- Are you looking to hire quality movers in Durham, but aren’t sure which company to choose?
Hiring the right movers can be tough, and there’s a lot you need to consider before you choose a moving company. How do you determine if you’ve found the right moving company?
Check out this guide to discover the top tips for hiring quality movers.
Figure Out the Type of Move
First things first, you need to figure out your type of move. Mainly, you need to determine whether you plan to do a full-service move or hybrid move.
A full-service move involves the movers taking care of every aspect of the move, whereas a hybrid move means you’ll take care of some of the moving tasks on your own.
While full-service moves are the most expensive, they’re the best option for those who are:
- On a time-crunch
- Moving a large load
- Moving long-distance
- Moving valuable items that need to be packed and moved with care
A hybrid move is a great option for someone who:
- Doesn’t want to drive a moving truck long-distance
- On a budget
- Has a flexible schedule (aka, can load up their vehicle over the course of several days)
Once you figure out what type of moving service you need, it’ll be easier for you to choose a moving company. While most moving companies offer both hybrid and full-service options, they don’t always.
Ask for Referrals from Friends and Family Members
Chances are, you have someone in your life who has recently moved. This is why it’s a good idea to start your search for a moving company by asking for recommendations amongst friends and family members.
If you can’t find any good leads amongst your friends and family members, you should also ask your real estate agent.
Set a Budget and Figure Out Add-On Services
Before you start contacting moving companies, it’s also a good idea to set your budget. This way, once you start gathering quotes, you can be firm about how much you’re willing to pay.
A full-service move is the most expensive option, but then convenience often outweighs the additional cost. How much you pay for a full-service move will depend on where you live and how much stuff you have to move, but generally speaking, you can expect to pay between $550 and $12,000.
A hybrid move will help you save some money, but you’ll definitely have to work for that extra savings. Generally speaking, a hybrid move can cost anywhere from $100 to $5500.
There are also add-on services that can increase the total cost of your move. These include:
- Packing: You can pay for partial, full, or special-item packing (for example, if you need help packing family heirlooms that need extra protection)
- Loading: If you have a huge piece of furniture that won’t fit into a regular moving box, you may need to pay for loading services
- Crating: This add-on service is for antiques and valuables that won’t fit into regular moving boxes
- Furniture Assembly/Disassembly: If you have large or oddly shaped items that need to be broken in order to fit through the door/stairwells, then you’ll want to add on furniture assembly
Some moving companies also offer electronics installation as an add on. If you have an elaborate TV or built-in sound system, you may want to consider this add-on.
Gather Multiple Quotes
Once you’ve set a budget for your move, it’s time to start gathering quotes.
Many moving companies offer over-the-phone estimates, however, it’s best to get an in-person estimate whenever you can, as this will be more accurate. You also want to make sure you get the estimate in writing, as this will ensure that there’s no miscommunication about the quote.
When showing a moving company around your home for an estimate, make sure you’re upfront about everything that needs to be moved. Show them all of your furniture, clothes, boxes, and belongings.
While a moving company can’t make you pay more on moving day for items that weren’t disclosed, they can refuse to move anything that wasn’t disclosed during the estimate.
Also, when gathering quotes, make sure to ask about additional fees. Some moving companies charge for fuel, extra stops, and equipment, and these extra fees can really rack up your final bill.
Inquire for More Details
When speaking with a moving company, there are also more details you’ll want to inquire about other than the pricing. These include:
Availability
If you don’t have any flexibility with your moving dates, you want to make sure that your moving date is available. If you do have some flexibility, see if the moving company has availability during the week, as this is usually when prices are cheapest.
Number of Movers and Truck Size
While it may be cheaper to hire two movers instead of four movers, keep in mind that four movers will get the job done a lot faster. So, if you’re on a time crunch, it’s smarter to hire more movers.
You also want to inquire about the truck size before hiring a moving company. Ask for the dimensions of the truck, and measure your largest items to make sure they can all fit inside.
Deposits and Payment Methods
Most moving companies won’t ask you to pay a deposit beforehand, but some do. If a company does ask for a deposit, make sure you understand their refund policies should you need to cancel your move at the last minute.
You’ll also want to ask what payment methods the movers in Huntsville Alabama accept. Most reputable moving companies will allow you to pay with card, cash, or check. If the move is really expensive, some even have financing options.
You should also ask about the moving company’s tipping policy.
Are You Ready to Hire Quality Movers?
Now that you’ve read this guide, it’s time for you to hire quality movers. Pretty soon, you’ll be all moved into your new place!
Be sure to check back in with our blog for more moving tips and tricks.
