Look For Premium Estimate Technology, Packing Services, and a Commitment to Service
You’ve decided that it’s time to hire a professional. The days of finding a buddy who owns a truck, paying friends in beer and pizza, and trying to move a sofa backwards down the stairs are over.
But that doesn’t mean that you’ve suddenly gone from do-it-yourself to “let them handle it.” It’s important to know why a professional moving company is a valuable service and the best practices they use to ensure your residential move goes smoothly.
It All Starts With an Estimate
Five-star professional movers typically offer a free estimate, which helps you understand what to expect for the final price, while helping the company understand how much time and how many crew members they need to dedicate to your move.
The moving company you contact will recommend one of the following ways to calculate your estimate:
- Over the phone, where you describe your rooms and your belongings.
- An in-home estimate, where the moving company visits you.
- A virtual tour of your home on a video call or through a moving app.
No matter which option you choose, your moving company will determine costs based on their own formula. Their criteria may include:
- How many hours your move will take based on your move’s distance and your belongings.
- Flat-rate pricing.
- The number of cubic feet your belongings take up on the moving truck.
- The weight of your belongings.
Each of these approaches can provide an estimate of how much your moving company will cost. However, these approaches offer varying degrees of accuracy. To ensure the highest level of accuracy, consider a full-service moving company with digital estimate technology.
What to Know About Premium Estimate Technology
During an in-person walkthrough or a virtual estimate, premium moving companies use software to quickly capture and calculate the weight and volume of your belongings. Powered by data from prior moving experiences, this software creates a clear picture of what your move will cost. Some moving companies may even ask you to download their estimate app to make your own videos to calculate costs.
However, you may find that you appreciate an in-home visit, where your chosen moving company’s specialist uses estimate software while you interact with them. You’ll get an accurate and objective estimate and the benefits of meeting in person.
Get an Estimate On Packing Services
Your moving company may also offer additional services that make moving less stressful. Ask if your movers offer these useful services and find out how they impact your estimate.
- Moving materials, including boxes and tape.
- Complete packing services.
- Packing services for one room only, such as your kitchen.
Also check to see if your full-service moving company offers any free benefits, such as wardrobe packing. A moving company that packs and moves your hanging clothes for free is a time-saver.
Communication In the Weeks Before Your Move
After you’ve locked in your estimate, work with your moving team to land on a date and time for your move. Consider scheduling your move at least three to four weeks in advance to secure your preferred time. You may consider booking even further in advance if the moving company you’ve hired is in high demand.
One week before your move, your full-service moving company will call you to review the plan for moving day. This allows you to fully prepare for the team to arrive. If you’ve chosen an in-person estimate, you’ve already worked with a moving specialist who is familiar with your home. Having already made contact, this check-in call may be even more comprehensive and thorough. A team that communicates well gives you peace-of-mind during a time that is typically stressful.
During Your Move
When your movers arrive, you should expect them to protect your belongings, walls, and floors at your current and new locations. The last thing you want to deal with is damage to your possessions or an unnecessary and costly home repair.
Look for a team that uses as many of these processes and materials as possible to reduce your stress and keep your belongings safe.
- Handtrucks and dollies
- Lifting straps
- Wrapping and padding materials
- Floor runners
- Railing covers
- Carpet shields
- Mattress bags
You should also expect your mover to be responsive to your special requests during your move. Although you’ve already gone over the plan prior to moving day, unexpected needs do come up.
Keep in mind that these special requests may add to your estimate, depending on the size of your request. However, a highly rated moving company goes above and beyond for you, simply because they want to make your day as easy as possible.
Communicating With Your Moving Company After Your Move
After you’ve moved, you’ll need some time to settle in, unwrap your belongings, and assess your moving team’s performance. That’s why many professional moving companies wait a day or two to check back in with you to see if they met your expectations.
You’ll also receive your final invoice detailing the cost of your moving company. Your movers may also ask you for a review. If you want to, sharing your experience can help benefit others who are about to experience their own moving journey.
When Choosing Your Moving Company, Build a Checklist
It’s no secret that you have a choice between several moving companies in your area. However, not all of these companies offer high-quality service. To find the best one, create a list of “must-haves.” This list may include:
- An in-person, technology-driven estimate to ensure accuracy.
- Regular, clear communication throughout the moving process.
- Complete packing services.
- Above-and-beyond efforts to protect your home and belongings.
- A team that clearly cares about the success of your move.
Moving is stressful, but you don’t have to bear the burden alone. A full-service moving company takes that weight off your shoulders, so you can focus on making an effortless transition to your new home.
