Step 1: Ask for personal recommendations
There are plenty of reviews online on websites such as Google, Yelp, and Angie’s List, where you can find out about the agency and the quality of their service. But start by asking neighbors, colleagues, family, and friends for recommendations because it is them you trust the most. Talking to them will provide you with valuable information and help you a great deal in choosing the right company.
Step 2: Check availability and pricing
After looking up online and talking to the people you trust, you must have a list of companies to choose from. Narrow it down to the ones with excellent reviews. Don’t delay if they are famous movers in your area, as they’ll be booked quickly. However, it would help if you considered the following factors before signing any of them.
Move-date flexibility: If you don’t have a specific date planned for the move, do it on a weekday in the middle of the month. It’s a relatively lean time for movers, who are usually packed on weekends and during the end of the month.
Pricing: Moving companies charge by the hour so that the final price can vary. They are pretty accurate, but long-distance moves can be expensive.
Payment method: Some companies accept credit cards, while others might only take personal checks. Confirm the payment method before deciding on a mover.
Cancellation: Ask about the cancellation policy and charges.
Truck size: List all your furniture and boxes, so your movers have the right-sized truck to fit all your stuff comfortably. You don’t want to pay for another vehicle or two trips.
Check 3: Pack smartly
Most moving companies also offer packing/unpacking services and provide boxes and packing supplies at an hourly rate or an additional fee. However, if you don’t want to pay more, pack yourself before the movers arrive. You must buy packing supplies and start a week early to finish in time.
Finding boxes: Go to a liquor store or a recycling dumpster to find free boxes. You can also find them on Craigslist or social media pages. However, you must buy the right-sized boxes for furniture and kitchen appliances if you don’t have their original packing saved with you.
Fragile items: Use bubble wrap to pack silverware, glassware, and fragile items safely. If it is proving to be expensive, you can use two or three layers of newspaper instead.
Bulky or large items: Use small or medium-sized boxes to pack heavy items and bigger boxes for pillows or large lightweight items.
Step 4: Moving
If you own a car, move all your essential and expensive things yourself. It’ll save you time and money. Right movers will work independently to load boxes safely and efficiently. Reliable packing will ensure that you load and unload safely, keeping your moving day smooth.
Settle the bill right after the move rather than waiting to get an invoice with additional charges. When you sign the final figure, ask for a guarantee that the price won’t change. Also, discuss your options if it does.
About Southwest Movers
Several people have experienced horrible moving service, but that doesn’t have to be your story. Southwest Moving prides itself in providing excellent local and long-distance moving services in Florida, California, and Texas. Our services are affordable, licensed, and insured. We give you flat rates and free estimates. You can get a free quote today by calling us at 1 (800) 562-1084 or emailing at info@swmovers.net.