How to Choose the Movers That Fit your Needs Just Right

Hiring a professional moving company to handle the hassle of relocating your items when moving to a new home will grant you peace of mind and relieve some of your stress. They are experienced enough to be able to protect your items while finding the most efficient ways to navigate the roads on moving day. They will make sure that everything is well packed to avoid potential damages, and will ensure that your belongings are shipped safely to your new home. However, hiring the wrong movers can result in unnecessary added stress. This is why we are here to tell you how to choose the movers that fit your needs just right. 

A reliable moving company will determine the costs based on an inventory of your belongings and their weight and bulk. A thorough assessment should be carried out. The estimator should check each storage area, and make a list of all your belongings. A huge portion of the price depends on the weight of your items, as well as the space that they will occupy in the moving truck. Find a way to make sure that the estimated cost is as accurate as it can be. 

The estimator should review with you exactly which items you want to take to your new home. However, the professional New York-based movers at EVLmoving.com explain that a quick review of your items isn’t going to cut it. Instead, the moving company should thoroughly understand which items you will be selling, which ones you will be donating, the ones that you’ll leave behind, and most importantly, the items that you want on the moving truck. This is the best way to guarantee a smooth moving experience. 

Trusted movers do not ask for large deposits, so don’t be prepared to pay a large down payment. If you pay the movers upfront, there is no guarantee that they will keep your belongings safe. Pay the moving company upon delivery, and try to make sure that you received all your belongings with no damage. Ask the movers about any potential additional fees. If your street is too narrow and can’t fit the van, or if you’re moving into an apartment that’s several stories high, the moving company may charge you extra. To avoid any surprises, find out whether they have the intention to charge additional fees before the moving day.

Make sure that the moving company that you decide on hiring has local information and address regarding their insurance and license. It's best to pick a local mover. For instance, if you are moving to Santa Cruz, it makes more sense to hire Santa Cruz Movers with years of local experience. Avoid companies that operate under name switches or several names. Upon calling the company, the phone call should be received with the full name of the company. If the company operates under alternate names, get their state and federal license numbers. Check online reviews about moving companies. Though, make sure that they are legitimate reviews and are not fake ones. 

Make sure that everything that you and your movers agree on is clearly stated in a written contract. The written contract should include details about costs, extra fees (if agreed upon), and the pick-up and delivery dates. All of your belongings should be listed in the contract as well. Therefore, it is important that you carefully read your contract, and that you do not sign it unless you make sure that all the details are plainly stated. 

You should also understand the different types of moving contracts before signing an agreement. A non-binding estimate contract states that your moving company cannot charge you more than an extra 10% above the estimated amount that you have agreed upon. Any extras should be paid within 30 days. A non-binding to exceed estimate contract states that you are not required to pay extra amounts of money over the original estimate amount. A binding estimate contract is a guaranteed price for the move in addition to extra services. If you request extra services, the fees must be paid within 30 days. 

All moving companies are held liable for your belongings. Though, there are two different types of liability that you need to understand so that you can determine the amount of protection that your movers can assume. Full (Replacement) Value Protection guarantees that your belongings will be moved under the mover’s full level of liability. If any of your items are lost or damaged, your movers will either pay you the cost of repair or replacement, restore your item to its original condition, or replace it with an item of equal kind and quality. Though, movers can limit their liability to $100 per pound for items of extraordinary value. Alternative Level of Liability, on the other hand, will provide you with minimum levels of protection. The mover will only be liable for up to 60 cents per pound. 

Moving from one home to another can be very stressful. Aside from all the packing and unpacking, choosing the right movers can be a hassle on its own. You need to check reviews, check the license of the moving company, and thoroughly read your contract’s terms before signing. Don’t worry, though; with the above points in mind, you will be able to find the best movers for your needs in no time!