Contents
– Movers: finding the right company
– Estimate of costs charged by the mover
– The different moving formulas
When you are looking for moving services, you need to make sure that the company is serious and suits your needs. Moving home means taking away everything that has made your day-to-day history over the years. Finding a good mover is an essential part of your move. It’s a good thing: we’re here to help you!
Movers: finding the right company
Search on the Internet
You can start with a search to find the mover sites corresponding to your region. Many companies will tell you about their services; some will give you some prices; most will provide you online estimates.
Don’t hesitate to check blogs that may mention the company to find out former Internet users’ opinions. But for once, the internet may not be the best place to do the first search.
Word of mouth
It may be smarter to ask for references from family members or friends who have recently moved to the same area.
The minimum information you need to obtain is:
– the volume that has been retained;
– the cost of the move;
– for what distance;
– what additional services were chosen;
– the positive and negative aspects of the experience.
Estate agents can be another selection source, especially if your new rental/purchase is through one of them. They will be all the more eager to provide you with information.
Calling companies
Once you have identified the moving companies that appear to be competent, call them so that you can get a first impression of the quality of their service (or even to find out if they still exist).
It would help if you only worked with companies with local offices and are willing to send someone to do an estimate at your home.
Avoid companies that give an estimate over the phone based on your description. There can be many surprises, starting with a low estimate of your share of the volume to be transported.
We advise you to choose three different companies (if possible, two independents and one company that is part of a national group).
Get an idea!
So as not to be caught off guard, make your volume assessment, if necessary, by measuring the cupboards’ contents, the dimensions of the furniture, etc.
Then look for comparative information on the prices of other movers. This will have the advantage of giving you a price order that will serve as a reference in your discussions.
Estimating the costs charged by the moving company
Once potential companies have been selected, you will need to get the best possible price for a given service.
Check the volume assessment
Please make an appointment with each of the three companies to have at least one of their employees come and see you. Ensure that they spend the necessary time, look at all your furniture and the inside of your cupboards. This is the best way to get an accurate estimate of the goods’ value and volume.
Also, think of garden sheds and various cellars that can hold surprises regarding the transported volume.
Make the most of the competition!
Get a written estimate so that you can compare companies and their prices. The quotation will allow you to have fixed prices and check whether the company is registered or dealing with a non-registered artisan.
Check in the general terms and conditions of sale, which are usually annexed, the amounts of insurance covering the risk of breakage, and the responsibilities retained in this case.
Ask them if they agree to give you the telephone number of one of the last people they moved or, if not, if they agree to provide them with your number so that you can get in touch: their opinion will be valuable. Go back to the internet to consult the company’s website and the blogs that refer to it, if you have not done so before.
Choose the quality
A company that has ISO 9001 certification (quality certification) is a guarantee of seriousness.
If you need to move internationally, opt for a company that is an authorized economic operator to ensure full control over all customs declarations.
The company you select will have to mention the date and time you plan to move.
The different moving formulas
They vary from company to company, but there are at least two main types:
The economic package
The mover will deliver to you a few days or weeks in advance of any additional boxes you may need and everything else you need to pack. You make the boxes, and the company only handles the loading, transport, and delivery to the new premises.
The classic package
It is the mover who takes care of packing everything and ensures the removal. There is often an option with or without packing fragile items (such as ceramics or precious chandeliers).
Remember to anticipate the various formalities that you will have to carry out in the event of a move. You will be doing yourself an excellent service, the importance of which you will quickly realize when the time comes.
Now you know what you have to do to find a good mover. You will soon find a new publication Checklist for Choosing a Mover. Stay posted, and don’t forget to leave your comments below.
