Your Biggest Questions Answered About Costs, Services, and More
Moving is an important life event. It’s also one of the most stressful. Psychologists across the world have studied the short- and long-term emotional impacts of moving, even if you’re only headed to a new house in the same town.
Such a significant event requires care and thoughtfulness. You want to ensure that your move feels right, whether the circumstances of your move are exciting, bittersweet, or even sad. To help you feel empowered during this major transition, know what’s in your control.
The moving company you choose is one decision that’s entirely yours. To help you make your decision, we’ve answered the four biggest questions about searching for packers and movers.
How Do I Know If I’ve Chosen a Moving Team That Can Meet My Needs?
Moving services tend to fall into one of five categories, but not all movers provide these services. A moving company may be able to help you with:
- Local moving: A local move is typically a move to a new neighborhood or new town in your great metropolitan area. These moves don’t require significant travel, like a long-distance move.
- Long-distance moves: Also known as an interstate, out-of-state, cross-province, or cross-country move, a long-distance move typically serves those who are moving to an entirely new state, province, or region of the country.
- Commercial moves: If your business, office, store, school, factory, or any other facility is moving, you need a company that offers commercial moving services.
- International moves. These moves cross national borders, including moves from the U.S. to Canada, Mexico, Europe, and beyond.
- Senior moves: Although a senior could move locally, long-distance, or internationally, this moving service ensures an extra level of care for an older loved one, including coordination with a specific senior-living location, such as a retirement community.
When choosing an affordable mover, determine whether the company you’re considering can handle your needs. For example, a local moving company may not have the resources to help with a long-distance or commercial move. However, some movers offer several service lines and are experienced and well-equipped to meet your moving challenge.
How Much Do Movers Cost?
Although reputable sources like Nerd Wallet publish average moving costs estimates to help you ballpark your move’s cost, several factors affect these calculations, including:
- Your specific needs, such as the amount of belongings you are moving and how far you are moving.
- How your packers and movers calculate costs.
- Whether you want specialized services, like help with packing.
- Moving companies that charge additional fees during peak seasons or weekends.
In most cases, it is difficult to find out how much your move will cost without getting your own estimate. Many moving companies offer free estimate services, so there’s no risk in finding out for yourself.
How Do I Know If I’ve Chosen the Best Movers?
Determining whether a moving company offers high-quality service requires research. After you’ve determined that they can serve your specific moving needs, consider these factors, which can help you decide whether the company has a reputation you can trust:
- Reviews. Look at their average Google reviews and the number of reviews the company has received. An average score that’s close-to-perfect on thousands of moves means that moving company has delivered historically great service.
- Approach. Consider the company’s approach to customer relationships. Do they emphasize their commitment to outstanding service? Do they hire professionals and specialists who know how to solve moving challenges?
- Protection. Find out how the company protects your belongings. Your biggest risk is hiring a company that doesn’t keep your possessions safe. Look for a moving team that uses premium equipment and materials, including dollies, padding, industrial plastic wrap, floor runners, lifting straps, railing covers, and other protective gear.
- Initial contact. Think about your experience during your first call or your in-person estimate. How did your conversation go? Your moving team should make you feel confident that you’ve chosen the right company.
What Other Qualities Should I Look For In a Mover?
Beyond customer service, reviews, processes, and your estimate, there’s still more that packers and movers can provide. Separate the good moving companies from the best by understanding what makes a superior team.
- Frequent communication: Knowing what to expect goes a long way in calming your nerves and stress during your move. Your packers and movers should have a plan to connect before, during, and after your move to ensure your satisfaction.
- Care and compassion: Whether your move is a promising fresh start or the result of challenging circumstances, you should feel like your moving team has your back. You may be surprised how welcome emotional support feels from affordable movers when you’re completely stressed.
- Up-front pricing: You don’t want to get a surprise about how much your move costs. Consider a team that calculates the cost of your move in advance using the latest technology, so you know where you stand.
- Above-and-beyond service: Read online reviews to get a sense of what these movers did for their customers. You should be overwhelmed by stories of moving teams going out of their way to make their customers happy.
Invest In Premium Movers
A premium moving team possesses qualities that set them apart from the competition. During your big move, you deserve first-class care, thoughtfulness, respect, and service that exceeds your expectations.
Moving is hard. Hiring an inferior moving service makes moving harder. Choose a five-star mover with affordable services that makes your move look easy, so you can confidently conquer this challenging time.
