Finding Local Moving Companies

7 Easy Steps to Planning and Executing a Local Move

Planning a move can be an overwhelming experience, whether you’re heading down the street or across town. Luckily, there are a couple things that will help alleviate some of that stress, and that is planning ahead and finding professional home movers that can handle some of the heavy lifting.

There is an endless list of tasks you must complete before kicking off your move, from the substantial tasks of packing boxes and hauling furniture to the tedious address change, utilities, squaring everything away with your landlord and insurance providers. In this article, we’ll specifically be talking about the steps you can take when it comes to finding the right movers to ease the burden.

1. 1. Research Moving Services

   It’s no secret that there is a seemingly endless number of moving companies as well as brokers, which can make choosing the right one a bit of a challenge. So, the first thing you’ll want to do is sit down and figure out what types of moving services you need, and which companies offer them.

   • Does your move require storage services?
   • Would full-service or partial packing be needed?
   • Do you need specialized movers for your piano or gym equipment?

   From there, you should look at different moving companies’ certifications, affiliations, accreditations and more. Industry affiliations are among the strongest indicators to quality – proof that the moving company had met and continues to adhere to industry criteria and local regulations.

   A company’s reputation speaks volumes. It is a good idea to look at reviews and testimonials from past customers to get a better idea of how each company operates. Reviews on Google, Facebook, and many other websites are the voice of the people – customers who can speak to the quality of service and customer support that is indicative of the level of service you are likely to receive and satisfaction you may come to expect.

2. 2. Make a List of Questions for Your Movers

   It’s important to know what you want out of your move and if your hired movers can provide these things, which means you’ll be asking a lot of questions. Make a list of questions beforehand, so you’re prepared and not caught off guard once you’re with the movers. Some good questions include:

   • Are you professionally licensed?
   • Are you a broker or a carrier?
   • What coverage options do you offer?
   • Do you have any hidden fees?
   • Do you offer shipment tracking?
   • What happens if I need to cancel?
   • Do you offer any discounts?
3. 3. Make a Budget

   Before you reach out to the potential movers, it’s important to have a set budget in mind, so you can further narrow down your list and find the perfect team for your upcoming move. With a budget in mind, you’ll be able move into the next step of the process with a clearer idea of what you need.

   We caution you not to rely on price as a deciding factor, but, rather a benchmark. High-priced movers can be worthwhile for top-quality service (especially when specialized moving resources are required). Mid-range movers may offer good value but limitations may be a consideration. Low prices may be a red flag. Too good to be true usually is – and this may be the case with ‘fly by night’ budget companies that pop up in the busy summer moving season. Vet your movers carefully.

4. 4. Get Estimates from Professional Movers

   Before settling on your movers, get at least three estimates from professionals so you can make sure you can stay within your budget and identify the level of service you need. The good news is most moving companies provide free appointments and estimates without you committing to them.

   Most, but not all, professional movers are affiliated with a national van line. While this may not be relevant for a local move, it does serve as an indicator of quality and professionalism. Brokers, on the other hand, are not affiliated with the moving company, and surprises may, unfortunately, result.

5. 5. Choose Your Movers & Moving Services

   Once you have all the information on your side, you can choose your moving team and get started. You’ll want to solidify the moving services you need for your relocations—from partial packing support to full-service moving or anything in between—and get a schedule set with your moving team, so you know exactly what to expect moving forward.

   When you find the right blend of reputation, service offerings, pricing and timeline, you may have found your ideal mover and it is time to confirm your date and sign the contract.

6. 6. Check Out Your Storage Options

   Whether it’s before, during, or after your move, you may need household storage options. Many moving companies have local warehouses for residential storage. This is essential for some moves, and good to know as a backup plan for others – such as if your closing is delayed.

7. 7. Start Packing & Hit the Road

   Once all the planning is done, it’s time to start the actual moving process. Fortunately, the majority of the hard work at this point will fall on the shoulders of your moving & storage professionals depending on the services you require.

   Some clients opt to pack their items themselves while others take advantage of expert packing services. If this is the case for you, you’ll finally almost be done with your move, as trained professionals can get this done in a fraction of the time.

Get Moving

When you choose professional local NJ movers for your upcoming move, you can enjoy comprehensive care from start to finish to ensure you get the support you need through every step of the process. With everything else that is going in as part of your home purchase, easing the burden of moving can make settling in to your new home that much sweeter.

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