Certainly hiring professional movers will make of your move a stress-free experience…all you’ve got to do is make sure to hire the right local moving company and this means identifying and staying away from brokers. Understanding what to expect from professional movers is what this blog is all about and it’s just a 2-minute read! It’s not always easy to spot brokers…in the end, they are masters at portraying themselves as local movers, and on that note, here’s what you can expect when hiring a reputable moving company:
Initial Quote
When calling a moving company to quote your move, expect the moving coordinator on the other end of the line to conduct himself in a detail-oriented way at all times. Starting with an assessment (inventory) of the items to be moved. This could be done through an in-home estimate, or over the phone, where the moving coordinator will ask you a series of questions, such as if you will be requiring packing services as well as the volume, type, and fragility of items to be moved.
This is a crucial and necessary step in order to calculate the right amount of packing materials and equipment to be able to provide you with a 5-star service. If you get rushed through this process…this is a red flag and you’re most likely dealing with a broker! Run!
Clear Communication & Responsiveness
Effective immediate communication is crucial…I mean, come on, everyone hates calling someone for answers and that person not answering, right? Expect professional movers to maintain clear and consistent communication at all times. This includes discussing insurance coverage options, timelines, services offered, as well as addressing all your queries and concerns promptly. It doesn’t matter how many questions you have!
All your concerns should be answered right away and in a straight forward way.
Packing and Specialty-Item Handling
Professional movers offer full white-glove services and are able to handle packing and unpacking tasks efficiently, and most importantly, with care. Expect them to use quality packing materials and proper loading and unloading techniques to safeguard your belongings during transit.
This means fragile and specialty items must be properly packed, labeled, and secured with extra care.
Loading the Truck at Origin
On moving day, the movers will arrive within the 2-hour window they confirmed to you, which is usually between 8AM and 10AM. However, make sure to be ready to receive them given that, as per the agreement that was signed, labor time will start counting as soon as they knock on your door.
Keep in mind the moving crew assigned to your move will arrive with all the necessary equipment and packing materials required to service your move, based on the contract you signed. Expect them to handle the entire loading process diligently in order to prevent damage during transit.
Unloading the Truck at Destination
Upon arrival at your new home, the moving crew will unload your belongings and place them as per your instructions…it’s not like they’re just going to unload everything at the front door and leave, no! Expect them to handle the unloading process with the care and professionalism shown at pickup. This means ensuring that all items are placed in the respective rooms or areas as specified by you.
Post-Move Assessment
After the move is complete, expect a final walkthrough and a rundown of all the items that were moved to your new home before collecting payment. This allows you to ensure that all your items have been delivered safely and placed correctly. Make sure to take the time to leave an online review to the movers regarding your experience, highlighting any outstanding service or areas for improvement if the service didn’t meet your expectations. Professional moving companies care about their reputation and will try to make things right! A broker will not even answer the phone as they have already blocked your number to avoid claims.
Learn to Spot the Red Flags
Despite careful planning, unexpected challenges may arise during the move…I mean, in the end accidents do happen, no one wants them to happen, yet it is important to be prepared for unexpected delays such as traffic jams, bad weather conditions, and roadblocks. Professional movers are equipped to handle such situations efficiently.
Expect them to communicate any delays or issues promptly and work towards finding suitable solutions for you. Again, professional moving companies care about their reputation and will try the impossible to provide a 5-star service.
Insurance and Claims
In case of any damage or loss during your move, expect a professional moving company to be responsive through the insurance and claims process. Reputable moving companies usually offer full-value insurance options to cover any potential damages, and they will assist you in filing claims if necessary.
Professionalism and Courtesy
Throughout the entire process and we mean throughout the entire moving process, expect the moving company to maintain professionalism and courtesy. They should handle your belongings with care, respect your property, and demonstrate a customer-service approach. If they don’t, make sure to leave a 1-star review online so other people know what type of service to expect from such company.
Conclusion: Take the Time to Filter Out Brokers
In conclusion, hiring professional movers entails going the extra mile and actually doing due diligence in order to be able to spot and filter out brokers as a potential moving partner. Expecting professionalism, clear communication, and a focus on your needs ensures a successful and stress-free relocation experience. If a moving company rushes you through the quoting process and pressures you to sign a large deposit right then and there, run!!! That is a broker!!! You’re not required to pay a large deposit to reserve your move. Reputable moving companies usually ask between $100 to $300 to schedule your move.
