Tips for Your Long-Distance Relocation
We’ve been in the moving business for a while, so we know a thing or two about out-of-state moves. Here are some of our top tips for tackling your relocation:
Always Use Professional Movers
The biggest moving headaches come from people who want to cut costs and deal with less than professional movers. An unprofessional mover may not be experienced in transporting certain goods such as breakfronts, large furniture or other delicate items such as lamps, statues or pianos. A professional mover has trained staff that are experts at moving anything found in a residence or business.
Always Get an In-Home Estimate
You should always have the movers come to your home and give you an estimate based on a visual inspection of all the items that need to be moved. This will give you the best estimate of how much the move will cost. An in-home estimate considers the number of items as well as the weight of each item. This quote will also include the cost of extra services such as packing, furniture disassembly, storage, hoisting, as well as unpacking. With an in-home estimate, you will get a clear picture of how much the move will cost.
Do A Background Check on Your Potential Mover
Sadly, there are some nightmare stories of families who used movers who were less than reputable. However, you can easily check a mover’s reputation through various moving review sites. Additionally, you can check the electronic record of any mover through this DOT site. This company snapshot will let you know if the moving company has a USDOT number on file with the government. Cheap Movers San Francisco does this background work for you. We check to the documentation of our moving partners to ensure they’re licensed and insured before they ever contact you.
Beware of Low Ball Estimates
No one wants to overpay for a mover. However, you also don’t want to be lured into hiring a poor mover because of a very low estimate. If you find an estimate that is suspiciously cheap, check the quote to ensure that they have itemized all the services needed to safely move every single item you intend to move. If the estimate is not itemized, chances are this mover may try to add-on extra cost after taking your possessions. Additionally, some movers may even hold your items until you pay the extra costs not on the estimate.
Minimize Items Before A Move
Remember, everything you move costs money. So, it may make sense to sell any items that you are sure you don’t want to bring with you. Certain items, like an old bookshelf, may cost you more to move than it is worth. By selling off these items, you can not only reduce your moving costs, but you can help finance a portion of your move.