There are a variety of important factors to consider when preparing for a move. In addition to gathering supplies and figuring out the logistics, chances are you're also considering hiring a moving company.
Hiring movers is a great way to simplify the entire moving process. While it definitely increases the price, moving is backbreaking work and there's a lot to be said for the relief that comes with shifting responsibility. Not only will your moving professionals take the heavy lifting off your hands, they will also make your entire day go smoothly and give you time for other important activities on move day.
Throughout my many movements, I have always had an aversion to asking my friends for help. As soon as I could afford it (and that's fine, even before I really could) I relied on moving companies to safely pack, transport, and reassemble my things. And I never regretted it. While I could have gotten away with paying for pizza and beer if I had asked some friends or family for help with the move, the money I spent on professional moving companies was always well spent.
Fortunately, I have had nothing but good experiences with the engines, but there are horror stories. Going to Google and typing in a quick search for "removal company in Bristol" will give you a list of names, but you need to do more research when choosing who you trust for your most valuable possessions. These are the 7 things you should always consider when looking for a moving company.
There are a variety of important factors to consider when preparing for a move. In addition to gathering supplies and figuring out the logistics, chances are you're also considering hiring a moving company.
Hiring movers is a great way to simplify the entire moving process. While it definitely increases the price, moving is backbreaking work and there's a lot to be said for the relief that comes with shifting responsibility. Not only will your moving professionals take the heavy lifting off your hands, they will also make your entire day go smoothly and give you time for other important activities on move day.
Throughout my many movements, I have always had an aversion to asking my friends for help. As soon as I could afford it (and that's fine, even before I really could) I relied on moving companies to safely pack, transport, and reassemble my things. And I never regretted it. While I could have gotten away with paying for pizza and beer if I had asked some friends or family for help with the move, the money I spent on professional moving companies was always well spent.
Fortunately, I have had nothing but good experiences with the engines, but there are horror stories. Going to Google and typing in a quick search for "moving company near me" will give you a list of names, but you need to do more research when choosing who you trust for your most valuable possessions. Here are the 7 things you should always consider when looking for a moving company:
-Recommendations from people you trust
Google may not be the most reliable place to start your moving company search, but your friends and loved ones definitely are. You probably know quite a few people who have used moving companies in your area, so reach out to them and ask about their experiences and who they would recommend. Someone you know may have had a bad experience with an otherwise highly rated company, or received a bunch of unexpected fees that aren't listed anywhere on the company's website. Likewise, perhaps someone has had a wonderful experience with a relatively new company that doesn't have a strong web presence. If you start with friends and family, you may gain important information that you won't find online.
-Good Reviews
Once you have the names of a few companies to research, use the online reviews to learn more about them. People generally leave reviews if they have had a really good or very bad experience, and it is important to know both before hiring a removal services in Bristol. You can easily read on-the-go reviews through Moving.com to learn about other people's experiences with a business, and it can even give you hints on some important variables that you wouldn't have known otherwise.
-A successful track record
There is something to be said for giving a new business a head start, but a moving company that has been in business for at least a few years is often the way to go. Based on the information you find online, you should be able to discern a general idea of their track record for being on time, maintaining fair rates, and maintaining the condition of possessions. Unless you have a couple of really enthusiastic recommendations about a new moving company, stick with the ones that have proven their competence over time.
-License and insurance
Never use a moving company that is not licensed or insured. Any group of people can buy a truck and call themselves a moving company, but only those who are officially licensed and insured are legally bound to protect their property.
For interstate moves, carriers must register with the U.S. Department of Transportation, after which they are awarded a unique USDOT number. You can ensure that a man and van Bristol business has a valid DOT number, as well as insurance, by searching this database, provided by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Regulations for in-state moving companies are set in each state, although most states also have licensing requirements. Research the in-state licensing laws in your state, and then verify that your mover is complying with them.
To simplify the process of finding reliable moving companies, search our moving company directory, which includes information on more than 600 reputable moving companies nationwide, including data from the Better Business Bureau and customer reviews. You can also search the American Trucking Associations ProMovers list. You'll find a list of moving companies in each state that have already been vetted, so you know you can trust them.
-Transparent rates
When you call a mover to reserve the service, they will give you a rate based on the number of hours and the number of moves you are likely to need from them. Please note, however, that this is a basic fee for man with a van in Bristol and does not include any additional packing materials you may need, potentially higher fees for moving large and heavy items, or other incidental add-ons. Moving companies cannot give you a fixed estimate over the phone, but they can give you a general idea of how much you will spend. Be sure to ask what constitutes an additional fee, and if the information is not communicated by the company, pass it on to someone else.
-Beware of stubborn engines
Millions of people move each year, and while only a small percentage experience moving company fraud, it is not unheard of. To verify that a mover is legitimate, check to see if it has an active license, useful content look up their service records, and make sure they have a valid physical address (and not just a PO box). You also need to be wary of any mover that asks for a deposit, especially if you ask for more than 20 percent. The Federal Motor Carry Safety Administration offers additional tips to make sure you hire a legitimate moving company.
Competition is fierce in the moving industry, and regardless of where you live, you are sure to have quite a few options to choose from. Do your research, ask questions, and don't hesitate to look elsewhere if a business shows red flags. Overall, you want a company with a proven track record for safety, reliability, and a high quality of service. You may only use the company for a day, but a lot can go wrong. The more you work to choose the perfect moving company, the less work you will have to put into dealing with potential setbacks.