The words “movers” conjure up images of strangers coming into your house, packing up all your belongings, loading them onto a truck and driving off. While this is often the case, it doesn’t have to be. By choosing a moving company wisely and doing your homework, you can find the right fit for you.
In this article, we’ll discuss the different services movers Richardson offer, how they charge for their services and what to look for in a quality moving company. We’ll also talk about how to make the process as stress-free and easy as possible.
While you could save some money by hiring a mover on an hourly basis, full service movers will give you a more accurate estimate of the cost of your move and provide you with a binding contract that includes all services. In addition, full service movers will pack your belongings for you, which can save you both time and energy. Full service movers will also unpack your belongings at your new home and can even dispose of your empty boxes for you.
When choosing a mover, make sure they are accredited with the FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration). This accreditation isn’t necessarily indicative of the quality of a company’s service, but it does indicate that the moving company has been approved by the FMCSA and meets certain safety requirements.
Another important consideration when choosing a moving company is whether or not they background check their employees. This can be a major comfort factor for many people because it means that the company will only send workers into your home who you can trust. A good company will weed out applicants with criminal records and a history of damage or theft in their previous jobs.
Aside from packing, moving is physically demanding work. Most movers will charge extra for jobs that require them to carry heavy items over long distances or up and down flights of stairs. Similarly, if your apartment is located on a difficult to access side street or in the back corner of your building, expect a higher quote as the crew will likely have to walk farther to get their truck.
Some movers will also charge you for disassembly and reassembly of large furniture pieces such as dining tables, sofas or beds. This is especially true for antiques and items of high value, which can be extremely difficult to transport safely. Finally, if you have an item that can’t be transported by truck or van (like a grand piano), your mover will likely charge you for special handling and transportation fees. Be sure to discuss all these potential extra charges with your movers during the in-home survey or detailed inventory stage of the move so you are fully aware of what to expect. And, of course, be sure to get a signed, written estimate and a copy of the company’s insurance policy before any work begins. This will help you avoid surprise charges and ensure you’re getting the best value for your money.