This is my first blog for Quality Movers for this year. 2020 has been a year full of challenges with Covid-19 Pandemic affecting millions of people all across our great nation. As the country and the economy rebounds, thousands of Americans will be looking to transition to new places. As a relocation specialist and consultant, I will outline several tips when looking for the ideal company to assist in your move.
First, make sure the company is insured and bonded. I can't stress enough the importance of moving companies and brokers being transparent with their customer. When the company can assure they are insured, it takes away the burden of worrying about what happens if the company damages your furniture or belongings.
Secondly, determine whether the company is charging by the hour, weight, or on a flat rate scale. Again, transparency is very important. Companies that charge by the hour can typically have rates that range from as low as $65 per hour to $300 per hour. Always read the fine print. It may say something like $100/hr for 2 men and a truck. This sounds very affordable. However, if you have a 4 BR house, imagine how long it will take two guys to load and unload your household furnishings. You could actually end up paying more by taking a cheaper hourly rate with less men. My company personally believes in being fast and efficient, while being extremely careful and meticulous with our customer's belongings. I believe the flat rate approach provides the customer with the most transparency and assurance that they will not be hit with hidden fees. This approach allows the company to give the customer a price range in which they will not exceed despite the length of the move. For instance, a 2 BR move may cost you $500 -700 depending on what you have and circumstances pertaining to your move. Many large moving companies and brokers use the weight system. They weigh household furnishings on a scale and determine a price per pound. This is primarily because many tractor trailers and large moving vans are subject to weigh stations and sometimes have to pay a hefty fine if their load has exceeded the weight capacity.
Next, you want to determine the level of experience of the company and whether they are second or third party movers. Ask how many years experience the staff has before securing your movers. Experience can have an enormous impact on the quality of your move. Many moving companies have a high turnover rate because of seasonal working schedules and the difficulty of the job. You would like the core group of your workers to at least have an average of 3 years experience. Also, determine whether your move has been subcontracted to 2nd or 3rd parties. Because of the busy summer season, moving companies sometimes have more jobs than time to complete those jobs. Once you secure your mover and date, make sure the company specifies and assures you that they will be the ones completing the job.
Lastly, check their ratings with the BBB and other sites to determine their work quality. Look for testimonials as others share their experience with the moving company. Don't be afraid to ask for their credentials, references, or certificates before securing your crew.
As this busy summer season takes off, I hope that you enjoy time with your family. One thing we have all learned from Covid-19, is not taking the simple things in life for granted. If you are moving during this season, take all precautions to keep your family safe.