Hiring movers saves time and effort, prevents back injuries and can protect your belongings from damage. However, it is important to choose the right company for your move. Be wary of companies that offer unrealistically low prices or require upfront deposits. It’s also wise to get a written estimate and read the fine print carefully. If a moving company has extra fees, be sure to ask what they are for and how much they will add up to.
The cost of your move will depend on the type and size of items you need to transport, as well as any special services you request. A full-service move includes packing, unpacking and transporting your possessions. It’s also possible to hire movers to only unpack or transport specific items, such as your refrigerator, washer and dryer or bedroom furniture.
To make an accurate estimate, your movers should visit your home and see the items you need to move. Take the time to show them all areas of your house where movable goods are stored, including closets, basements and sheds. The movers will then give you a written quote.
Some movers have extra charges, such as fees for disassembling and reassembling furniture and cleaning up afterward. Others have service fees for appliances, such as servicing and draining them before they are removed and reconnecting them at your new home. You can reduce these costs by providing your movers with a detailed inventory of your possessions and by doing most of the heavy lifting yourself.
Insurers typically cover the value of your belongings, but there are some items they will not move. For example, some Cheap Austin Movers will not move car batteries or pool chemicals, and some recommend that you pack certain high-value items, such as family photos and heirloom jewelry.
Before you hire a moving company, check to ensure they are licensed and insured. Then, ask for references. You can also contact your local Better Business Bureau to see if any complaints have been filed against the company.
Make a list of all the items you want to move and include a note of anything of extraordinary value. Determine the approximate date of your move and how long you have to pack up your things. This will help you decide how many movers you need.
Look for a reputable, established company that has a good reputation in your community. Also, find out how long the movers have been in business. Some movers are brokers who contract out their services, while others have their own in-house crews. It’s also important to ask if they are a carrier or broker, as brokers often charge higher rates than carriers. Also, find out if the movers are bonded and insured, and how much liability coverage they provide. The more items you have to move, the higher your moving costs will be. You may also have to pay for a storage unit for the duration of your move.