5 Things You Need To Do Before Choosing a Moving Company

So you’ve got a new place! Congratulations! Whether it’s a new office space or a new home for the family, we know it’s an exciting time when you look forward to new beginnings. And New York City is undoubtedly one of the best places to live, isn’t it? But we also know preparing for a move can be a little bit daunting – and sometimes, it seems like your ‘To Do’ list is a million miles long.

If you’re looking for NYC movers, start with our five tips below before selecting a moving company.  

Do your research

Think of your move like you would any other project: research builds confidence. Moving is no different. When it comes to finding the right moving company, nothing eases that decision than doing adequate research on all your options and feeling confident about the mover of your choice. 

You can also narrow down your research by getting into specifics. Depending on your situations, you can look up Commercial Movers in NYC or, if you have specific items that need special care, look for companies specializing in Fine Art moving

Ask for recommendations

Talk to your friends, family and even business partners about their experience with moving companies. Nothing beats a good referral and getting information about people’s experience with any supplier is invaluable.  

 Check license and liability coverage

A trustworthy moving company should have a USDOT license number issued by the FMCSA if they offer cross country services. You can check this number online easily so that you can be sure your move is in good hands and your items will be handled safely.     

Insurance is another important item to keep in mind and you have several options. Standard coverage offered upon signing a contract is 60 cents per pound but most movers choose an additional protection plan as that is not enough to cover the true replacement cost of a damaged item. Ask your movers about a full value protection plan, as that will be available for you for an extra fee. 

Make sure you understand each provision in the insurance plan of your choice and be clear with the movers about what you prefer.

Get a thorough walk-through for estimates

If you haven’t moved in a long time, you might not be aware of current rates, so shortlist at least three moving companies and compare their services and pricing. Then, ask them to do a walk-through before issuing an estimate. Major moving companies will be happy to provide this information to you.

A good walk-through means you will be asked questions about what you wish to take with you to the new house, which items will require special packing and which items you will take with you in your car.

TIP: pack your jewellery, family heirlooms and precious smaller items yourself and take them with you on moving day. This way, you avoid them getting lost by mistake amongst the other boxes.

Be careful about quick walk-throughs or estimates issued over the phone. Without a clear image of the size of the move, any estimator will be off the mark and you might have an issue on the day of the move.

Ask about binding estimates

A binding estimate is a document that ensures that the price quoted to you is the exact amount you pay. This will ensure that there are no surprises on moving day, and you won’t find yourself in a situation where the price of the move increases exponentially on moving day when it is too late to find another mover. 

You should always ask for a binding estimate and get it in writing, but keep in mind that you also need to do your part and list every item that you need to move, which will be clearly outlined in the estimate. Adding last-minute items to your inventory in the hopes of keeping the same price may give the movers the Right to Refuse service. To avoid this, tell the moving company of any extra items that need to be transported, so you can work out an agreement before they start loading your truck.

Doing your research will only benefit you and protect you from moving scams, overcharging and give you peace of mind for the moving day, so you can enjoy the process.  

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Scott

Scott brings philosophical insights and witty wordplay to his writing for Unfinished Man. With wide-ranging interests from bikes to beers, he explores the novelty in everyday life. Scott aims to both inform and entertain readers with his perspectives on culture, technology, and the pursuit of living well.

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