When it comes time to move, you’ll likely need the help of a moving company. But choosing the right one can be difficult – especially if you’re moving long distances or need extra services like packing, storage, and cleaning.
You should take the time to ask questions, get written estimates and do your research before committing to any moving company. This will allow you to compare prices, services and customer reviews from several sources and ensure you’re not overpaying for a service that isn’t necessary.
Using Reviews to Find the Best Movers
Read reviews from customers who have recently moved before you decide on a moving company. These can be found on Google, Yelp and other popular review sites, as well as in social media channels. You may also consider calling around to people you know who have recently moved for recommendations.
Licensed and insured: Every moving company moving companies north charleston sc should be licensed and insured to move goods. This will protect you in the event that the mover causes damage to your property or in the event of an accident while transporting your belongings.
A good moving company should be able to provide you with a copy of their licensing and insurance papers before you sign a contract. A mover that can’t show their documents isn’t a legitimate business and you should avoid them.
The company you choose should have a good cancellation policy. This should include how much money you’ll receive back on your deposit and what circumstances will make you eligible for a refund. It’s important to understand this in advance so you can plan accordingly and be prepared for unexpected situations.
When you’re ready to book your move, start the process at least six weeks in advance to give yourself plenty of time to evaluate all your options and secure a mover. This will ensure you don’t have to scramble on the day of your move to find a company that can meet your needs and stay within your budget.
What to Keep in Mind When Getting an Estimate
The quote you get from a moving company will be affected by the amount of packaging you need and any additional services that you want. For example, you might need to have boxes delivered or your movers will be required to unpack at the end of your move.
During the quote process, it’s important to have a full inventory of your items so you can get an accurate estimate of how much it will cost to have your items moved. You should have separate lists of items you want to take with you and those that need to be donated or sold.
In addition to your inventory, you should also have a list of any furniture that will need special attention during the move. For example, you should have a list of pianos, heavy furniture and anything else that requires special coordination and isn’t easily carried or dismantled.
A professional moving company should have a strong presence online and provide a lot of useful tools for its customers. For instance, North American Van Lines has a large library of resources on their website that include moving calculators, relocation guides and tips. In addition, it provides easy access to insurance claims forms should you need to submit a claim for reimbursement, replacement or repair of damaged or missing items.