One of the most stressful parts of buying a new home is preparing for the actual move. Unless you’re planning to transport your possessions from your current house to your new home on your own, you’ll need to hire a professional moving company to handle your move. Hiring a good moving company requires more effort than simply making a phone call to the first moving firm you find in the telephone directory. If you don’t do your homework before hiring movers, you might find yourself dealing with a big problem when moving day arrives. 

Ask for Referrals
Before deciding which moving companies to contact for prices, as your Realtor, mortgage broker, family, friends, and co-workers for the names of moving companies they have worked with in the past. Those who have had bad experiences will probably be more than happy to share names of companies you should cross of your list. You may also end up with the names of several recommended moving specialists to contact for estimates.

Check References
When shopping around for a moving company, it is in your best interest to check references before signing a contract. Past customers can be reliable sources of information about the quality and reliability of service you are likely to receive from the company. Working with movers who are not willing or able to provide references from satisfied customers is not a wise choice.

Make Sure Estimate is Accurate
In order to provide you with an accurate estimate, a moving company representative should visit your home before quoting a price. Companies that want to provide a telephone estimate without sending someone to see what your move really entails are likely to spring surprise charges on you come moving day. The only way you can be sure that the estimate you receive is accurate is for it to be based on a visual assessment of your home. Don’t hire a mover who won’t visit your home to provide a price.

Understand the Contract
Don’t sign a moving contract, or any other legally binding agreement, without reading every word of it. Don’t skim over the fine print. Read it carefully and make sure that you understand it. Be sure that you know exactly what services the movers will provide, and closely examine the procedures that must be followed in the event your possessions are damaged or lost during the move. Ask for proof of insurance coverage, and verify exactly what is and is not covered. In order to compare estimates accurately, you need to be sure that you know exactly what is and is not included in the terms of each agreement.

Hiring the right moving company can make the difference between a successful moving experience and a fiasco. By making sure you understand the basics of hiring a moving company before you sign a contract, you are taking important steps to protect yourself and your possessions.

Posted on January 4th, 2008 by admin
Filed under: Hiring A Mover