Q. What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?
A. You'll find plenty of resources that'll remind you of the importance of researching the reputation and reliability of moving services, but few that'll actually offer advice on how best to compare moving companies with one another to assure you get the biggest bang for your buck.
Here are a few tips on how to differentiate between cheap moving services and those that are affordable but provide a high level of service—and whether or not you should pick local moving services over national movers. All are based on the collective experiences of thousands of others like you who have shared both bad and wonderful experiences on the road to relocation.
National or Local Moving Services? Define Your Needs
This is the most important step, because it immediately cuts through the biggest part of your decision. If you're planning an interstate or international move, your decision on whether or not to include hiring out the services of a local moving company is pretty much already made for you. Not all small, locally owned moving companies will have the capacity or the necessary experience to ship your belongings great distances, although their locality doesn't immediately disqualify them from being able to do so.
Look carefully into this if you do consider hiring a smaller moving company. The money you save by going local could end up costing you far more in the long run, especially if the company in question lacks a proven record of interstate delivery and botches the job. If you're moving within a relatively short distance, a local mover could be the best option for both cost and service.
What Are You Getting for Your Money?
Not all movers are alike. Some offer to box up your belongings as a part of the service you're paying for, while others will charge you extra if you don't already have everything ready for their hot little hands the moment they arrive. Some may gladly set up your furniture once they've unloaded it from the moving truck, while others may not even move large pieces of furniture up and down flights of steps without asking for more money. Before you decide on a mover, get a comprehensive list of everything that's included in the initial quote so that you don't encounter any ugly surprises at the end of the road.
Q. If you were a customer, what do you wish you knew about your trade? Any inside secrets to share?
A. 1) One box, two box, three box, four … Learn how to tape a box so your stuff doesn't fall out on the floor.
Master the "H" and "X" taping methods for optimal box packing, carrying and loading.
To some people, the decision to move themselves instead of hiring a moving company is one of pure economics. If you've got two choices and one of them is financially out of the question, the only logical thing to do is to take the alternative route—which often involves moving yourself. But what if it's not that cut and dry? Here are some of the pros and cons of moving companies versus doing it yourself.
Assess the Realities of Your Move
Even if you're willing and able-bodied, you may not be capable of moving yourself. The DIY route only works if where you're moving to is easily accessible, and drivable—the major moving companies don't offer rental cargo planes, at least not yet. If you're moving abroad, you'll have to hire a professional mover.
Are You a Control Freak?
Hiring a moving company can be an exercise in "letting go." You have to essentially relinquish control of all your earthly belongings and entrust them into the keeping of strangers. There are some people that have an extremely hard time doing this, especially if they happen to own a bunch of priceless collectibles that could never be replaced. If this describes you, carrying out your own move may be the only answer. Or, you could opt to split the risk by personally moving your uber-precious items and hiring a professional mover to handle everything else.
Backbreaking Work vs. Mental Challenge:
Moving yourself involves a lot of physical work, but hiring a mover involves an equally sizeable amount of mental labor. In other words, pick your poison. Sometimes the physical stress of having to move a ton of boxes and furniture can be far preferable to the amount of research that's necessary to find a moving company that's both affordable and reputable. This isn't to say that quality movers are tough to find. But due diligence is required when considering either option.
Piece of Mind:
Handling a self-move is a big responsibility. When you take it upon yourself to do it yourself, you forego the ability to insure your belongings against any damages. If you don't have any experience packing fragile items, this could be a serious drawback. On the other hand, professional movers have the benefit of years of experience to ensure safe delivery, and offer insurance to back it all up. Moving without the option of insurance can be a bit like walking a tightrope without a net to break your fall—or the inadvertent fall of an invaluable family heirloom.
There's an investment of time involved in either option, but carrying the burden of moving your own belongings is the most consuming. If you can't afford to take much time off work to oversee your move, you could be far better off by leaving it up to the professionals.
Q. How to Transport Important Art & Antiques When You Move
A. Use specialty art movers for your art and antiques. They have specially designed packing materials and climate-controlled vehicles.
Q. What questions should a consumer ask to hire the right service professional?
A. 1) Full Service or Self Service Moves: Which Is Right for Me?
To some people, the decision to move themselves instead of hiring a moving company is one of pure economics. If you've got two choices and one of them is financially out of the question, the only logical thing to do is to take the alternative route—which often involves moving yourself. But what if it's not that cut and dry? Here are some of the pros and cons of moving companies versus doing it yourself.
Are You a Control Freak?
Hiring a moving company can be an exercise in "letting go." You have to essentially relinquish control of all your earthly belongings and entrust them into the keeping of strangers. There are some people that have an extremely hard time doing this, especially if they happen to own a bunch of priceless collectibles that could never be replaced. If this describes you, carrying out your own move may be the only answer. Or, you could opt to split the risk by personally moving your uber-precious items and hiring a professional mover to handle everything else.
Q. What important information should buyers have thought through before seeking you out?
A. Not all moving companies are created equal. Therefore it stands to reason that not all moving and storage companies provide the same level of service. Some have even been known to take advantage of inexperienced customers through shady practices.
It's a frightening fact of life to think that any of us could inadvertently wind up under the care of movers with less than stellar reputations or bad intentions, but with as many moving horror stories as there are moving van companies, this is always a distinct possibility. Especially if you don't do your homework. Here are a few helpful tips on researching movers to help you ensure your move is a success story.
Find Good Moving Companies Through the BBB
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) collects information about all sorts of businesses and makes that information a matter of public record. This is done to help consumers find businesses that are known to provide reliable and trustworthy services, as well as to warn away unsuspecting consumers from companies they might later regret ever having done business with.
Visit the BBB website to look up a specific company's record or find a BBB accredited business in the category you're looking for. In this case, you can look up moving companies and research to your heart's content. Of course, not all companies are accredited by the Better Business Bureau. This doesn't necessarily mean they're up to no good, but since you'll be entrusting literally all of your earthly belongings to movers, it's in your best interest to only do business with those that are accredited. If you're not as fluent in Computer as you'd like and would rather call and talk to someone in person, you can contact the BBB by calling (703) 276-0100.
License, Registration and Proof of Insurance Please
All movers are required to be licensed and registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). To find out if the moving company you're looking at is fully registered and has proper insurance, contact the FMCSA at (202) 366-9805 for licensing or (202) 385-2423 to verify insurance. You can also visit the FMCSA's website.
Beware the Lowballer and Other Warning Signs
You should never consider your research complete until the very last box is loaded into the moving van and the roll-down door's been locked shut. If all of the research you've done on your moving company of choice has checked out, the final stage of your research should take place through direct contact. Knowing what to look for is crucial, because negotiations are usually the point when many movers reveal their true professionalism.
One of the most common practices of shady movers is to quote you a price that sounds way too good to be true. Usually that means it is.
Another dead giveaway that you're dealing with a moving company that's not on the up and up is if they're willing to name a price without coming to your house and physically looking at your belongings to give you an accurate quote.
If you're asked to pay a substantial deposit or the movers tell you that they'll only accept cash, consider yourself warned.
There's no reason to believe that every moving company in the world is out to hijack your belongings and demand a ransom to give it back. But by proceeding under the notion that it pays to do your research, you can fast forward past all the negative experiences you might have encountered and cut right to the positive experience.
Q. Why does your work stand out from others who do what you do?
A. Q? Here at MAFIA MOVERS our work stands out from your typical moving company because.......
A: Every move is treated as if it were our own grandmothers "fine china" (Every peice)
We know the reason you hired a professional moving company is for a more stress free atmosphere during the transition period so we aim to provide that with every move.
