Moving is anything but easy. You have to find a new home, sell the current one, pack and prepare all of your belongings for the road, make sure everything and everybody arrives at the new address in one piece, etc. However, when you add moving with a family to your already long moving list, things get a lot more complicated and stressful. You must put your family first, no matter what. But, how to do that while in the midst of one of the most challenging moments of your life? Easily – by hiring movers! Professional movers are there to do all the moving-related things so that you can have the time to devote to your family. Thus, today, we are here to share with you some tips for choosing the best moving company for your family relocation.
Research, And Then, Research Some More
Every process starts with research. Whether you are looking for the best schools to send your children to, the best places to retire, or the previously mentioned best moving companies for your family relocation, you must do proper research first. So, start by going online and looking for local moving companies. Check out all the companies you find, and be thorough! This is important for two reasons – in order to avoid fraudulent moving companies and in order to find the company that suits your family’s needs and, of course, budget.
While doing the research, try to go to as many sites as you can. Start with the company’s website first. Read their history, find out what services they offer, check the prices, etc. But, do not stop there. Be sure to check the social media accounts too. You will be able to see the comments sections – be sure to read all the comments – both good and bad!
Ask around as much as you can! That is the best way to find the most suitable moving agency.
Ask For Recommendations
Word of mouth is the most trusted one. So, call all of your trusted people – friends, colleagues, neighbors, family members, etc. If you know somebody who moved recently, contact them too! Ask about their moving experiences with the company they chose. If there were some problems while executing the move, ask how the movers fixed those problems. Keep in mind that accidents do happen even with the most professional movers – it is how those movers handled the situation that is important.
Family relocations are tough. They are even tougher when you have to relocate with a baby. Just imagine handling your youngest family member or two of them during such hectic period! Children do not react well to moving, so make sure to be there for them. For that reason, you must find a moving company that can do all the moving-related tasks so that you can focus on your family. And, the only way to do that is by doing research and asking for recommendations.
Demand an Estimate Upfront
By now, you should have found at least two or three moving companies that can help you handle your family relocation. In order to decide which one is the best for you, you must ask them to give you an estimate. All reliable moving companies offer estimates to their clients – either online, over-the-phone, or in-home ones.
Estimates are essential as that is when you get to meet the people you will be working with. Moreover, that is when you get to find out which moving services you will need and how much money your entire family relocation is going to cost. We all know that financial planning is crucial, but estimates can help you plan all aspects of your move!
Always ask your potential movers to give you an estimate! That way you will ensure you have found the best moving company for your family relocation.
Do a Background Check
Hopefully, estimates have helped you decide which moving companies can offer you the best services and, of course, the best possible prices. But you are not done yet. There is one more step to take until you sign the contract. That last step is doing a background check. Namely, there are a lot of fraudulent moving companies out there just waiting to take your belongings and your money. So, be careful! When doing research, pay attention to red flags – no license, not existing in the FMCSA, no brick and mortar office, no website, a website without moving reviews, etc.
Moreover, many people either don’t think about moving insurance, or they believe they don’t need one. However, insurance is something you shouldn’t forget if you want to have peace of mind while relocating with your family and not worry about your and your belonging’s safety. All reliable moving companies offer it. If they do not – that is another red flag to keep an eye on.
Doing a background check on a company can save you a lot of time, money, energy, and nerves!
Do Not Look for the Best Movers; Look for the Best Movers for Your Family!
It is also important to mention that there are different kinds of relocations and various types of moving companies. Some specialize in local relocations, while others specialize in long-distance ones. Moreover, some specialize in moving preparations for students, the elderly, businessmen, etc. There are even more specific companies, ones that offer economical international moves, for example.
So, when trying to choose the best moving company for your family relocation, think about your needs. Then, do all the research mentioned above. Remember – what works for somebody else may not necessarily work for you. Give yourself enough time to find that perfect moving company. Only that kind of company can ensure that you and your family have a stress-free and problem-free move.