Moving is a hectic time, but there are many ways to make it less stressful. Hiring movers to load your belongings into a truck and transport them to your new home can be one way to save yourself some of the hassle.
But how do you choose the right company for the job? There are a lot of factors to consider, from price and services offered to reputation and reviews. Choosing the wrong movers could lead to expensive damage, delays and even lost or stolen items. So to help you make the best decision, we’ve put together this guide on what movers do and what to look for in a good mover.
Full-service movers take care of every step of your move, from packing to loading onto the truck and transporting to your new home. But there are several types of full-service movers, each with their own set of options and costs. For example, some offer different add-ons like storage, cleaning, valuation services and specialty packing. Others have a fixed set of services and only offer transportation. Whichever option you choose, it’s important to read the fine print to make sure you’re getting exactly what you want and paying for only what you need.
The most common service is loading your belongings into the truck and transporting them to your new home. But there are other services that some movers offer, such as packing, furniture disassembly and assembly and cleaning. Some movers also have special equipment to transport large or oversized items, such as a piano or antiques. And they can also offer specialized packing services for high-value or fragile items, such as glass coffee tables and mirrors.
Loading your belongings into a truck isn’t as easy as it looks. It takes skill to position boxes so they won’t fall over, and to keep a heavy sofa from smashing through your living room window or knocking over a light fixture. Quality movers know how to pack and load their trucks efficiently, using carpet protectors, moving blankets and dollies to protect your possessions. They’ll also carefully load oversized and oddly-shaped items, taking special care to ensure they don’t scratch or dent the vehicle or your possessions.
And if something does go wrong during transit, most movers offer valuation services to cover your losses. This coverage is optional, but recommended, as renters or homeowners insurance doesn’t usually cover your belongings during a move. Some movers also offer temporary storage solutions, such as portable storage containers and a mobile storage van. And if you’re going to be moving long-distance, they may be able to help with car shipping and pet relocation. Allied, for example, offers a full suite of moving and storage solutions, including short- and long-term storage, vehicle shipping, furniture disassembly and reassembly, and cleaning services. You can even use their Allied Express portable storage container, which they’ll load for you and transport to your new home. So if you’re looking for a full-service moving company, don’t settle for the first one you find. Compare quotes from multiple movers to find the best value for your money.