• Check that the moving company is licensed – There are a
lot of unscrupulous movers with less than honest business practices. To avoid
this pitfall, only used licensed moving companies. In addition to checking the
moving company’s certifications, also look for reviews on sites like Yelp or
check to see if it has any complaints on sites like Ripoff Report.
• Plan ahead – Regardless of the amount of items you are
moving, it is always good to have a plan in mind before you undertake this
task. Give yourself at least three weeks to pack and arrange for movers. Moving
can be a very stressful time so adding to it by completing everything at the
last moment will only add the frustration.
• Get estimates – You should try to get all quotes from the
moving company in writing. Ensure you are clear on how much it will cost per
hour and if there are any penalties for overtime. Depending on the size of your
house and the distance you are moving, you will need at least a minimum of
three hours for the movers to get everything going.
• Purchase insurance – Most moving companies offer insurance
or you can seek out your own policy. It is always good to have a plan in place
in case any of your items gets damaged during the move. However, hiring a
reputable moving company with experienced and well-trained workers will lessen
the chances of damage to your items.
While moving can be a bit of a headache, it doesn’t have to
be if you follow these tips. Moving during off peak hours will also help you to
save a few dollars on moving costs.