Things You Have to Know Before Hiring Movers
Hiring movers can feel a little overwhelming. With so many moving companies to choose from, where do you even start to hire movers? Over our many moves, and with some really bad experiences combined with mostly good ones, we’ve made the task of hiring movers a little less complicated, simply from learning what we need to know before we sign on the dotted line.
Know What Type of Mover You Need to Hire
Before you start searching for a good mover, make sure you understand what type of move you’ll be making. The type of move will determine the type of moving company you should hire. You can start by understanding the difference between an interstate and intrastate move along with knowing just how far you’ll be moving—all of which will limit the type of mover you’ll need.
Do Your Research
It’s a good idea to check out at least 10 movers by researching their history, understanding the signs of a rogue moving company and by knowing exactly what details will be involved in your move. Will you be packing yourself? What kind of estimate will be best for your move?
Ask the Right Questions
Before I set-up any appointments for a mover to come see my household goods, I always interview each one over the phone. This way you can narrow down your choices to the top three and save yourself some time and effort.
Understand Mover Estimates and Know Which One Is Best for You
Estimates can be a little confusing with some companies not offering a choice between the two. While you’re interviewing the mover on the phone, ask about estimates – find out what they offer and whether that will be your best option.
Understand Mover Fees to Avoid Increased Moving Costs
One of my very first moves caught me completely off-guard when the movers’ estimate was almost double what they had originally quoted. I refused to pay until someone went over the bill of lading step-by-step. What I discovered was that there were fees charged for additional services I hadn’t anticipated. So, don’t get caught – find out what you could be charged for extra services.
Moving Day Must-Dos
- Buy cereal, milk, and other easy breakfast items so that there’s food available the morning after moving day.
- If you’re moving with kids, incorporate them into the moving process by giving them a special box for all their favorite things. Let them decorate the box as wildly as they like!
- Keep a snack bin available during moving and unpacking. Load it up with water, protein bars, chips, or whatever you need to stay fueled up during your move.
- If you’re moving with a dog, put their food and water bowl in the same room as where you put it in the old place. The more consistent you are with your dog’s routine, the less likely they are to be anxious and destroy things.
- Keep all your moving day essentials in an overnight bag. It’ll prevent having to sift through boxes to find your laptop, toiletries, clothes, and medications!
- Keep valuables like your Social Security Card on your person during moving day.
- Pack the items that you’ll need most immediately in a clear plastic bin, or a designated “open first” box. Think: bed sheets, hand soap, towels, etc.
- Take a breather! Moving day is stressful, so allow yourself some “me time” when it’s over. Watch a movie, order some pizza, or do whatever you need to relax after a long day of hard work.
Easy Moving Tips & Tricks
From purging household items to packing your belongings, moving an entire household isn’t a simple process. Fortunately, with the help of these smart moving tips and tricks, it’s about to get a wee bit easier. Here are 21 oh-so-easy moving tips and tricks that anyone can use when moving to a new home. Best of luck and happy moving!
- Find free moving boxes at recycling drop-off points
Don’t fork over your hard-earned money for cardboard boxes. Instead, look for free moving boxes at your local recycling drop-off points. Chances are, you’ll be able to find plenty of cardboard boxes that have been tossed by neighbors. Other places to find free moving boxes include Craigslist, Nextdoor, Freecycle, book stores, liquor stores, offices and U-Haul Box Exchange – just to name a few. For more advice on finding free moving boxes, check here.
- Reuse original boxes for electronics and appliances
Speaking of moving boxes, don’t forget to reuse your old ones. From the TV to the blender, most electronics and small appliances come delivered in cardboard boxes. If you happen to still have these boxes, we recommend reusing them for the move. Not only does this ensure that your items will fit perfectly in the box, but it also saves you from having to spend money on boxes.
- Schedule a donation pick-up for free
Purging heavy furniture, old clothing and other household items? Try scheduling a free donation pick-up with a local charity such as Goodwill, Salvation Army or Habitat for Humanity. Having them pick up your donations will save you from having to haul everything yourself, which means you’ll have more time to focus on the move.
- Obtain quotes from at least three different moving companies
Don’t hire the first moving company you interview. Instead, try to obtain quotes from at least three companies to compare prices and services. When interviewing a moving company, make sure they are properly licensed and insured. For more advice on what to ask your movers when interviewing them, check here.
- Have lots of water bottles on-hand when moving
Given the sheer number of tasks involved when moving, it’s easy to forget the simple things – like the fact that you and your movers will need a lot of water on moving day (especially during the summer). So come moving day, we recommend bringing a pack of bottled water with you to the new house. Trust us – your movers will thank you.
Plan your move and try to stick to that plan
Very big step when it comes to your local move is plan. If you make a good plan and stick to it, you will make sure your move will go by smoothly. If you are moving for the first time, it might be tricky to have everything planned since you don’t have experience. In that case, feel free to ask your local moving company for help. Or if you know someone who moved recently, ask them for a piece of advice.
Write everything down
When it comes to planning your local move, you should definitely not rely on your memory. Once you see how much things there are to organize, you will see why we advise you to write everything down. Make a checklist and to do list and you will make your life easier.
Make a layout of your new home ahead of time
If you hire local movers that are charging the hourly rates, would you like them to spend hours and hours organizing furniture in your new home because you can’t decide where you want to place what. Of course not! This is why you have to create a layout at least for the big items that you have. After your movers leave, you can decide where to put anything that is smaller and miscellaneous, such as lamps or vases.
One last check up
Before you leave your home for good, you should do one last check up. Make sure to check all the drawers, cabinets etc. The worst case scenario would be if you forget something that is valuable, such as documents and jewelry, that is why you should make sure to take those with you, not even with a local movers.