Moving house is never an easy process. It’s exhausting, overwhelming and demands our full attention, especially the details that mean a lot. It’s not seldom that things get damaged or lost in the process that can take away from the joy we feel because of a fresh start in a new place. Even scams and low-grade practices occur that can seriously set you back financially. That is why it’s imperative you hire top-notch professionals to do your moving and here is how you can make sure you pick well.
Moving inventory
One sure sign of an experienced and reputable moving company is the inventory they make. They will send the estimator to make detailed records of all your belongings, check into every cupboard, drawer, nook and cranny, determine the bulk and weight of all your possessions. The latter two are a large chunk of the price of your move so make sure you are either present during this process or you review the inventory list once it’s completed, so there’ll be no surprises.
Another thing a good estimator should do is ask you questions about what exactly you want to be loaded on the moving truck and what you plan to take yourself, throw or give away.
Costs and extra fees
No removal is ever cheap so be prepared for some unexpected costs. One thing you can expect from reputable movers is that they will not require a large deposit before the actual move. The pay-out is commonly upon delivery and it’s best you pay by credit card so you can avoid possible frauds.
Another factor that influences the moving costs is the packing. If you do it yourself, it’ll save you some money. If you decide to leave it up to them, check their previous experience to find out if they’re careful in the process and not just tossing things in boxes.
In addition to all this, what type of home you live in also counts. You will be charged extra if they need to move you from a 9th floor apartment and manage the narrow staircases and elevators, or if you’re located in a narrow street where only a small delivery truck can come close so they need to transfer all the belongings to a bigger one later. Make sure you ask your movers about any possible additional fees. For example, with these removalists operating in Inner West, you’ll get prime service at competitive prices and no hidden charges. They can even provide secure storage if your new home or isn’t ready to move into straight away.
Moving company credentials
It’s always better to be safe than sorry. Make sure you check the company’s references and credentials before hiring them. A good company has great references and recommendations, is listed in the local directory and provides information about its licence and insurance.
Contract and insurance
To be on the safe side, do not sign a blank contract and get everything in writing. The contract must openly list all important information, such as the estimate, extra fees, pick-up and delivery dates. Also, make sure it lists in detail all your possessions since you won’t be able to file a claim for an item that wasn’t listed in the moving inventory.
All moving companies are required to take responsibility and assume liability for the value of goods they transport. However, there are two different levels of liability that offer different charges and levels of insurance. The most comprehensive one is FVP (Full Value Protection) in which the mover will compensate for any damage or loss of goods. And, there is ALL (Alternative Level of Liability) which is the most economical one, as it only assumes minimal protection with no charge but you must sign a special statement where you agree to these terms.
There are many factors to consider when choosing a good moving company if you want to get the best possible service for your money’s worth, and have the whole process run smoothly. A reliable and reputable moving company should fulfil the demands listed here and if you have managed to find such a company, you will even get to enjoy a stress-free move.
