So you’ve purchased a home and are excited to start your new life in your new abode, but first, you have to move all of your belongings. Packing up all your worldly possessions and entrusting them in the hands of a couple of movers you just met can be overwhelming, but hiring the right moving company can make your move a stress-free experience. eieihome.com spoke with A & C Moving, a company that has 25 years of experience in the industry, for their tips on selecting a moving company.
Start shopping early
Since spring and summer are the busiest times of year for movers, A & C Moving recommends looking for a mover as soon as you put your home on the market and to book when you find out your closing date to ensure you get your desired date.
Ask for referrals
Recommendations from family or friends can help put your worries at ease. Once you’ve narrowed down your choices to three or four companies, call for a quote.
Inquire for hourly rates and minimum charges
While hourly rates will vary among companies, most will have minimum charges. Ask if prices are inclusive or if you can expect to pay extra for gas or mileage, dollies, shrink wrap, blanket use or insurance. If one quote is significantly lower than the rest, it may be because the company has hidden costs.
Insurance
There’s nothing worse than arriving at your new home to find your belongings have been damaged in transit. Ask to see proof of the moving company’s liability insurance. A & C Moving, for example, has insurance for a maximum of $50,000, which is included in their quote. “This covers [the cost of damages] if the truck flips or catches fire or if something happens from point A from point B,” says A & C Moving.
The movers
Inquire about how many movers the company will send, what kind of training the movers have and whether they are full-time or casual employees. A & C Moving have some employees who have been with the company for 25 years and say full-time employees tend to be more committed to the company and more concerned with customer satisfaction than casual or temporary employees.
Materials
Ask if your movers will provide blankets to protect your furniture during the move and if they provide the use of wardrobe boxes to make packing and unpacking your closet a breeze.
