Moving Companies: How to Compare Them Properly

Moving is usually a very daunting task. It involves packing, carrying, moving, unpacking and reinstalling things in their proper place. As if this were not enough, you may also have to deal with awkward corners and different levels. In addition to everything else you have to deal with handling fragile items. Moving companies can make your task a lot easier. It is more expensive than doing the whole thing yourself but if you consider the stress and strain and the time involved the extra expense is definitely worth it.

Once you have decided that you are going to hire a moving company you have to select the right company for the job. There are many moving companies some of which operate at the national level and others that operate only locally. If you are moving to another state then you may like to hire one of the national companies that have offices in most cities. However if you are moving within the state a local moving services may be more preferable. Local companies being smaller may provide good service at a lower cost.

Before deciding which moving company to use, you must first find out about the details of the services they offer and the costs involved. Then only can you make a fair comparison and come to an informed decision. Different moving companies offer different types of services at different prices and also they offer some special services. As the cost involved is quite high and you want that your things should reach their destination safely you must look up different moving companies operating in your city and find out about their services and pricing plans.

You will do well to contact several of them, let them know about your requirements and get quotes from each of them. At this stage you will only get an idea about each moving company’s pricing plans. You have to determine what each company’s base rate actually involves. Some companies may offer free boxes and packing and unpacking or variations thereof. Find out if there are any extra charges for higher floor levels, or if the truck has to be parked some distance from your home. Whether the charges are calculated according to weight or number and type? Whether there are any extra charges for large or fragile items?

Other things you must know include what loss or damage, if any, will the moving company be liable for. If the company will assume liability then it may be advantageous to get the items packed by them or they may claim that the packaging was faulty if there is any damage during handling or transit. You may have to insure your belongings if you are not satisfied with the liability of the moving company. Talk to the representative of the moving company about the actions required to be taken in case an item is found damaged or missing. Also find out what happens if you have to cancel the moving just before the assigned date? What about penalties and refunds of advances?

If you have done everything mentioned here then you are now ready to finally compare and select your moving company. Before coming to a final decision however, you should also consider the company’s reputation. Find out whether the company is a registered member of the concerned trade association. Ask for references and verify them, find out about the experiences of your friend and colleagues. Now consider everything together and decide which moving company suits you best.