Everything You Need to Know About Hiring Movers

May 10, 2016 / Posted in Before the Move
Anastasia Hill

Apart from being the next fashion icon, Anastasia is also a freelance writer and expert on moving (and packing clothes).

Packing up everything you own and relocating to a new home is no easy task. It requires so much effort and dedication – we congratulate you even on making this decision! But luckily, there’s always the option of hiring movers. Here’s what you can expect if you decide to bring the professionals into the whole mix.

two professional movers sitting on boxes
Hiring a mover can be the golden ticket to smooth sailing this process

Cross-Country Moving Comes With Plenty of Confusion

Once the decision to move to another state is made, so many questions start to trouble you.

How much do movers cost? Is that cheaper than renting a truck? What can their packing services do for my belongings exactly? The list goes on – no wonder why relocation stress is a common occurrence.

43% people say relocation is the most stressful life event

Is It Better to Hire Movers or Rent a Truck?

So, let’s answer one of the first questions you’ll probably have. When choosing between the two options, many people jump to the conclusion that renting a moving truck and DIYing it is cheaper.

Sure it may appear like that at first glance, but there are many things to consider when moving to a new state, and even more things to actually handle. Namely, having someone else deal with all the heavy lifting is always an easier and more convenient thing to do. And if that someone is an expert in the field, such as Flat Price Auto Transport and Moving, you’re golden. In the long run, hiring professional movers pays off. 

A woman carrying boxes
You might be tempted do DIY it - but you can always get professional help

What Are the Pros and Cons of Hiring Movers?

One of the biggest advantages of hiring a reliable relocation and car shipping company is the fact that you’ll get much more free time to focus on other things, like making the most out of the last few days in your old home. Moreover, you avoid even the slightest risk of getting hurt when lifting all those boxes and heavy furniture.

Also, with professional long-distance movers, you can rest assured that you’re in for an efficient move. The crew is trained for this job and they know the most effective way to go about it. You just focus on saying bye to friends and hire the pros to handle the relocation for you.

Depending on the exact services you book, the crew can even bring all the necessary packing materials and other equipment. However, we like to keep it real, so let’s talk about some downsides too. The biggest one is the fact that you’ll have to respect a certain schedule, meaning there’s less room for flexibility. But this schedule will also keep you going, so perhaps it’s not that bad after all.

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Misconceptions Associated with Hiring Experts

The biggest misconception people tend to have is that hiring professional help is too expensive. But before you jump to that conclusion, be honest with yourself and figure out the relocation budget – you might just surprise yourself at what you find.

And when you take into account the higher risks of irreparable damage to your stuff, this misconception seems further and further away from reality. Relying on experts doesn’t seem that pricey now, right?

The pros know how to pack a bicycle, take care of electronic devices, and everything else you might own. And they can see that every step of the process goes according to plan, and you really can’t put a price on that.

Another common misconception is that all companies are the same. Just because a friend of yours had a bad experience with a long-distance moving company, it doesn’t mean that the same thing will happen to you. To avoid any inconvenience, make sure you pick the right crew, and then you’re good to go.

movers carrying boxes
Picking the best crew possible is crucial

How to Hire a Moving Company – Here Are the Crucial Steps

Working with a moving and auto transport company might turn out to be the best choice ever, but only if you make the right choice. Make sure to add the following tips for hiring movers to your relocation checklist:

Step 1 – Check the Crew You’re Considering

Before you make the final decision, check the reviews left by previous customers to see how satisfied they were with the cross-country movers you’re considering. Look them up on websites such as Better Business Bureau. This is why reviewing a company is important – you can learn a lot from other people’s experiences and based on them, determine whether a certain crew is reliable enough.

Step 2 – Schedule an In-Person Inspection

After you pick the crew, you’ll want to get a price estimate. But before they give you a quote, the crew should visit your home or at least do a video survey to provide as precise a quote as possible. They won’t be able to do so without actually seeing everything you’re planning to take with you to the new address.

Step 3 – Get the Price Estimate

When asking for an estimate, you should know the difference between binding and non-binding estimates. The former means that the company is giving you a guaranteed price, so you shouldn’t pay a penny over the estimated cost. If, however, you go for the latter, the company may not require more than 10% over the estimated price.

Step 4 – Make Sure There Are No Additional Charges

If you don’t choose the binding estimate, check whether you should be prepared for any additional charges. When you find a reliable, professional, and trustworthy crew, they’ll let you know about any additional costs right from the start, so you’ll know that there won’t be any unpleasant surprises later on.

Step 5 – Choose the Services

Once you’ve settled everything, it’s time to decide which services you’ll need from the crew. Hire them to take care of the packing process, for storage solutions, or even for auto transport. In case you have a brand-new car or a vintage beauty, you can even ask for enclosed transport and not worry about your four-wheeler getting a single scratch.

Should You Tip Movers?

Just like you’d tip a server for excellent service at a restaurant, tipping movers is expected when they’ve gone above and beyond to make the move stress-free. But, before you reach for your wallet, here are a few things to consider to ensure that the tip is well-deserved:

  • Did the movers arrive on time and ready to work?
  • Did they handle your belongings with the care they deserve, avoiding any damage?
  • Did they work efficiently without dragging out the time just to pad the bill?
  • Were they courteous, respectful, and willing to answer any questions or concerns?
  • Did they offer any extra help, like last-minute packing?

If you’re satisfied with the whole ordeal, it’s best to tip each crew member so that they all feel appreciated. Of course, how much you’re going to tip them depends on how happy you are with the job. If everything was alright, the expected tip would be around $40 per mover.

mover carrying boxes
If you're satisfied with the job done, don't forget to leave a tip

How to Avoid the Wrong Crew?

Whether you’re going from a small town to a big city far away or you’re relocating just one state over, you’re in for a hectic period. Of course, the best-case scenario is to have someone reliable by your side. These professionals are supposed to be there for you every step of the way and provide you with all the necessary help, so it is essential to choose wisely and avoid wrong calls.

Do Thorough Research

The most crucial thing to avoid any mistakes down the road is to do thorough research. You should do that when looking for a new home, the right neighborhood, or a new job before you move. The same goes for finding assistance for the actual relocation.

Rash decisions can only lead you to wrong choices, so take your time to research several companies, check their reviews, and establish their level of professionalism by doing a USDOT number check. Narrow your options to two or three choices and compare them to see which one meets your requirements.

Get an Estimate to Figure out the Costs

While it is important to know the approximate price beforehand, this should not be the only thing influencing your choice. Some companies might be more expensive than others, but there must be a good reason for that. Hire one of the best to be sure real experts are handling your precious possessions.

women working on a laptop
Make sure you do thorough research before making the final decision

How to Make Relocation Easier

Relocation can be pure chaos, but there are things you can do to make it more manageable. Moves are only troublesome if not handled properly, so take the time to plan everything carefully. With the right packing schedule, there’s really nothing to worry about.

Let the Experts Pack You and Bring Boxes

When it comes to packing, the chances are you’ll feel quite overwhelmed. You’re probably wondering – what is the best way to pack books? What about packing kitchen items? Is there even an easy way to pack for a move or you’re in for a wild ride?

The answer is simple – let experts handle the whole ordeal for you. They’ll professionally handle the entire process, and with comprehensive services, they’ll even bring all the necessary supplies needed to protect all your goods.

bubble wrap, tape and paper
With proper supplies, the packing process is a job halfway done

The Final Box to Check off Your List? Get in Touch With Flat Price

Hiring movers is like choosing the right dance partner – they need to be in sync with you, handle all the moves with grace, and make sure nothing gets dropped! Whether you’re tackling a small apartment move or relocating a mansion, the right movers can make all the difference.

When you’re ready to finalize the deal, Flat Price Auto Transport and Moving is here to help you waltz through the process with ease. With our top-notch long-distance moving services, we’ll handle all the heavy lifting so you can focus on this exciting chapter ahead. Contact us today for a quote, and let’s get this show on the road!

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