So you’ve finally bought your dream home. It’s an exciting moment for you and your family. But this excitement can quickly turn into a stressful and overwhelming moment when it’s time to move. Think of the many things you have in your current house. And now, you have to pack them, transport them safely to your new home, unpack them, and organize them. You need a powerful muscle to pull this through.
But you don’t have to do this all by yourself. Instead, consider hiring a moving company to take care of your moving needs. And not just any company but a local moving company.
Remember, you have many choices. So, you need to be careful when choosing a local moving company. This post discusses seven essential factors to consider when choosing a local moving company.
1. Research the company’s reputation
When choosing a local moving company, you definitely want one that has been in operation for a long time and has delivered successful results. And for this, you need to perform extensive research on the company’s track record.
Since it’s a local company, you won’t need to do much to establish its reputation. Reviews and testimonials from past customers will tell you just how much the local movers can be trusted.
If the local moving company has a website (which it should have), head over to the site and go through the reviews from other people. Similarly, you can ask the company to provide a list of the clients they’ve served over the years. If they have (and are willing to share) the list, then they can be trusted to help you move.
Additionally, consider reaching out to trusted people—friends or family, inquiring about the reputation of the local moving company. If the recommendations are positive for a particular company, you have a local mover to trust.
Checking the company’s history will also help you determine how long they’ve been in business. You can find this information on the company’s website or contact them directly.
2. Licenses, permits, and insurance
Local moving companies require permits and licenses to operate legally. The requirements for permits and licensing vary depending on the state the company operates.
Regardless, you must choose a local moving company that is legally allowed to provide moving services in your state. This means the company adheres to all the rules and regulations governing moving services.
Licensing and permit requirements ensure that moving companies meet specific quality, safety, and reliability standards—they are meant to protect you, the consumer.
Moreover, a local moving company must have the right insurance coverage to protect your properties and their businesses in case of accidents, damages, or other issues during the move.
Licensed movers make seeking compensation easy for property damage while in transit.
3. Staff quality and equipment
Does the local moving company have the right professionals for the job? While packing, loading, and unloading items may seem easy, you need the proper knowledge, skills, and experience to do it perfectly. And this is one of the reasons you’re hiring local movers instead of doing it yourself.
Therefore, you want to hire professionals with the right qualifications and expertise to help you move. The local moving company should have skilled and experienced staff to offer practical and efficient moving services.
Additionally, they should have the necessary equipment for the job, including;
- Trucks
- Moving dolly
- Furniture sliders
- Hoisting straps
- Moving blankets and pads
- Toolbox
The right moving equipment will make the moving process faster and easier while ensuring the safety of your belongings while being transported. The moving team must be trained to use the equipment safely and efficiently.
4. Customer service
You deserve to be treated with dignity and respect when using a local moving company. Therefore, it’s essential to consider how the company treats its customers. You want local movers that treat you, your house, and your properties respectfully.
For instance, the movers should not step into your new house with dirt or mud or scratch your hardwood floors—it shows disrespect for your new property. Additionally, local movers should communicate effectively and respond to your queries.
So how do you measure the customer service level of a local mover?
You can use their communication platforms to see how they treat their customers. For instance, give them a call or email them to see how they respond to your inquiries. You could also schedule an in-person consultation (if they offer any) and watch how you’re treated from when you enter their offices to when you leave.
Additionally, go through customer reviews to understand how their past customers feel about the company’s customer service.
Generally, a local moving company that offers excellent customer service will likely provide a smooth and stress-free moving experience.
5. Availability of the local moving company
An established moving company will always have clients seeking its services. And sometimes, the company may not have the capacity to serve all its clients at a go.
Therefore, it’s essential to check if the moving company can accommodate your moving schedule and provide the necessary resources for your move. This is specifically essential if you’re moving on short notice.
Ideally, you want a company that can meet your specific needs. For instance, if you have a specific date in mind that you want to move, the moving company should be available on that exact date to help you move.
Additionally, consider peak seasons when choosing a local moving company, as some might be fully booked at such times.
6. The cost of moving (and your budget)
Although cost should not be a primary factor when choosing a local moving company, it’s still worth being on the list. Price equals quality, at least in many cases. But it all boils down to how much you’re willing to pay for moving services.
Your budget will determine how much you spend on moving services. Luckily, moving is competitive, and you can get better deals from competitors.
So get moving quotes from reputable local movers, compare prices and services, and go for the most affordable. We’re saying the most affordable and not cheap because “cheap might be expensive in the long run.”
Therefore, don’t choose a local moving company because it offers the cheapest services. Instead, choose local movers whose services you can afford.
7. Transparency in cost and services
To avoid any surprises during your move, you should choose a local moving company that offers transparent pricing and services.
One way to ensure transparency is by getting everything on paper. For instance, the local moving company must highlight in detail all the moving services they provide, including;
- Packing and unpacking
- Furniture disassembly and reassembly
- Storage
- Appliance hookup
- Moving things up and down stairs
- Truck loading and unloading
- Packing material disposal
Ensure the company has specified the services it offers and those it doesn't. This will help you determine if the local movers are a good fit for your move.
Also, the company should provide accurate quotes, and there should be no hidden charges. It should agree to sign a contract to ensure that they execute the services as promised.
Hire a Local Moving Company Today
Moving can be stressful and challenging, especially if you lack the skills, workforce, and the proper equipment. However, local movers can make the whole process fast, less stressful, and enjoyable.
But before choosing a local moving company, consider their reputation, experience and expertise, and the services offered. Checking customer reviews and testimonials can help you find the right local movers for your move. Don’t forget to compare quotes and services to get the best deals.Are you looking for a reputable, experienced, and licensed local moving company? Trust Cavalier Moving to satisfy all your moving needs. We are licensed and insured to handle your move. Contact us today for your local move.