Do you remember a move from long ago when you hired a moving truck that broke down? It stressed you out so much you swore to never DIY a move ever again. But when you moved the next time and hired a moving company, it cost way too much. Now that you are on your third move, you just don’t know which lesser evil to choose.

Hiring a professional moving company can really make the difference when it comes to a stress-free move. The secret lies in knowing how to use a moving company to your best advantage and in choosing a really good and reliable mover.

It all starts with 5 free moving quotes so you can compare movers, ask the right questions, and choose the most suitable mover for your move.

 

Plan Well, Wise Up, and Take Control of your Move

Moving is nothing unusual, everybody does it once, twice, or thrice in a lifetime.  Yet, many people continue to have unhappy moving experiences for one reason or another.  It is time to wise up and take control of your move.

The best way to fight back against unreasonable moving expenses and unsatisfactory service is to be prepared and to plan well. It is also important to set realistic expectations and not look for a moving company who will only tell you the things you want to hear to get the job.

 

Don’t take their word for it – Always back-check movers

For example, don’t call around and believe it when a cheap mover tells you he is registered but doesn’t have his papers at that moment. A moving company must be licensed to conduct interstate moves. Even better, professional movers are registered with the Canadian Association of Movers (CAM) and has a ProMover certification.  In the United States, moving companies are registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and have a USDOT number.

 

Things your Mover May Not Be Telling You

For long distance or local moves, majority of people still prefer to hire professional movers because it is more convenient.  But if you plan a move well, moving with a professional moving company does not have to cost an arm and a leg.

The trick is to know what to look for when choosing your mover and to understand well what you are getting into.

Here are a few things your mover may not be telling you but can help to save money and reduce moving day stress.

 

1. Sub-contracting a move is common

Sub-contracting a move is done by some moving companies especially during peak season. Some local and long distance movers hire temporary workers. This upsets many customers who are surprised to find a different mover doing their move instead of the company they hired to do the job. This could also lead to problems with the moving bill after the job is completed.

Moving Tip: Make sure to ask your moving company if they sub-contract. Better yet, choose a moving company that provides the customer with specific details of who the moving crew will be (names and identification papers).  Good movers always have uniformed crew and a moving truck with the company name prominently displayed.

 

2. Some Movers Over-book

Moving companies want customers to book early. This ensures their day is full. Large moving companies with a wealth of resources can handle over-bookings, but small companies would most probably be over-stretched. This could mean arriving late for your move, tired movers, or worse, not showing up.

Moving tip: It is important to check with your mover the details of your move, set a time frame (movers rarely give an exact time) and know who to call if the moving truck is late.  Check company policy regarding tardiness or missed dates.  If the moving company is vague or unclear about the time, better look elsewhere.

 

3. Your goods are not insured for replacement cost.

Now this can get messy, especially if your mover breaks an expensive vase or scratches an antique cabinet.

The standard insurance that moving companies offer is $0.60 per pound.  This is only applicable if the movers do your packing.  If belongings get lost or damaged, you won’t receive reimbursement for the actual cost of your goods.

If you pack your things and something gets broken inside the box, the moving company may not be liable for it.

Moving tip: Read the bill of lading and check with your moving company about their insurance. You have the option to obtain additional moving insurance, especially if you have high-end items.  You can also check your homeowner’s insurance for coverage of your personal property during relocation.

 

4. Lift a finger during your move; you can save more.

Moving companies are equipped and experienced in handling all aspects of a move. Full-service movers can take care of your packing, disassembly and assembly of furniture, transport, clean up, unpacking, etc. They tell you that you don’t need to lift a finger during your move.

But the more they do for you, the higher your moving bill.  You should pay the movers to lift and carry heavy things. If you are willing to do your packing and disassemble your furniture for easy loading, your movers will take less time. The faster it is to complete your move, the lower your moving bill.

Moving tip: Depending on your budget, you can choose which aspects of your move you can’t handle yourself. If you don’t need a full-service move, you can customize your moving services.

 

5. Moving Reviews matter

You’ve heard enough moving stories to know that not all moves end well. Whether you hire a U-Haul truck, get a friend’s van to move your stuff, or hire a mover, things can go wrong. With that being said, professional movers that have experience and the right equipment can make a move pleasant and smooth.

It is not enough to check on a mover’s license. You can vet a moving company further by looking at legitimate moving reviews and look up their rating with the Better Business Bureau. Customer reviews will tell you more about how well a moving company does its job.

 

 6. Online Quotes are just estimates; you need a written on-site estimate.

It is good to obtain moving quotes online so you can have a general idea of how much your move could cost. You can compare moving companies and their prices based on these online quotes so you can narrow your choices.

It would be a mistake, however, to consider an online quote as a final estimate. Some movers may not tell you that this is not a final quote and you need an on-site estimate to get a guaranteed or not to exceed estimate.

Moving tip: Reputable movers will insist on an on-site estimate as they will assess the volume of your goods to determine a more accurate price. Whether you’ll pay hourly or by weight, an on-site estimate should provide a written “guaranteed” or “not to exceed” moving cost.

 

7. Prepare Parking for the Moving Truck

Your moving bill starts as soon as your movers arrive. If they can’t park in front of your house, your clock is ticking as they circle the block for a half-hour.  If they park too far away, the time it takes to load your truck also triples.

Moving tip: Your moving company might not remind you but take the initiative to prepare a parking spot for the truck by placing some garbage cans or pylons. You can also place a sign indicating it’s for a moving truck. Most of your neighbors will be sympathetic.

 

8. It pays to compare moving quotes.

Moving companies will not tell you to shop around for quotes. It pays to obtain multiple quotes to compare. Be careful not to hire a mover based solely on price. When comparing prices, make sure to look at service quality, too!

Comparing 5 free Movers Quotes allows you to choose among reputable movers based on price, quality, reputation, and services.

 

9. You are not required to tip but it is expected.

When you hire a moving company, your moving contract won’t stipulate a tip for the movers. Most people are not sure whether they should tip movers or not.   Like any service, movers do expect a tip especially if they have provided a good service.

Moving tip: If you are satisfied with your movers, it is a good idea to tip them. For an hourly move, tipping each mover $2 to $5 per hour will do the trick.  If you want to spring for pizza, it’s fine but not expected.

 

Want the Cheapest Move? You may want to think twice

We understand you want to lower your moving expenses but finding the cheapest mover may not be a smart move.

There are many cheap movers around but be careful when hiring one as your move may turn out to be more expensive than you thought.  Your items can get lost, damaged, or even worse, held hostage if you refuse to pay a jacked-up moving bill.

 

Higher Quality of Service for Higher rates

Reputable movers charge higher rates for services because they have well-maintained and updated equipment, trained movers, complete moving tools, moving insurance, and are licensed to transport goods locally and cross-country.

Rather than look for the cheapest move, it’s far better to search for affordable movers that will give you the best bang for your buck.

 

Moving packages can vary; take the time to study moving quotes:

1. Is the quote hourly or flat rate?
2. Does it come with moving insurance and how much?
3. Does it come with moving supplies?
4. What are the services included and are there additional fees?

Always ask the right questions from your movers. Don’t be shy about asking them for references or clarifying items in your moving quote that you are not sure about.

 

Simple Moving Hacks that Can Save you a Lot of Money

Now you know what important things moving companies may not be telling you.  You must understand that a moving company is a business; obviously, they want to sell you all their services. However, not all moves need full-moving services. Go ahead and feel free to pick only what you need.

• ✓ Just truck and movers (usually by the hour)
• ✓ Just movers (by the hour)
• ✓ Complete moving services (packing, disassembly and assembly, loading and unloading, transport)

If you are paying by the hour, moves should be quick.  If your mover is not a “man with a van” type of operation, your moving company would want to get the move over as quickly as possible to move on to the next job. Make sure to have a number to call if you think your movers are dilly-dallying.

Moving companies take care to protect floors and walls. They should have floor runners, door pads, furniture pads and cover.  Check if your contract already includes these to avoid any last minute add-ons to your moving bill.

Moving companies should not bill for stairs as you are already paying for the time.

Given the value of your property, it pays to be a smart shopper. Get multiple online quotes and compare 5 moving quotes, check reviews, and ask for references.

 

Benefits from Comparing Free Moving Quotes

There are many benefits to comparing free moving quotes from 5 Movers Quotes.

Our partner moving companies are all licensed, experienced, and have been in the moving industry for many years. This means you will be choosing from among the best movers in your area.

Our moving quotes are absolutely free and no obligation! You’ll get to compare multiple moving companies based on what matters – price, service, and reputation.

Fill-out our short online form to connect with the best and most affordable moving companies near you.

You are guaranteed to receive competitive moving quotes to select your mover. Remember, you can take control of your move by selecting a responsible moving company and understanding what you need to make your move a success.