May is National Moving Month, a time we like to celebrate by spreading the word about how to find, hire, and work with moving companies in your area. Moving to a new home can be a stressful undertaking for any family, so by taking the time to select a mover compatible with your needs and budget, you can enjoy a more streamlined process from start to finish.
Now that’s something worth celebrating!
> Every moving company you consider should be registered with the U.S. Department of Transportation. If they aren’t in this database offered through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, keep looking.
> A personal connection means something…especially in the world of moving companies. Your provider should come to your house to make an in-home valuation. If they try to make arrangements or give quotes via phone only, it’s time to keep looking.
> May is National Moving Month for a reason—this is the time of year when packing up and relocating starts in earnest. Book your moving company early in order to secure the best dates, as they might not be available as the busy summer season begins.
> The payment process your moving company uses matters. Almost all reputable companies make an estimate, provide a contract to guarantee those terms, and then require payment upon delivery. Too big a departure from this process could be a red flag.
> No two moves are the same, so find the one that works for you. Do you want the movers to do all the packing and heavy lifting? Do you need firm delivery dates? Will you need to have your belongings stored for a few weeks until you get settled in? Avoid confusion later on down the road by getting all these details hammered out before you sign the contract.
> If you’re at all worried about your belongings, take out the extra insurance. Although it may cost you a few extra bucks, the peace of mind you get from knowing your shipment is protected against loss or damage is well worth the investment.
> Always pack an Open Me First box when you’re moving a long distance. Pack this one up before the movers arrive, and put anything in it you’ll need during those first few hours at home. You may even want to keep this box with you, since delays on the road could prevent it from reaching you as soon as you’d like.
> Organization is always your friend, but never more so than when moving. As soon as you start searching for a moving company, keep a folder with all your quotes, estimates, contracts, inventory lists, and other information. This folder should stay with you (i.e., not get packed up on the truck) so you can refer to it whenever you need.
> Don’t be afraid to rely on technology. Moving apps make it easy for you to keep tabs on your inventory and prepare for the big move (in fact, some of them providing moving countdowns so you know what needs to be done and when) so you never feel overwhelmed.