What to Look for When Hiring a Moving and Storage Company

 

Moving is one of those parts of life that is both extremely exciting and potentially overwhelming. Beginning the next chapter of your life in a new place and space can be stressful if you aren’t prepared with the proper plan. Choosing the right moving (and storage) provider is essential to making the process run as smoothly as possible, without sacrificing your sanity. Read on for some helpful tips to assist you in selecting the best moving and storage services for your big move.

 

Read Up on Reviews

A good place to start your search when you’re wondering, “What moving companies near me are available?” is gathering and reading reviews.

·         Check out which companies consistently rank the highest among their competitors. In addition to reading reputable websites to find out which movers are the most dependable and deliver the best customer service, ask friends, family members, neighbors, or coworkers (anyone you actually know and can trust the opinion of) about which movers they have used in the past.

·         Obtaining these firsthand experiences will help give you valid reviews that you can be sure are authentic. If possible, get the broad strokes on the details of their move as well, such as the number of movers and trucks used, how long the move took, and the distance that was involved.

·         It is always important to feel as if your movers are truly invested in taking the best care of you (as well as your belongings, of course) as possible. Usually, if they have a proven track record of excellent service and professionalism, that same level of performance will extend to your move, too.

 

Plan Ahead of Time

It makes sense that the busiest time of year for movers is during the summertime. This is when most people choose to make their moves, so in order to have the best chance of booking the moving and storage service provider of your choosing, try to lock them in as early as possible.

·         If you can be flexible about your moving dates, try to schedule it during a time of year that is not quite as busy.

·         The holiday season, for example, is also reportedly a busier time, in addition to the end of the month, when leases are set to expire ahead of the start of the next month.

·         Planning a move during a non-peak time could also potentially save you money, particularly if the company you’re using is running a special rate to drum up business during a slower time of year.

·         When contacting the movers to set up a date, try having a few different dates or ranges prepared in case your first choice of times isn’t available.

 

Be Budget-Conscious

In order to avoid a shocking bill when all is said and done, be sure to be clear and up front about the charges you can expect.

·         Most companies will provide an estimate well ahead of time, and you can also request a detailed list of other potential charges or costs that may occur. This way, you can be prepared with your budget, even if formerly unforeseen charges are incurred.

·         If your move is work-related, inquire with your company about relocation assistance. Many times, an employer will either pay a partial or even full amount of moving-related expenses for their employees.

·         They may also offer to reimburse you a certain percentage after the move is complete. This varies widely based on each person’s situation and employer, though, so it is not a certainty. However, it never hurts to ask! You might be glad that you did!

·         If you will also need storage services, you need to have a pretty clear idea of the amount of goods/furniture that will be stored, as well as a good estimate of the amount of time you will need the items stored. Ask about and include those rates in your final calculations in order to have the most accurate estimate when balancing your budget. Another piece of information that is also noteworthy—does the company offer warehouse space or smaller pods/storage units? If smaller spaces are all that is offered, will your belongings fit in one? Or will you need multiple units? These factors may all affect your bottom line on the bill.

 

Examine the Level of Experience

Not to say that newer companies cannot or will not be successful or trustworthy, but going with a company that has stood the test of time and served a large number of customers successfully over the years can be a positive sign.

·         The longer a company has been around, the longer they have overcome trials and tribulations that a newer company on the scene may not have yet endured.

·         A more established outfit can also likely pivot to navigate unforeseen circumstances with more ease and a “Plan B,” since they have likely encountered a similar situation before.

·         The basic fact that a longstanding company has also been able to stay in business through all different types of economic times, both difficult and more profitable, is a testament to their business practices.

·         Additionally, a new company may not have many moves under their belt yet, which can make gathering reviews more difficult.

 

If you’re in the market for a quality, top-rated moving and storage company in the Manchester, New Hampshire area, look no further than Ray the Mover. These experienced, trusted Manchester movers have been helping people for over 80 years, racking up awards and accolades along the way. When a company has stood the test of time as long as the pros at Ray the Mover have, you can rest easy and let them do the heavy lifting—literally! From local to interstate or even international moves, as well as offering services ranging from packing to storage, Ray the Mover does it all. Storage services include temporary or long-term/permanent solutions, with warehouse facilities that can handle whatever amount you may need. Call, email, or visit https://raythemover.net/ today to get started planning your big move!