evaluation, searching for the moving company’s response to past reviews is also advisable. Learn more about the company by how they addressed customer concerns and complaints.
Review and compare prices from different service providers before hiring helpers. Inquire if you can pay on moving day. Ask if their moving team can provide labor only for a few hours and if packing services include unpacking services for your furniture. Save yourself from a lot of headaches by planning and preparing before hiring a moving team. You can start reaching out with Community Labor Partnership by calling (888) 314-5128 as they offer good quality of services for your upcoming move.