Moving can be either a great adventure or a greater headache. Since we don’t know anyone who enjoys headaches, we thought we’d share some tips on how to make your next move go smoothly so that you can sit back, relax and enjoy the adventure. Of course, the best way to do this is to call the Student Movers. [grin]
You want to hire a reputable mover, first of all (see above). A company with a solid record in good service should have a good Better Business Bureau rating. You can look them up at BBB.org or look for the BBB logo on their website. Another way to recognize a good moving company is by their references. They should offer you a list of references upfront without you asking for them. They should be proud of their work and want to share their success stories with potential clients, just like we do on the “About” page of our site.
A bit of prep work on your part goes a long way, too. Decide what pieces you’re moving and what you’re selling or giving away. Whether you’re doing your own packing is something to know upfront, too. If you’re on a tight budget, packing yourself can save you money. If time is more important though, make sure you hire a mover that can pack for you; this includes providing boxes, tape and labeling.
When you’re ready to start, call the moving companies on your list. You should connect with a friendly, knowledgeable person who listens to you as though you’re their only client. Forget canned speeches and pitches. You need someone who will customize your quote to fit your needs, not the boxes on a form. You also need a moving company that will explain how everything works. For instance, you can see that we explain pianos, pool tables, and items in excess of 250 pounds cost extra to move. Some movers leave this information out until they hand you a bill at the end of your move.
Speaking of bills, it’s wise to get a few quotes. Just remember the old saying, “If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.” If the quotes you’re getting are in the range of $1000 and someone tells you they’ll do it for $200, chances are you’re going to need all new dishes and electronics by the time your move is over. In other words, you get what you pay for and those “cut rate” fees typically come with “cut rate” service.
Some good questions to ask your potential movers (unless we answer them for you first) are:
- Are there extra charges for extra flights of stairs that I didn’t know about when I booked?
- What is the estimated delivery time and how does the driver notify me?
- If I pack myself, are there types of boxes/packing material I should avoid?
- What forms of payment are acceptable and when do I pay?
- Do you disassemble and reassemble everything?
We may joke here, but we take our business – your move – seriously. We hope this information is helpful to you in planning your next move. If you have any questions, we’re here to help at www.thestudentmovers.com!
