How to Find a Reliable Moving Service

Posted on Oct 16th, 2009 | no responses

Which moving service will be able to meet your needs when you have just gotten that important job transfer to a new city across the country? Maybe you’ve even gotten an international transfer or assignment. Before you can focus on the new job or assignment that will make or break your career, you must plan and make the big move. A move of any distance will involve uprooting your family and moving your possessions to your new location. Unless you are an old pro–moving every year or so for work–this is going to take some time to plan so that you can get the best quote.

Where are you relocating to? What items will you need to move? Will your house be larger or smaller? Are there things you want to keep but can’t take with you for some reason? What kind of budget do you have? What kind of insurance is available? What is the moving company’s previous experience with the type of move you have to get done? These are just a few of the questions you will need to have prepared before you begin talking to any particular moving service. Good answers from the potential moving service will increase your confidence with them immeasurably.

To get started, you should have a list of potential moving service providers. Depending on how much effort you can put into planning, the move the list should be at least 3 and as many as 10 or 15 potential services. Most people go with 3 to 5 options. Almost all moving services have websites on which you may check out their services, costs and get quotes. But always remember to make contact with them over the phone or email so you can find out about any additional services available. At the very least, talk to your employer and determine if the company has a preferred mover. Using the preferred service may get you a big discount or additional services not normally provided.

The value of a reliable moving service is measured in the quality of the move in relation to its cost. It is most important to move your items so that they arrive safely when you expect them to arrive. Your choice of moving service may come down to the additional services provided. However, never think of licensing and insurance as additional services; these are requirements that each of the moving services you are evaluating should have. Additional services can include packing and loading your stuff at your existing location. You may need to purchase packaging supplies for your packing of certain items yourself. Ultimately you need to be aware of any additional costs associated with these additional services.

Requesting a quote from the moving service is the best way to know the costs on all the services provided. Any reliable service will agree to provide a quote they will stand behind. Your final review should be based on the quote provided. Don’t forget to ensure that the appropriate insurance, moving method and delivery schedule has been documented. Oftentimes, assuming all the right information can be provided, an online quote can be made by the moving service. This will certainly make it so much more convenient for you. It will also show you how professional a moving service is, should you choose to work with them.