Hiring a team of movers is the best way to simplify the moving process. But just as you would do when purchasing anything of value, it’s important to shop around for the best fit. And when it comes to deciding between moving companies in Montgomery County, PA, you want to make sure you have the most reliable, efficient and affordable movers handling all your belongings and valuables. But where do you start? As the best local and long distance movers in PA, we’ve been around the block (and country) a few times, so we’re here to help you pinpoint 5 important things to look for in a moving partner.
- Recommendations/Good Reviews
One of the most effective ways to get to know a moving company before ever contacting them is through recommendations from people you trust. Reach out to your friends and family who have moved in the past, and learn about their experiences. Did their movers have friendly and positive attitudes, were there unexpected fees that popped up along the way, or did they flexible with specific timelines and needs. Save yourself the hassle of finding out first hand by talking to people who have already gone through it.Once you narrow down a couple of names, check out their online reviews. What did other past clients say about them? Is it consistent with what you heard? Most people will choose to leave reviews if they had a really awesome or really poor experience, but both are important to see, so you can get an idea of the best and worst case scenarios. From there, you can make your own judgements on what facets of the praise or complaints really matter to you.
- Licenses and Insurance
An easy way to rule out a moving company right away is if they aren’t licensed or insured. It’s easy for any group of people to call themselves a moving company, but only those licensed and insured are legally bound to protect your property. Here’s a better understanding of what licenses and insurance to look for:
Interstate Movers: Must be registered with the United States Department of Transportation, which involved getting a USDOT number.
Intrastate Movers in PA: Must be regulated by the PUC, regarding rates, geographical area, customer service, safety and insurance.
International Movers: All moves outside of North America are regulated by the Federal Maritime Commission.
In addition to basic licensing, there are a number of moving associations that movers can join with stricter requirements for their members to help you feel at ease with your choice.
- Transparent Rates and Pricing
When you contact a moving company to discuss your moving needs, they’ll typically give you a rate based on the hours and number of movers required for the job. While other factors such as additional packing materials, heavier items, and moving conditions may lead to more expenses, it’s important that these are addressed initially. Make sure you find out what conditions constitute additional charges and make sure the company is upfront about everything.
At Louderback, we pride ourselves not only on fair, competitive pricing, but exceptionally accurate estimates on your total moving expenses, so you know what to expect before you start working with us. What can we say, we like making our customers lives a whole lot easier!
- Specialized Services
Depending on your specific moving scenario, you may require specialty services that not all movers can provide. From crating, or custom packing services for extremely fragile items, to appliance servicing, warehouse handling, assembly/disassembly of furniture and more, there are a various needs you may have that can also help you rule out different movers.
Even if a moving company does offer the specialized services you’re looking for, it doesn’t mean that they possess the particular skills and expertise for these more advanced services. Do a little extra digging to make sure you feel at ease with their experience.
- A Good Fit for Your Needs
From long distance travels and strict timelines to a four-bedroom family home or studio apartment, every move is unique. You need to make sure whoever you hire to lend a hand can help you with all of your individual moving needs. Maybe your property presents specific moving challenges like tight stairwells or narrow hallways, or you have high-value items or antiques that require special care. Ask yourself questions like does the company have moving trucks that fit and accommodate your large scale belongings or can they provide additional packing supplies when necessary? Figure out the unique aspects involved in your moving process, so you know the right questions to ask.
Moving is a big transition, so you want the most experienced and reliable team taking the stress off you and your family. For more information on finding the right moving partner for you, contact a team that’s known for providing the best local and the best long distance moving services in Montgomery County, PA and beyond.
