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How to Choose a Moving Company

Thomas Fagan | December 1, 2009

Moving to a new home is one of the most exciting things a family can experience. Even if the move was unexpected, it can be a lot of fun and result in a new and improved life. It is also stressful, but can be made less so if expect pitfalls, and plan ahead. Choosing the best moving company for your family will go a long way in making the situation run as smoothly as possible. Chances are, the best mover for you will be determined by services offered, area serviced, and fees charged. However, you should also choose your moving company based on its reputation and credibility.

Variety of Services

Over the years, moving companies have expanded to offer a variety of services that may come in handy for some, but are meaningless for others. When interviewing moving companies, be sure you are not paying for services you will not be using. The benefits to these services being offered is you can choose from them what you will need to make your move run smoothly. For families who want to let someone else do all the work, full-service moving is available. The moving company will inventory and pack your items, transport them to the new location, and unpack the items for you. A lot of people may not want this much done, but others value their time and are willing to pack for a full-service move.

If you are moving due to your job, speak with the relocation agent or human resources department if they recommend any particular company. When interviewing movers, explain to them you are moving due to work circumstances. Some companies offer a discount in an effort to build repeat business with a company.

Interviewing and References

Your best bet if you do not get a specific recommendation for a moving company is to interview three or four different companies. Even if you do receive information, it still may be a good idea to get one comparison estimate. If you are not paying the bill for the move, you may be less likely to compare prices, but you still want to work with a company that makes you comfortable and has a good reputation. They will be moving your life and you do not want to take a risk with that.

When interviewing, try to have a good idea already of the value of the contents of your home. This will help you determine how much moving insurance will be needed, and you will know if a mover is trying to take advantage of the situation. Review with the person doing the estimate every item that will be moved. Ask them if they accept credit cards or third-party payments if you are moving because of work. Atlantic Relocation recommends not paying a company up front because this may be a sign of a moving scam.

In some cases, a moving company will adjust their estimate if someone else gives you a better rate. Atlantic Relocation tries to give the best deal they can, but if you should interview two movers and prefer the one who had a slightly higher estimate, you can contact them and see if they will give you an adjusted rate. Once you have the final estimate, be sure it is binding and covers every single part of your move. There should be no hidden charges in the move, and this is a promise you need to get in writing prior to moving day.

International Relocations

If you are moving outside of the state or the country, there may be additional things you need to consider when hiring your mover. Determine what services they offer for long-distance moves. Also find out if there is anything you need to do to ensure things run smoothly. Atlantic Relocation specializes in distance moving. They are able to move people anywhere in the world, and they frequently service coast to coast in the United States, with branches all over the entire country. They have storage facilities for those who need to keep their belongings in a central location until they are settled in their new home. They have been in business for more than 40 years and their reputation is strong. They will work with you to ensure you are getting the moving services you need for the best price.

About Thomas Fagan

Author Name

Thomas Fagan was chairman of the board for Atlas Van Lines from 1984 to 1989. Realizing his retirement did not offer fulfillment, he returned to the moving industry. He now works as the vice president of Sales at Atlantic Relocation, Indianapolis.

Atlantic Relocation Systems

(888) 211-4196
Indianapolis,IN 46256
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