Which mover you choose to hire can have the greatest impact on the stress and quality of your relocation. There are a lot of considerations to factor in. Beyond the obvious considerations, like quality online reviews/ratings, insurance and licenses, consider the following:
Is it a local, interstate, or international move? If not local, what relationships does your mover have with a van line (or other freight carrier) and local agent (the mover on the receiving end of your relocation)?
Do they have experience with any special items, like pianos, fine art, or antiques?
How accurate are their estimates? Local moves are usually time-based, while long distance moves are often priced by shipment weight. Often, movers will underestimate the number of hours a job will require, either due to inexperience, inaccurate inventories, or in order to "win" a bid. If you're comparing estimates, be sure to look at the hourly rate and how many crew members that includes, and any other hidden costs (truck/van, travel time, fuel/transportation charges, moving supplies). Also, be sure to understand if an estimate is non-binding (the company cannot charge more than a certain percentage over the estimate) or guaranteed/binding (generally a guaranteed price).
Can you get a personal referral or recommendation? We work hard to nurture relationships with movers so that we can ensure quality service for all of our clients. Can a realtor, neighbor, or friend make a personal recommendation or referral for you?
If you're overwhelmed with choosing a mover, give us a call and let us help you ask the right questions!