How to Make Your Move Go Smoothly and Avoid Problems

Moving has to be one the most dreadful and stressful things we have to endure. Even when it goes well. Whether it is for relocating to another job or to provide more room to a growing family, it can be a task we wish we could avoid.
Finding a reputable and qualified moving company takes a little work but pays off in the long run by saving you money. Moving companies can vary from a guy and his moving truck to large international mover. It's up to you to do your homework and start with a reputable company. Here are a few things you need to be aware of when hiring a mover. 

There is a difference in Moving companies

Just like any other service provider, you will find various levels of competency. From the very competent to the disaster.

Research movers and then call for an estimate. Have 3 moving companies come to your home and give you a price for services. There you will be able to size up the company by how professional the salesman is. Also you will be able to get an accurate price. 

Depending if you are moving locally or much further, there may be regulations and laws to give consumers protection that you may not even know of. Having knowledgeable companies are important if you are in moving in New York or using removals in Sydney, Australia.

Online price quotes are not a good

How can you get a an accurate quote when the movers don't visit your home. It's good to start a conversation with the company by e-mail, online or phone. But nothing can replace the benefits of having someone come to your home.
Online quotes are good ways the moving company can first get your business but don't be surprised if they ask for substantially more money because of miscommunication on your part or their's.

Signs of a bad moving company

Look out for the request for prepayment or a large deposit. This is a big sign. Most less than honest moving companies tend to use this tactic. Watch out for the too good too be true price. You will definitely be charged more when your furniture is sitting on their truck. Lastly, when you call their office and they answer by just saying "movers". Hang up and find a reputable company.

Low prices are not always a good deal

People that have been ripped off by movers always say they got taken by the company by their low, low quote. A low quote may be because you or your movers are not aware of all the details of the move. The problem usually comes because your movers have not explained extra costs that are associated with moving more fragile or delicate items. Special boxes or packing really increases the costs of moving. 

The most important thing you can do is plan ahead. Moving your home or business is a rare occurrence and many people do not put the necessary work and planning to make it turn out right.

3 Reasons Why It's Cheaper to Hire a Moving Company

Once the kids are out of the house and you no longer need the extra rooms, you may consider downsizing to a smaller home. Or maybe you desire a warmer climate or need to move to another state to start a new position for work. 

If you are preparing to move and are contemplating hiring movers, but aren't sure if it is less expensive to move and pack yourself, take a look at the three thoughts below. While DIY moving may sound less expensive, in most cases it's not.

Hidden Expenses of DIY Moving 

Often times when people are weighing the benefits of hiring movers over DIY moving they are so focused on the price of their estimate that they often forget all of the hidden expenses associated with moving your home yourself. 

Some of the hidden financial expenses are taking time off of work to pack and move, boxes and packing supplies, truck rental, and the often forgotten moving supplies, such as dollies, pads, and covers. 

Also take into consideration the impact on your social calendar as you make your DIY arrangements and purchase all of your moving and packing supplies. 

Last but not least, consider when the last time you moved was. Think of how much more stuff you have accumulated over the years, and how different you are physically since your last move. 

Even if you are 55 and in tip-top shape, moving a couch up from your basement can take quite a toll. Just make sure your moving company does not have any restrictions for moving the items in your home, like a piano or very fragile art, and that your home owners insurance covers loss and damage. 

Easier When Moving Long Distances 

Even if you enjoy road trips, moving long distances is an entirely different ball game. You have a large truck to maneuver, the truck is a gas guzzler, and you either have your car towed behind you or your spouse driving in the car—leaving you both driving solo. 

If you are moving a distance that takes you more than an hour away, hiring movers can prove to be far less expensive. Even when renting trucks you are limited to the size you can drive with a general driver's license. However, professional movers have commercial licenses allowing them to move all of your belongings in one trip instead of several small trips. 

This not only saves you time, it reduces your stress level. If you are moving out of state you can even let the movers drive while you hop on a plane to meet them at your destination. 

Helps You Stay Organized 

Staying organized while packing and moving is quite a difficult task, but not for professional movers. Movers understand the systems that need to be put in place when packing and moving your items. They will not only move your things to your new home, but they will make sure that each box goes to the appropriate room. 

If you will be packing your home before the movers arrive, make sure you understand what kind of system they would like to use to identify which room the box needs to go back into—such as color-coding the boxes that go in each room with different stickers. 

While the initial cost of hiring a mover may seem as if it is a significant expense, when you consider the factors above it is often times both financially and physically less expensive. When hiring a moving company, make sure you do your research to confirm that they are a reputable company. 

About the Author: Ace Barnes is a full-time freelance writer and researcher - he does a lot of research online, making it easy for him to share his expertise and gems of wisdom. If you're in the Dallas area, he suggests checking out North Dallas Moving and Storage for a free quick quote.